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Tips & Tricks

Beginner

3 min read 4 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

How to Set Up and Use Apple AirPods

AirPods connect to your iPhone wirelessly and automatically switch between your devices — here's how to pair them and use key features.

At a Glance

Pair AirPods with your iPhone for the first time

~30s

Make sure your AirPods are in their charging case with the case lid open and the AirPods inside. Hold the open case near your unlocked iPhone. An animation appears on your iPhone showing the AirPods. Tap "Connect." Follow any prompts. The AirPods are now paired with your Apple ID. They will automatically connect to any Apple device signed in to your account.

Quick Tip

If the connection popup doesn't appear, make sure Bluetooth is on in your iPhone's Settings and the AirPods have some charge (the case LED should show a light).

Use AirPods for calls and music

~21s

Once connected, anything your iPhone plays comes through the AirPods — music, videos, podcast, calls. When a call comes in, the sound rings in your AirPods. Double-tap either AirPod to answer (on AirPods 1st/2nd gen) or press the force sensor on the stem (AirPods 3rd gen and Pro). Speak normally — the AirPod microphones pick up your voice for the other person.

Control AirPods with taps and gestures

~24s

AirPods (2nd gen and earlier): Double-tap to play/pause or answer a call. The default action can be changed in SettingsBluetooth → tap the "i" next to AirPods. AirPods Pro: Press the force sensor on the stem once to play/pause, twice to skip forward, three times to go back. Press and hold to switch between Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. AirPods 3rd gen: Press the stem once to play/pause.

Check your AirPods battery level

~32s

Open the AirPods case near your iPhone — a pop-up shows the battery level for each AirPod and the case. Or add the Batteries widget to your iPhone: press and hold an empty area of your Home Screen, tap the + button, search for "Batteries," and add it. The widget shows battery levels for all connected devices including your AirPods whenever you open your phone.

Quick Tip

When battery is low on AirPods, you'll hear a tone in your ear. Put them back in the case for even 15 minutes. They charge quickly and the case holds multiple full charges.

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AirPods are Apple's wireless earbuds. They work with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, and switch between your Apple devices automatically. Setting them up is fast. They pair with one tap on the first connection.

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