How to use your airpods and airpods pro the complete guide

By Caitlin McGarry 25 December 2019

Your complete guide to customizing your new AirPods Pro

If you managed to get your hands on a pair of Apple’s AirPods Pro, congrats! The almost-perfect pair of completely wireless earbuds are sold out almost everywhere.

Not only are the $249 AirPods Pro among the best wireless earbuds you can buy, they’re also some of the best headphones on the market.

Apple redesigned the AirPods Pro to be sweat- and water-resistant, so you can work out with them worry-free. Apple also added active noise cancellation to its higher-end AirPods with three pairs of silicone ear tips in various sizes included to help you find the perfect fit. The noise cancellation can be turned off and a new Transparency Mode activated so you can always hear your surroundings if you want to.

Then there’s the H1 chip, which Apple also baked into its second-gen AirPods and the Powerbeats Pro (made by Beats, an Apple-owned company). The new chip enables a nearly instantaneous pairing process.

Here’s how to pair your new AirPods Pro to all of your Apple devices and customize your earbuds for perfect sound and fit.

• How to set up AirPods Pro
• How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro

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Current page: How to pair AirPods Pro to all Apple devices

Caitlin is a Senior editor for Gizmodo. She has also worked on Tom’s Guide, Macworld, PCWorld and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. When she’s not testing out the latest devices, you can find her running around the streets of Los Angeles, putting in morning miles or searching for the best tacos.

In iOS 14, Apple added automatic device switching to the AirPods and AirPods Pro. As the name indicates, the feature allows the AirPods or AirPods Pro to automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook without any manual intervention. The feature works like magic but it can get equally frustrating as well if you tend to use your Mac while using your iPhone to listen to music on your AirPods. Check out how you can disable automatic device switching on your AirPods or AirPods Pro in this guide.

Automatic device switching allows the AirPods or AirPods Pro to automatically switch to the active device you are using. For example, if you are using your iPhone with your AirPods connected to it and then switch to using your MacBook, your AirPods will automatically establish an active connection with it. Some users might find this feature useful but for others, it could end up offering a frustrating user experience especially if they frequently switch between multiple Apple devices.

Apart from the AirPods and the AirPods Pro, automatic device switching is also available on the Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and the Solo Pro. So the guide below on how to disable automatic device switching will be applicable for them as well.

AirPods and AirPods Pro: How to Disable Automatic Device Switching

Step 1: With your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Beats headphones connected to your iPhone, open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth.

Step 2: Tap the ‘i’ button next to your AirPods or Beats headphones.

Step 3: Select the When Last Connected to This iPhone option from under Connect to This iPhone sub-menu.

Your AirPods will no longer automatically switch between your iPad, MacBook, or iPhone, though they will automatically pair to all devices linked to your Apple account. You will have to manually connect your AirPods to any device that you’d want to use.

Do you think automatic device switching is a useful feature? Or do you think it is just a gimmick? Drop a comment and let us know!

Got a new pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro this Christmas? Congratulations! There’s a lot you need to know about your new AirPods or AirPods Pro to use them to their full capacity. The ease of use and the convenience that the AirPods offer make them the most popular wireless earbuds out there.

If you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem or even have any other Apple product other than an iPhone, you will realize just how beautifully and easily the AirPods integrate into that ecosystem. So, without further ado, below are the top 10 things that you must do with your new AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Top Things to Do with Your New AirPods or AirPods Pro

1. Understand the Status Light

It is important that you know what the status light on the charging case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro mean. Depending on what color the light blinks, you can easily understand the status of your AirPods and the charging case itself.

No light: Your AirPods are dead and need to be charged.

Amber light with AirPods in case: AirPods are charging.

Amber light without AirPods in case: There’s less than a full recharge remaining in the AirPods case.

Green light without AirPods in case: there’s more than one full recharge remaining in AirPods case.

White flashing light: AirPods have been reset and are ready to connect.

Amber flashing light: AirPods have a pairing error and might need to be reset.

2. Pair AirPods with Android or Windows

Got the AirPods or AirPods Pro as a gift for Christmas but don’t own an iPhone? Worry not as you can still use the wireless earbuds with your Android device. Since the AirPods support Bluetooth, they can be easily paired with an Android device. Simply hold the round button on the back of the AirPods charging case to start the pairing process. Then proceed to the Bluetooth section of your Android device to pair the wireless earbuds.

You can also connect your AirPods to a Windows PC by following this guide. You are obviously going to miss out on some iPhone-specific features like ‘Hey Siri’ access and gestures, but the wireless earbuds will at least work properly.

3. Hey Siri

Easily one of the most useful features of the AirPods is the always-on “Hey Siri” support. You can simply say “Hey Siri” to get Siri’s attention and then ask it to call someone from your contact book, play music, ask for directions, etc. All this without having to take out your iPhone from your pocket or even look at its display once.

4. Water-Resistance

Depending on whether you got the AirPods or the AirPods Pro this Christmas, you need to be careful in how you handle it. The regular AirPods do not carry an IP certification meaning they are not sweat or water-resistant. Your AirPods might survive a wash cycle in the washing machine but that does not mean you should not take precautions and avoid putting them in direct contact with any kind of liquid. This also means that you should avoid wearing your AirPods while working out.

The AirPods Pro carries an IPX4 rating meaning they are splash-resistant. This means they are good enough to wear while working out or when its raining. However, do not drop them in a swimming pool and expect them to survive the ordeal.

5. Track Lost AirPods

Sooner or later, you are bound to misplace your AirPods. The very thing that makes them convenient to use also makes the wireless earbuds easy to lose. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have misplaced your AirPods or just can’t find them, follow this guide on how to find your lost AirPods or the AirPods charging case.

6. Tips and Tricks

There are a lot of other new features that your new AirPods or AirPods Pro pack. Depending on which AirPods you have received, read the tips and tricks below to get the most out of it.

• AirPods Tips and Tricks
• AirPods Pro Tips and Tricks

7. Customize the Gestures

The AirPods come with a double-tap gesture that can be used to trigger Siri, play/pause music, etc. The good thing is that you can customize the gestures to certain pre-specified actions. You can follow this guide to customize the double-tap gestures of your AirPods.

On the AirPods Pro, you can similarly customize the Force Sensor actions.

8. Ear Tip Fit Test

If you got the AirPods Pro, you can take the Ear Tip Fit test to find out which silicone ear tips fit your ears the best. In this test, a song is played back for around five seconds to help you find out the best ear tip size. The good thing about this test is that it will determine the right ear tip size for both ears individually. It is not necessary that the same ear tip size will fit you best in both ears.

You can find the Ear Tip Fit test option under Settings -> Bluetooth and tapping the ‘i’ button next to your AirPods Pro.

9. Get Siri to Announce Messages

You can get Siri to automatically announce all new messages while you are wearing your AirPods or AirPods Pro. This way you will not have to check your iPhone every time you receive a new message. And with Hey Siri detection, you can use Siri to reply to messages as well.

10. Spatial Audio

If you have the AirPods Pro, you need to experience Spatial Audio to know just how magical the AirPods Pro can sound. In Spatial Audio, Apple uses dynamic head tracking to bring a true surround sound experience. This ensures that one feels that the sound is coming from all around them, with the voice coming from the front. Once you experience Spatial Audio, you will realize just how magical it is. As of now, Apple TV+ offers content with Spatial Audio support. Make sure to enable Spatial Audio on your AirPods or AirPods Pro by going to Settings -> Bluetooth, tapping on the name of your AirPods Pro, and enabling the Spatial Audio toggle.

How are you liking your new AirPods or AirPods Pro? What are your first impressions of them? Drop a comment and share them with us!

Here is a complete step by step guide which you can follow to connect your iPhone with AirPods or AirPods Pro.

AirPods and AirPods Pro have become an integral part of the users’ life. The wire-free headphones which looks very much like Apple’s EarPods from older devices were created by Apple. AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds first released on December 2016. However, in addition to playing audio, AirPods offers great battery life, portability, simple charging, easy connectivity, and unparalleled Bluetooth range.

If you have recently purchased a new one learn how you can pair it with your iPhone. Follow the below steps, here is a complete guide is for you. But before you go for the setup, just make sure that your iOS device has the latest version of iOS.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Open your iPhone and go to the Home screen.

Step 2: Now you need to that open the case, with AirPods inside and hold it next to your iPhone.

Step 3: After that, a setup animation appears on your iPhone.

Step 4: Here you need to tap on Connect option.

Step 5: If you have AirPods Pro, read the next three screens.

Step 6: If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation) and you already set up Hey Siri on your iPhone, then Hey Siri is ready to use with your AirPods. In case if you haven’t set up Hey Siri already and you have AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation), you’ll be guided through the setup.

Step 7: Now you need to tap on Done.

Step 8: If you’re signed in to iCloud, your AirPods are set up automatically with any of your supported devices that are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.

Apple released the second-generation AirPods in March 2019, so there are two versions of the AirPods: the original AirPods and the second-generation AirPods. AirPods have several unique features like zero wires, comfortable fit, five-hour battery life, 3 hours charge from the case in 15 minutes, one-tap setup for Apple devices, instant connection to iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch and many more.

September 30, 2020

Oh, you have a call? But you don’t know how to answer calls with your AirPods Pro on and don’t want to take out your phone?

Don’t worry; we’ve got you.

We’re going to teach you how to answer calls with your AirPods Pro.

It’s pretty easy. And don’t worry, if you have an Android device, you can also enjoy this perk.

Apple embodies all the perks of being wireless.

Bet you didn’t know you could use it to make and answer calls.

Letting you know how it works

Apple AirPods make it possible for you to announce your calls.

Generally, Apple devices have a trademark for just touching and double-tapping.

So, AirPods and AirPods Pro would possess the same feature.

ALSO READ: How to Skip Songs with AirPods Pro & Change Skipping Settings

How to make calls on AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

With your Pods on, call your very own iOS helper. “Hey Siri”

Then, follow up with “Call the chicken guy” or something of a sort.

Using this method would enable you to make and answer your calls hands-free.

How to make calls on AirPods Pro (1st generation)

Double-tap on your left or right pod to get Siri’s attention.

When you have Siri’s attention, make your request.

How to answer calls on AirPods & AirPods Pro

• When you get a call while you have your pods on, the process is pretty simple.
• What you have to do is tap on either the left or right pod.

• Doing that would enable you to answer your call.
• To end the call, you’d have to repeat the same process stated above.
• For your AirPods pro, press the force sensor to answer your call.

How to set up Siri to announce your calls so you can answer them on your AirPods pro

Just as we said, Siri can be pretty helpful when it comes to topics like these.

A lot of people enjoy when she announces their calls to them.

And that’s pretty convenient. Just in case you’re avoiding speaking with someone.

We’re going to help you program Siri to help you announce your calls.

Just follow these easy steps below, and you should be alright.

• Setups like these are usually in your device’s settings.
• Head over to the settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down.
• Click on the Phone option.
• At this point, click on Announce Calls. This shouldn’t be hard to miss.
• You’d be given options. Be sure to pick the one that says Headphones & Car.
• Why? When you pick this, Siri automatically announces your call anytime your pods are connected to any of these devices.

How to answer calls with AirPods Pro on an Android device

We know! It sounds a bit silly connecting an iOS device to an Android.

But, you need to know this. It’s not silly at all.

And we think it’s great that you can use an Android and iOS device at the same time.

On Androids, you can also have access to some iOS features.

Again, we know it sounds some type of way. But it’s true.

Did you know you could now have iTunes on your Android device?

Yes! It also comes with all the features that iTunes has on an iOS device.

You can subscribe and also create an Apple ID.

So being able to connect your pods to an Android device and even receive calls, shouldn’t shock you.

Although it’s a great feature, be aware it’s not as convenient and straightforward as the latter.

What makes this possible, though?

Apple’s Bluetooth feature. The Bluetooth feature makes it possible to connect to Android devices.

• First things first head to the Bluetooth settings of your Android device.
• Suppose this is your first time pairing, Search for a new device.
• In the same breath, turn your AirPods on and make sure pairing mode is activated.
• Your AirPods would display on your screen. When it does that, click on it to pair both devices.

Suppose both devices don’t pair easily like this. We have another method you can try.

What you could do is long-press the back of your pod and wait for a light to come on.

This method is the forced way to put your pods in pairing mode.

When you’re done, your pods should require you to confirm the pairing again.

In conclusion

Well, there you have it!

This is how you can answer calls on AirPods pro and Airpods.

Also, we hope you’re now aware you can use iOS and Android simultaneously.

For more tech tips and How-to’s, subscribe to the Techuncode newsletter.

By Matthieu Andre 2019-06-06 35928 0

1. How to pair Powerbeats Pro with your iPhone and iPad

Pairing the Powerbeats Pro with your iPhone takes two seconds literally. By connecting to the Bluetooth, your device will sync and pair to your earbuds. Hands free, you will be able to control your operations via touch bouton. If you want to pair your device to your Powerbeats Pro, please follow instructions below:

Step 1. With your iPhone unlocked, place the Powerbeats Pro charging case next to your phone and open it up.

Step 2. Watch the animation that automatically starts on the iPhone, and when it asks, simply tap Connect. Make sure you switched on your Bluetooth.

Step 3. If you are signed in to iCloud, your Powerbeats Pro will be automatically pre-paired with all of your registered iOS devices.

This same process will also work on an iPad or Ipad Touch running the latest version of iOS. As with Apple’s AirPods, the initial pairing of the Powerbeats Pro will sync across all Apple devices using your iCloud account. So that two-second process just paired it with your iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch.

2. How to pair Powerbeats Pro with your Android phone

The Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones are also compatible with a non-Apple devices. Don’t know how to pair the Powerbeats Pro with your Android phone? Please follow instructions below:

Step 1. Unlock your phone and go to the Bluetooth settings.

Step 2. Switch on your Bluetooth.

Step 3. Place the Powerbeats Pro charging case next to the phone, and open it.

Step 4. You should see the Powerbeats Pro show up in the list of available Bluetooth devices.

Step 5. Tap on the PowerBeasts Pro item to pair them to your phone

Step 6. In the event that they do not appear as an available device, resetting them will likely fix it, Open the Powerbeats Pro charging case, and press the case’s button until the small white LED starts to blink. Wait a few moments, and refresh your available devices list.

In the case if you have paired the earbuds with another device already, place both earbuds in the case and then hold in the button near the front of the case until the status light begins blinking white.

3. How to activate “Hey, Siri” with PowerBeasts Pro?

Thanks to Apple’s H1 chip that’s used in the Powerbeats Pro, the earbuds support the “Hey, Siri” wake command out of the box. Whenever you are using the earbuds, just say “Hey, Siri” followed by a command to play music, check messages, or ask Siri questions. You don’t have to wait for Siri to respond after the initial wake phrase, just keep talking.

4. How to turn off automatic ear detection on the Powerbeats Pro?

If you are not a fan of auto-play or auto-pause, you can disable it. The Powerbeats Pro will automatically detect when they are put in or taken out of your ears. If you would rather not have audio pause or start automatically, you can disable it. While using the Powerbeats Pro, please follow instructions below:

Step 1. Open the Settings APP on any iOS device and select Bluetooth.

Step 2. Tap on the “i” next to the Powerbeats Pro name.

Step 3 . Tap on toggle Automatic Ear Detection to the Off position.

5. How to rename your PowerBeasts Pro?

If you want to personalize the name used in Bluetooth menus for your Powerbeats Pro, you can do that in the same Bluetooth settings as showed below for iOs version:

On any iOS device:

Step 1 . Go to Settings.

Step 2. Tap on Bluetooth.

Step 3. Tap the “i” next to the Powerbeats Pro name.

Step 4. Slide down on Name, then type in your custom name and exit the settings APP.

6. How to control the PowerBeasts Pro with the physical button?

Both earbuds have voice controls as well as a button that can trigger Siri and control media playback. The PowerBeasts Pro logo is a multifunction button, with various presses triggering different controls. Here are the actions to control your Siri:

· Long press: Triggers Siri.

· Single press: Play/Pause.

· Double press: Skip track.

· Triple press: Go back one track.

In parallel, the physical controls even work on non-Apple devices and allow you to control Siri.

7. How to check the battery life of PowerBeasts Pro?

Powerbeats Pro has some of the same features as Apple’s AirPods, such as easily checking battery life. The Powerbeats Pro pack an industry-leading nine hours of battery life, so it is unlikely you will run out of juice over the course of even the longest workout, but if you are feeling antsy and want to check on how they are holding up, here are a few different ways to do that on an iPhone:

Step 1. Checking the battery life of your earbuds and the charging case by placing the earbuds in the case and opening it next to your unlocked iPhone. A pop-up similar to the initial pairing prompt will show up, detailing the battery life for all three pieces.

Step 2 . If you are not able to check it, enable the battery widget in the Today view and viewing battery life when you are actively using the Powerbeats Pro.

8. Get a better wearing fit

Inside the box, under the charging case, you will find an instruction booklet, a USB lightning cable for charging the case, and three additional sets of tips for the earbuds. Each set is a different size, which should help you find the best fit for inside your ears. The Powerbeats Pros wrap around the back of your ear which is adjustable. The ear hook bends in every direction, so you can position each earbud for a tighter or looser fit based on your comfort.

9. Enjoy the fast charging of PowerBeasts Pro

The charging case can fast charge your earbuds. A 5 minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of use, while a 15 minute charge gives you 4.5 hours of use. In total, the Powerbeats Pro has a battery life of up to nine hours. Please note, charging the earbuds is done by placing them in the case. The right earbud needs to go on the right side of the case, and the left goes on the left. As you place the earbuds into the case, magnets will guide the earbud into the right spot. The charging case is charged via a lightning port on the back of the case.

The verdict

Overall, the Powerbeats Pro is a mix of technology advanced and flexibility for offering high quality sound and long lifespan battery. Convenience with its Bluetooth connection, it offers a pairing system which allows you to control your music or call during your sports, etc. Compared to previous version, the Powerbeats pro was majorly improved in term of quality and design so that you can easily master your Powerbeats pro with an ear hook adjustable and confortable to wear.

It seems Apple is doing everything they can to make their devices synced and easy to use. Installing and using AirPods has never been easier, and some people find it too good to be true. In this article, we’ll explain to you how to install AirPods to your iPhone X, as well as discuss some potential problems that may appear.

The only things you need are your phone, your AirPods, and a few minutes of free time.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before we start, unlock your iPhone X and go to the Home Screen. Now, carefully open the case of your AirPods, holding it near your iPhone. Something unusual will happen – an animated image that looks just like your AirPods will appear on the screen. From there, you can just follow the guide to set up your AirPods:

1. Tap on the Connect button.
2. Wait a few seconds until it’s connecting.
3. On the next screen, you’ll see the battery status of your AirPods (don’t worry, they don’t come fully charged, so there’s nothing wrong with your AirPods if their battery level is only 80 percent).
4. Congrats, you’ve installed your AirPods!

You can now either leave them in their case to charge a bit more, or you can start using them right away.

What If It Doesn’t Connect?

There are a couple of tricks you should know. If you’ve opened the case, but nothing appears on your iPhone’s screen, don’t worry. Simply press and hold the white button on the back of the case while holding the case open. It should activate the light on the case, and it should then connect your AirPods with the iPhone.

Another potential problem can occur if you haven’t updated your system in a while. Instead of the Connect button, you’ll see all the Updates that you haven’t installed. You can either update your system or, if you don’t have time, you can skip it for now. Just click on Set up with Limited Functionality, and continue setting up.

Two other things worth checking are whether or not your Bluetooth is on and whether the AirPods are charged enough. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and try connecting again. If nothing happens, it probably means the AirPods aren’t charged enough. Put them back in their case and leave them for at least one hour before you try to connect them again.

Hopefully, it’ll work after that. If not, you may need to contact Apple customer service for additional help.

What About AirPods Pro?

If you decide to upgrade to AirPods Pro, you may think that the process is probably more complicated. But that’s not true. Yes, AirPods Pro may have better sound quality, but they’re still very simple to use. You can follow the same guide for installing regular AirPods and there shouldn’t be any problems.

How to Switch Between Devices?

Most people use their AirPods with their iPhone, iPad, and their Apple Watch. But what happens when you’re listening to music on your iPad and your iPhone starts ringing? Can you answer using the AirPods? If you have iOS 14, the answer is yes. This feature appeared in September 2020, and it’s making the lives of AirPods users much easier.

If you haven’t updated your system, here’s how to switch manually:

1. Open Control Center on your iPhone.
2. Press and hold the Audio sign at the top right corner. You’ll see a list of devices you can use.
3. Tap on the device to which you want to connect your AirPods.

Keep It Updated

It’s essential to keep your iOS devices updated because each update carries some useful feature. For example, iOS 14: if you haven’t updated it, you won’t be able to switch between devices automatically, which is an excellent feature. Updates don’t take a lot of time, but your devices will work faster and smoother after each of them.

We hope this guide was useful to you. Do you have any other questions about AirPods or iPhone X? Let us know in the comments section below.

While the PlayStation 4 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, there is a way to use your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or any other Bluetooth headphones with your Playstation 4.

AirPods are hands-down the most popular true wireless earbuds to be released yet with supply constraints still prevalent months after launch. They are great for mobile with their ease of use, small size, and effortless pairing. We use AirPods so much, it is a disappointment that if we want to use headphones with our PS4, AirPods aren’t an option.

Like we said, the Playstation 4 by itself doesn’t support Bluetooth audio. Try it for yourself by putting your AirPods — or other headphones — into pairing mode, then heading to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices and scrolling down until you see your AirPods. When you try to pair them, the PS4 recognizes them as an audio device, asks if you’d like to pair them before finally alerting you that Bluetooth audio is not supported.

That leaves users to pick up PS4-specific headphones.

Fortunately, there is a relatively simple way to use your AirPods or AirPods Pro with the PS4.

Sounds good, right?

By David Nield | Published May 05, 2020 1:00 PM

For a while now, Apple has relentlessly pushed us all into going wireless. It started with the removal of the audio jack on the latest iPhones, and it followed with two generations of AirPods, and the release of the AirPods Pro. These earbuds are everywhere now, and part of their appeal is the ease with which they can sync to iPhones—but also any other device with standard support for Bluetooth headphones.

It’s not perfect though. Due to the proprietary tech Apple has built into the buds, you’ll lose some functionality along the way, including the possibility of checking the battery life of your AirPods on the device you’re listening to, or having your music automatically pause when you take one of the buds out.

Still, the rest of the features such as tapping your AirPods or squeezing the stems of the AirPods Pro to pause playback, will work just the same.

Using AirPods with other Apple devices

If you’ve got a Mac, iPad, or Apple TV, and it’s signed into the same iCloud account as your iPhone, once you’ve paired your AirPods with your phone then the earbuds should automatically pair with your other devices as well. All you need to do is select them as an audio output.

On a Mac, click the sound icon in the menu bar, then choose your AirPods from the list. If for whatever reason you don’t see them there even after you’ve synced them with your iPhone, go to Bluetooth in the System Preferences dialog (listed on the Apple menu) to add them.

It’s all very straightforward on an iPad too. As with iPhones, iPads should recognize and connect to AirPods as soon as you open the charging case. If you’re not automatically connected, go to the Bluetooth menu on Settings to pair your earbuds.

On Apple TV boxes, you need to open up the Settings screen, then choose Remotes and Devices and Bluetooth. You should see your AirPods on the list. Select them to confirm the connection.

Using AirPods with Android, Windows and Chrome OS

The process of connecting any pair of AirPods as a standard Bluetooth headset is very similar across a lot of devices, including those running Android, Windows, and Chrome OS. You first need to put your AirPods in pairing mode—open the charging case with the earbuds in them, then press and hold the button on the back of the case until the white LED light starts flashing. That means your AirPods are ready to pair with another Bluetooth device.

On an Android phone or tablet go to Settings, Connected devices and tap Pair new device. You should be able to select your AirPods from the list as you would any other pair of bluetooth headphones. Tap Pair on the confirmation box that pops up to complete the connection.

If you’re using Windows, open Settings (the cog icon on the Start menu), then pick Devices, Add Bluetooth or other device, and Bluetooth. The AirPods will just show up as Headphone to begin with, so click to connect and then choose Done to finish. Back on the Bluetooth screen they should adopt the AirPods or AirPods Pro name.

On a Chrome OS computer, click the status tray icon displaying the time and other information (lower right), then the arrow underneath the Bluetooth icon to start scanning for new devices. If the AirPods are in pairing mode, they’ll appear as an entry in the list—click on it to connect.

Using AirPods with a PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch

The process gets a little more complicated when it comes to gaming. Various hardware and software limitations mean that the PS4, the Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch don’t offer standard support for Bluetooth headphones. That means you can’t just hook up a pair of AirPods out of the box.

Workarounds exist, but like with most of them, you might not get the same sort of quality and stability that you’d expect. If you want to try connecting AirPods to a PS4, for example, you need a Bluetooth dongle like the $30 Avantree Leaf. The dongle plugs into your console, and the AirPods then connect to the dongle as would any other pair of Bluetooth headphones.

The Nintendo Switch doesn’t support any wireless headphones natively, but you can work around this with a dongle like the $35 Bionik BT or the $28 Gulikit Route Air. If you find other dongles you like better, just make sure that you’re buying one built for the Switch and with specific support for AirPods. The best way to do this is by checking the list of compatible devices, and any attached user reviews.

It’s even trickier on the Xbox One, where there isn’t really any way (dongle or otherwise) to get AirPods connected. The only potential fix—which may work for the PS4 and Switch as well—is pairing your AirPods with your TV. Support for this will vary from set to set though, so check the instructions for yours to see if Bluetooth headphones can be hooked up.

Using AirPods with a smart speaker

If you listen to a lot of music, podcasts, or audiobooks through a smart speaker (or watch a lot of videos on a smart display), then you can get this audio to play through a pair of AirPods rather than the built-in speaker.

With an Amazon Echo, open the Alexa app on your phone, then select Devices, Echo & Alexa, and the speaker to pair. Tap Bluetooth Devices and Pair a new device to connect up your AirPods as you would on your Apple devices.

If you’ve got an Amazon Echo Show then you can do the pairing straight from the smart display without having to use your phone. Swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen, then tap Settings and Bluetooth to begin the pairing process. Once the AirPods are in pairing mode, pick them from the list.

For Google Home and Google Nest speakers, everything is done via the Google Home app on your phone. Tap the speaker or display you want your AirPods to connect to, then tap the cog icon (top right), and Default music speaker. Choose Pair Bluetooth speaker and make sure your AirPods are in pairing mode.

David Nieldis a tech journalist from the UK who has been writing about gadgets and apps since way before the iPhone and Twitter were invented. When he’s not busy doing that, he usually takes breaks from all things tech with long walks in the countryside.