How to Make AirPods Discoverable: Step-by-Step

Making AirPods discoverable is a simple process, crucial for connecting them to various devices. Whether you have an iPhone, Mac, Android, or even a Windows device, pairing your AirPods involves a similar set of steps. AirPods use Bluetooth technology to connect, which makes them versatile and compatible with many Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Before pairing, ensure your AirPods are charged and within range of the device you want to connect to. Opening the case near an iPhone typically initiates a prompt for a quick connection; however, for other devices, you may need to manually engage the pairing mode. This is done by pressing and holding the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the status light flashes white.

Making your AirPods discoverable is the first step to pairing them with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even non-Apple devices. The process depends slightly on which AirPods model you own.

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1. Prepare Your AirPods

• Place both AirPods in the charging case.
• Make sure the case has at least some charge.

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2. For AirPods (1st–3rd Gen), AirPods Pro (all models), and AirPods Max

Using the Setup Button (most models)

1. Open the lid of your AirPods case (AirPods inside).
2. On the back of the case, press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes white.
   • This means your AirPods are now in pairing (discoverable) mode.
3. On your device (iPhone, Android, or other), go to Bluetooth settings and select your AirPods.

AirPods Max

1. Press and hold the noise control button until the status light flashes white.
2. Connect via Bluetooth settings.

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3. For AirPods 4 (2024 release)

Apple removed the physical setup button on these models. Instead:

1. Open the case with AirPods inside.
2. Double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white (source: Apple Support, Reddit).
3. They are now discoverable and ready to pair.

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4. Pairing With Your Device

iPhone or iPad

1. Hold the AirPods case near your device.
2. A setup animation should appear—tap Connect.
3. If it doesn’t appear, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select your AirPods.

Mac

1. Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Select your AirPods from the list.

Non-Apple Devices (Android, Windows, etc.)

1. Open Bluetooth settings.
2. Select your AirPods from the list of available devices.

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5. Troubleshooting If AirPods Won’t Enter Discoverable Mode

• Make sure the AirPods and case are charged.
• Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then try again.
• Reset your AirPods:
  1. Put them in the case.
  2. Hold the setup button (or double-tap on AirPods 4) until the light flashes amber, then white.
• Try pairing with a different device to rule out compatibility issues.

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Quick Checklist

✅ AirPods in case with charge
✅ Lid open
✅ Status light flashing white
✅ Bluetooth enabled on device
✅ Select AirPods in Bluetooth menu

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In summary: To make AirPods discoverable, open the case, activate pairing mode (via setup button or double-tap for AirPods 4), and then connect through your device’s Bluetooth settings.

Key Takeaways

• AirPods pair with devices using Bluetooth.
• Charge and have AirPods near the device before pairing.
• Use the setup button on the case for manual pairing.

Preparing Your AirPods for Pairing

Before pairing AirPods to a device, ensure they have enough charge and are in pairing mode. This process involves checking the status light and using the setup button.

Checking the Charge and Status Light

AirPods should have a decent charge before pairing. Look at the status light on the charging case when the AirPods are inside to check their battery level. A green light means the AirPods are fully charged. If it’s amber, they need more charge.

Using the Setup Button

To put AirPods in pairing mode, use the setup button on the charging case. First, put the AirPods in the case. Then, open the lid. Find the setup button on the back of the case. Press and hold this button until the status light flashes white. Now the AirPods are ready to connect with your device.

Connecting AirPods to Different Devices

Making your AirPods discoverable is the first step to enjoying wireless audio across a range of devices. This section walks through the process of pairing AirPods with Apple and non-Apple devices.

Pairing with Apple Devices

To pair AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, first enable Bluetooth. For an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and select Bluetooth to turn it on. For a Mac, start by selecting System Settings from the Apple menu, then choose Bluetooth. Next, with your AirPods in their charging case, open the lid and press the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white. On your device, your AirPods should appear in the list of devices ready to connect.

Pairing with Android Devices

Android users can also enjoy AirPods. Turn on Bluetooth through your Android phone’s settings by going to Settings, then Connections, and finally Bluetooth. With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid and press the button on the back until the light flashes. Your phone will show the AirPods as available under the list of devices to pair.

Connecting to Windows PCs

Pairing AirPods with a Windows PC is straightforward. First, make sure Bluetooth is activated on your PC. You can turn it on by going to Settings, Selecting Devices, and then Bluetooth & other devices. With Bluetooth on, open your AirPods’ case and hold the button on the back until the light starts to flash white. On your PC, click Add Bluetooth or other device and choose your AirPods from the list that appears.

Pairing with Other Bluetooth Devices

AirPods are compatible with many other devices that support Bluetooth. To connect, ensure the device’s Bluetooth is active. Open the AirPods case and press the button on the back. Once the light flashes white, look for the AirPods in the device’s Bluetooth settings and select them to pair. This process may vary slightly depending on the specific Bluetooth-capable device you’re using.