Pair AirPods with an Apple device

Before you begin, make sure your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS installed. When pairing, your device must also be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, or you may not have access to Find My features.

1. On your device, go to Settings  > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then do one of the following:

   • AirPods or AirPods Pro: Open the case with your AirPods inside, then hold it next to your device.

   • AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case, and within 60 seconds, hold them next to the device that you want to pair until the setup animation appears.

     If you don’t see the animation, you can pair AirPods Max with your device manually. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then select your AirPods. Press and hold the noise control button on AirPods Max for about 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

2. Follow the onscreen instructions, then tap Done.

Before you begin, make sure your Apple Watch has the latest version of watchOS installed.

1. On Apple Watch, open the Settings app , then tap Bluetooth.

2. Tap your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.

   If you’re trying to pair AirPods Max but don’t see your device in the list, press and hold the noise control button for about 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

Before you begin, make sure your Mac has the latest version of macOS installed.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on, then do one of the following:

   • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

2. In the list of devices, select your AirPods, then click Connect.

Before you begin, make sure your Apple TV has the latest version of tvOS installed.

1. On Apple TV, press on the Siri Remote, then select Settings.

2. Scroll down, select Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, then do one of the following:

   • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open your AirPods case, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for about 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

3. Below Other Devices, select your AirPods.

Before you begin, make sure your Apple Vision Pro has the latest version of visionOS installed.

For the most immersive experience, you can pair AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) or AirPods 4 (both models), which provides Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency when paired with Apple Vision Pro (using a proprietary wireless audio protocol). AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1 or 2 (Lightning), and AirPods Max wireless headphones use Apple AAC Bluetooth^® Codec to ensure excellent audio quality. However, Bluetooth connections aren’t lossless.

1. On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings  > Bluetooth.

2. Do one of the following:

   • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.

   • AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case, press and hold the noise control button on AirPods Max for about 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

3. Below Other Devices, tap your AirPods.

For more information about using AirPods with Apple Vision Pro, see the Apple Support article Use AirPods with Apple Vision Pro.

Attach an Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable to the charging port on your AirPods Max (Lightning) and to the headphone jack on your device.