Do AirPods Work With Android? Here’s What to Expect

Unlocking the full potential of AirPods on Android: features, limitations, and solutions.

Many Android users are curious about using Apple’s AirPods, which offer great convenience and impressive sound.

However, connecting AirPods to Android devices requires manual pairing and comes with limitations.

Luckily, there are workarounds and third-party apps that enhance the AirPods experience on Android. This guide will explore what to expect, its limitations, and how to maximize AirPods functionality.

How to Connect AirPods With Android

Since Automatic Paring is unavailable, you’ll have to pair the devices manually when using AirPods with Android. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Connections and enable Bluetooth.

   

2. Open your AirPods or AirPods Pro case, then press and hold the setup button for about five seconds until the status light flashes white.
   For AirPods Max, long-press the noise control button until the status light flashes white.

   

3. On your Android device, tap Bluetooth > Scan. The AirPods should appear in the list of devices. To connect, select the AirPods’ name and enjoy your device!

   

AirPods Features That Will NOT Work on Android

Here’s an updated list of unavailable AirPods features on Android devices:

• Siri: Apple’s assistant manages tasks and reads messages with AirPods. Unfortunately, Siri is iOS-exclusive, and AirPods don’t support Google Assistant or Bixby.
• Automatic switching: If you’re on your iPad and want to answer a call on your iPhone, AirPods will automatically switch devices. For Android, you have to do it manually.

• One-step setup: Apple has ‘Automatic Pairing’ which is done by just opening the case near your iOS device. Android users must pair AirPods manually.
• Customizable controls: Some AirPods, like the 1st and 2nd generation, allow gesture customization using iOS devices.
• Battery life check: iOS devices provide on-screen and tonal alerts at ​​20%, 10%, and 5% battery life for AirPods. Android has apps for this but lacks low-battery voice alerts.
• Automatic ear detection: This iOS feature stops playback when you take out one AirPod and starts again when you put it back in.
• Ear Tip Fit Test: AirPods Pro support the Ear Tip Fit Test feature on iOS, which uses built-in microphones to detect audio leaks and ensure a proper seal.
• Conversation boost: When used with iOS devices, the AirPods Pro can improve voice clarity for those with mild hearing loss.
• ‘Find My’ function: The Find My app is an Apple-designed app exclusive to iOS devices to help you find lost AirPods on iOS.

AirPods Features That Will STILL Work When Connected to Android

The AirPods aren’t totally ineffective when used with Android, and there are some features you can still enjoy. These include the following:

• ANC & Transparency Mode: Long-press the AirPod Pro stem or the AirPods Max noise control button to switch between ANC and Transparency Mode on both iOS and Android devices.
• Command gestures: Double-tapping your AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) will play or pause music. Similarly, playback controls for AirPods 3rd generation, AirPods Pro, and AirPod Max work on Android. You just can’t customize them.
• Single AirPod listening: One AirPod can work independently on iOS. You can simply connect each earbud separately and switch to mono audio in Accessibility settings for optimal sound. The same applies to Android devices.

How to Improve AirPods-Android Compatibility

To improve AirPods’ compatibility with Android devices, users can rely on third-party apps that replicate iOS functionality. These apps bridge the gap, offering a smoother AirPods experience on Android.

Here are three popular ones to check out:

• AirBattery: The AirBattery app supports both the W1 and H1 chips and immediately launches when connecting your AirPods. Aside from offering in-ear detection, it will also restore the AirPods’ lost battery life checker and help you plan your charging schedule.
• Assistant Trigger: While Siri isn’t available on Android, the Assistant Trigger app lets you use Google Assistant with AirPods. With it, you can ask Google Assistant to set alarms, play music, or control home devices. Simply double-tap your AirPod to activate it.
• Wunderfind: This is an alternative to Find My AirPods and helps users locate Bluetooth devices, including AirPods. It calculates a distance score, with higher numbers indicating closer proximity to your Android device. The premium version allows sound playback to aid the search but doesn’t provide clear directions.

FAQs on Using AirPods With Android Devices

• Will AirPods still sound as good when connected to Android?
• What are good AirPods alternatives for Android?
• Why won’t my AirPods connect to Android?

Will AirPods still sound as good when connected to Android?

Pairing AirPods with Android may lead to sound degradation due to an audio codec mismatch, causing audio issues. This is because iOS devices’ enhanced AAC technology supports lossless audio, but Android’s does not.

What are good AirPods alternatives for Android?

For optimal functionality, consider Android-specific wireless earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Sony WF-1000XM4. The Soundcore Life P3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are also good options for Samsung devices.

Why won’t my AirPods connect to Android?

Compatibility differences between Apple’s AirPods and Android smartphones can sometimes lead to connectivity challenges. Other factors, such as a nearby iOS device hogging the connection, can also be the culprit.