Unlike the Apple Watch, Apple's wireless earphones aren't just compatible with iOS devices. It's also possible to use Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro with an Android phone like any other pair of Bluetooth earphones.

The pairing process isn't quite as quick and convenient as using your AirPods with an iPhone, but it's still simple enough, and once connected you don't lose too many features. Or at least, non of the important ones. 

Here's how to connect your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro to an Android device and the features they offer.

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How to connect Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro to your Android phone

Connecting the Apple AirPods to an Android device works in the same way as connecting any device via Bluetooth.

  1. Open the Bluetooth settings on your Android device. 
  2. Select Pair a New Device.
  3. Open the Apple AirPods case to enable pairing.
  4. When the AirPods appear on screen, tap on them and confirm pairing.
  5. If they don't appear, push and hold the button on the rear of the AirPods case until the LED light between the AirPods flashes. This puts the AirPods in pairing mode and you can repeat step 4.

The first and second generation of Apple AirPods as well as the Pro model can all be connected to an Android device, or another device, via Bluetooth.

What features do Apple AirPods offer when connected to an Android device?

Once connected, Apple AirPods function in the same way as other Bluetooth headphones. You'll get the following features:

  • Play and pause control by double tapping an AirPod whilst it's in your ear
  • Music and film audio
  • Call audio
  • Any other audio that would normally play through your phone's speakers

AirPods Pro is slightly different in functionality, but all the essential features work:

  • Play and pause music by pressing the AirPod Pro stem once
  • Skip forwards by pressing twice quickly
  • Skip back by triple-pressing
  • Press and hold the stem to activate/de-active noise cancelling or ambient listening mode

Unlike when connected to an iPhone however, call audio doesn't automatically transfer back to your phone if you take the AirPods out of your ears. The battery indicator for the AirPods won't appear on your Android device, so you'll need to make a mental note of how many hours you've been listening for so you know when to top up the charge.

Alternatively, there is an app called Assistant Trigger that you can download from the Google Play Store. This will show the AirPods' battery on your phone, as well as allow you to double tap an AirPod to launch Google Assistant or Bixby.

So, if you do want AirPods with your Android phone, there's nothing to stop you using them. However, you might also be tempted by the Samsung Galaxy Buds.