How to connect Apple AirPods wireless headphones to Android smartphones

Posted by Roman Kovalev - 02/05/2020 89704 comments

While AirPods work best when paired with an iPhone, they can also be paired with smartphones running the Android operating system. However, there are several nuances and features of such synchronization, because of which some users are hesitant to purchase a TWS device from Cupertino.

In this article you will learn how to connect Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro wireless headphones to Android smartphones and what applications will help expand the functionality of the device. Armed with this knowledge, you can fully enjoy the experience of using the world's most popular headphones.

Is it possible to connect AirPods to Android?

AirPods are wireless headphones developed by Apple. As is the case with any other gadgets of an American company, the user has a reasonable question about the compatibility of the Apple headset with a smartphone of another brand.

To understand whether it is possible to connect AirPods to Android, you need to understand the principle of operation of Bluetooth headphones. AirPods, following the example of other similar headsets, use a wireless connection via the Bluetooth protocol. This standard is supported not only by iPhones, but also by Android smartphones. Hence, there is no hassle when connecting AirPods to Android.

Even though AirPods pair seamlessly with Android, the user will have to deal with a number of limitations. In particular, some functions will only be available on iPhone.

Disadvantages of use

Not all Android smartphones have the option to configure AAC codecs in the Bluetooth settings, and it’s not a fact that we can configure this codec through the developer section. The name of the switch may differ on different versions of system settings: AAC, HD Audio, or something else. The nuance with codecs causes certain difficulties with the settings.

It’s not always convenient when using Airpods with Android that you don’t have the ability to switch to normal sound playback mode without noise suppression and transparency.

Airpods connected to a Samsung or other Android device initially sound at half the possible volume. In order to solve the problem, users have to experiment with the settings, trying to change the values ​​of the parameters responsible for the volume. The sequence of manipulations depends on the specific model of the gadget and the firmware version of the smartphone. The problem is not solvable on all devices.

How to connect AirPods to Android

Even if a person has already connected AirPods to an Apple iPhone, it would be a good idea to consider how to pair it with an Android smartphone. Since the differences between the iOS and Android operating systems significantly change the connection principle.

To set up pairing between AirPods and Android, you will need:

1. Charge your wireless headphones.
2. For a few seconds, hold down the power button on the AirDos case in which the headset should be located.

3. Open the case.

4. Go to your phone settings.
5. Turn on Bluetooth.

6. Open the list of available connections.
7. Select AirPods.

The next time you connect, the smartphone will automatically detect the AirPods under active Bluetooth conditions. But only if the device does not pair with other wireless gadgets that operate using a similar protocol.

Only after completing these steps can the headphones be removed from the case. If the user takes out AirPods earlier, the smartphone either will not detect the headset or will not be able to set up pairing.

Problems and solutions

Since Android is not developed by Apple, when using products from this company, compatibility issues may arise, as well as errors caused by the characteristics of the smartphone. Below are methods to resolve common situations. If any point is missing, but you know the solution, please share it in the comments below the post. Your advice will help thousands of users.

The sound comes from the built-in speaker

The problem is caused by the inaccessibility of certain profiles. Follow these steps:

1. Open the device settings, go to “Wireless Networks”, then select “Bluetooth”;
2. Find the headphones in the list of connected ones, tap on the settings icon to the right of the name;
3. There will be two sliders under the “Use” caption. Move the “HSP/HFP Profile” to the active position, if the situation occurs during voice calls, do the same with the “A2DP Profile” item to troubleshoot problems when listening to media content (videos, tracks).
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The instructions remain relevant even if the AirPods are turned off - the main thing is that the gadget is in the list of paired ones.

No device in the list

If the headphones are detectable and visible on devices other than your Android smartphone - the problem is caused by an outdated version of Bluetooth - it must be at least 4.0 to work correctly.

Incorrect transmission of charge information

To obtain charge level data, you must install one of the applications linked above. Please note that the problem of transmitting information in 10% increments (eg 90%, 80%) is a hardware issue and cannot be corrected. If you have another problem, follow these steps:

1. Open the quick access panel, turn on Bluetooth and GPS through it;
2. Go to settings by clicking, for example, on the corresponding button at the top of the screen;
3. Open "Applications", select the program used to check the status of AirPods;
4. Tap on the “Permissions” button, move the slider opposite the “Location” item;
5. Reconnect the headphones, re-open the program. If the situation persists, use other applications from the Play Market.

The need to use geodata is caused by the features of Bluetooth Low-Energy technology, as indicated in the descriptions of the above-mentioned software.

Interference when moving

BT waves propagate over a distance of 100 meters, but such measurements are carried out in open space - indoors the maximum distance level drops by half due to walls and operating devices. The situation is complicated by the presence of overlapping signals - other headphones, Wi-Fi receivers and routers. The device boasts resistance to external noise, but if you encounter interference, try keeping it closer to the playback source.

What features will work on Android

When developing its own gadgets, Apple tries to ensure that users always choose devices from the same manufacturer. Especially for this, there are restrictions that do not allow you to fully appreciate the advantages of AirPods when connected to Android.

At the same time, Android users have access to a wide list of functions:

• listening to music;
• pause during playback;
• talking on the phone with the ability to answer incoming calls.

Answering an incoming call is only possible when using a standard dialer. The function is not available in messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

Compared to even the most basic wireless headphones, Apple AirPods look like a very limited device. Of course, if a person pairs the headset with Android. Owners of iPhones can fully appreciate the functionality of Bluetooth headphones, but owners of Android phones are better off taking a closer look at an accessory from another brand.

What features won't work?

There are many more features that are not supported on Android smartphones. And here it is important to note that the restrictions are not related to the functionality of the Android operating system, but to the features of the software for AirPods. The headphone manufacturer deliberately limits features so that people use the headset in conjunction with an iPhone. However, the developers of Bluetooth headphones from Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands do the same.

More specifically, the owner of an Android smartphone will not have the following functions at his disposal:

• lack of animation when connecting;
• Charge indication on the smartphone screen is not supported;
• The double tap function on the headphone body does not work;
• Siri and any other voice assistant are missing;
• Music doesn't stop after taking AirPods out of ear.

Thus, the owner of an Android smartphone is deprived of the main functions of AirDos, which distinguish this headset from other Bluetooth headphones. Particularly disappointing is the lack of a mute function when removing the gadget from the ear. Finally, people who want to use AirPods as a work tool to stay connected while driving will face a number of difficulties caused by the blocking of the voice assistant.

But, despite all the shortcomings, the owner of a phone based on the Android operating system can partially remove the restrictions. To do this you will need to download a special application.

Applications for AirPods on Android

Developers of mobile applications for Android immediately realized that owners of smartphones from Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and other brands would also want to use Apple AirPods headphones. Therefore, they upgraded the functionality of the system, adding the missing functions for the headset. Depending on the program, the set of features will differ.

AirBattery

An excellent program that is compatible with a wide variety of Apple headphones, including AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro. The application allows you to monitor your battery charge level. In addition, support for the W1 chip integrates a function to automatically turn off playback when the AirPods is removed from the ear. Finally, when connected, the user will see a characteristic animation on the smartphone screen.

PodsControl

Another good app for those who miss the built-in Android functionality when pairing with AirPods. PodsControl lives up to its name, allowing the user complete control over the headphone connection process.

The program supports functions such as pausing and turning the track. Also, the developers did not forget about the charge indication and, most importantly, they did a great job patching up the interface. In the current version it looks simply impeccable.

The application cannot be downloaded via Google Play. Use APK Pure and other similar services to download.

Assistant Trigger

A fairly well-known utility with the following set of functions:

• pop-up window when connecting;
• charge level;
• double tap;
• charge in the notification panel (for AirPods Pro);
• automatic music shutdown;
• Caller ID.

With the Assistant Trigger program, the functionality of AirPods becomes as close as possible to how it is implemented on Apple smartphones. The only thing that may disappoint is the need to pay a subscription to access advanced features.

Podroid

A simple application for people who do not want to customize headphones, but simply want to get the missing functionality of Airpods. The program supports not only double, but also triple touch. Of course, the utility displays the battery charge level and automatically stops playback when you remove the earbuds.

Droidpods

Paid application, the cost of which is 139 rubles. The functionality of Droidpods is similar to other similar programs, and the main advantages include a pleasant interface. At the same time, the application is not stable, so the development of the Ctrl-s studio should not be considered in the first place.

How to unlink AirPods from your Android phone

If necessary, the owner of an Android smartphone can always untie his AirPods. To do this, you will need to perform a few simple steps, following the instructions:

1. Open phone settings.
2. Go to the “Bluetooth” section.
3. Select AirPods from the list.
4. Click the “Disable” button.

Also, the headphones will turn off every time as soon as the user deactivates the Bluetooth sensor on the smartphone.

Unpairing a headset does not mean that a person will no longer be able to use it. You just have to re-configure the pairing after completing the operation.

What to do if Airpods don't connect to your phone

If your wireless headphones designed for iPhone do not connect to Android, we recommend doing the following:

• Make sure the Bluetooth feature on your phone is activated. A platitude, but sometimes forgotten; Make sure Bluetooth is activated
• Reboot your smartphone. If the connection fails after a reboot, move on;
• Reset your headset. To do this, press and hold the settings button on the back of the box until the indicator blinks yellow several times and then turns white. The entire procedure will take about 15 seconds. If after this the pairing failed, then move on;
• The last resort is to completely reset Android to factory settings. Please note that when you perform this reset, your files in your phone's memory will be lost. Perform a factory reset on Android

This is useful to know: why bluetooth headphones do not connect to the phone.