Can AirPods Work with Non-Apple Devices? Here’s What You Need to Know

Apple’s AirPods have quickly become one of the most popular wireless earbuds on the market, praised for their seamless integration with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. But what if you’re not part of the Apple ecosystem? Can you still use AirPods with non-Apple devices, like Android smartphones, Windows PCs, or even gaming consoles? The answer is yes—AirPods can work with a variety of non-Apple devices, but there are some important details to know before making your decision. In this blog, we’ll explore how AirPods perform with non-Apple gadgets and what features you might miss out on.

• Pairing AirPods with Android Phones and Tablets

If you’re an Android user considering AirPods, you’ll be happy to know that these wireless earbuds can pair with your Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth, just like any other Bluetooth headphones. The pairing process is simple:

1. Open the AirPods Case: With your AirPods inside the case, open the lid.
2. Activate Pairing Mode: Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED light starts flashing white. This indicates that the AirPods are in pairing mode.
3. Open Bluetooth Settings: On your Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on if it isn’t already.
4. Select AirPods: Once your AirPods appear in the list of available devices, tap on them to pair.

After pairing, you can use your AirPods with your Android phone or tablet to listen to music, make phone calls, and enjoy other audio content. However, there are a few Apple-specific features that you’ll miss out on.

What You Won’t Get on Android

1. Siri Integration: AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s voice assistant, Siri. On Android, you won’t have access to Siri, so voice commands won’t be an option.
2. Automatic Switching: One of the standout features of AirPods within the Apple ecosystem is their ability to automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. On Android, you’ll need to manually switch the connection via Bluetooth settings.
3. Customizable Controls: On iOS devices, you can customize the double-tap or press-and-hold gestures on your AirPods. On Android, you won’t have access to these customization options, and the default controls may not be as intuitive.
4. Battery Status: While iOS devices provide a battery status indicator for your AirPods and charging case, Android devices typically won’t show this information natively. However, third-party apps like “AirBattery” or “Assistant Trigger” can help you monitor your AirPods’ battery levels on Android.

Despite these limitations, AirPods still offer solid sound quality and reliable connectivity on Android devices, making them a good option if you’re already a fan of their design and convenience.

• Using AirPods with Windows PCs

AirPods can also be used as wireless headphones with Windows laptops and desktop computers.

Whether you want to listen to music, take part in Zoom calls, or enjoy videos, pairing your AirPods with a Windows PC is straightforward:

1. Put AirPods in Pairing Mode: Open the lid of your AirPods case and press the button on the back until the light flashes white.
2. Open Bluetooth Settings on Windows: On your Windows PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth.
3. Add a Device: Click “Add Bluetooth or other device,” select “Bluetooth,” and then choose your AirPods from the list of available devices.

Once connected, your AirPods will be standard Bluetooth headphones for audio playback and voice calls on your Windows PC.

What You Won’t Get on Windows

• Auto-Pause and Auto-Play: AirPods can detect when they’re in your ears and automatically pause or resume playback accordingly on Apple devices. This feature doesn’t work on Windows PCs, so you’ll need to manually control playback.
• Automatic Device Switching: When switching between devices, you’ll need to manually connect and disconnect your AirPods from your Windows PC, just like with Android.
• Spatial Audio: AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offer spatial audio on Apple devices, providing an immersive surround sound experience. This feature isn’t available when using AirPods with a Windows PC.

Despite these limitations, AirPods still provide great sound quality and convenience for Windows users, making them a solid choice for everyday use.

3. Can You Use AirPods with Gaming Consoles?

AirPods can be connected to gaming consoles like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One via Bluetooth adapters. However, native support for Bluetooth audio is not built into these consoles, so you’ll need an additional accessory to use AirPods.

Using AirPods with PlayStation

To use AirPods with a PlayStation 4 or 5, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter that connects to the console’s USB port. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Plug in the Bluetooth Adapter: Insert the adapter into one of the USB ports on your PlayStation console.
2. Put AirPods in Pairing Mode: Open the AirPods case and press the button on the back until the light flashes white.
3. Pair AirPods with the Adapter: Follow the pairing instructions for your specific Bluetooth adapter to connect the AirPods.

While this allows you to use AirPods for audio output, there are some important limitations:

• No Microphone Support: Most Bluetooth adapters for PlayStation consoles do not support AirPods’ built-in microphones, meaning you won’t be able to use them for in-game chat.
• Latency: Bluetooth audio can introduce noticeable latency, which might impact your gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games where timing is crucial.

Using AirPods with Xbox

Unfortunately, the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S do not support Bluetooth audio natively, and there are currently no official adapters that can connect AirPods to these consoles. However, some users have found workarounds, such as using the Xbox app on a smartphone or tablet to route audio through AirPods, though this setup can be cumbersome and is not officially supported by Microsoft.

4. Using AirPods with Other Bluetooth Devices

Beyond Android phones, Windows PCs, and gaming consoles, AirPods can connect to a wide variety of other Bluetooth devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and even some older MP3 players. The pairing process is typically similar to the steps outlined above:

1. Activate Pairing Mode: Open the AirPods case and press the button on the back until the light flashes white.
2. Open Bluetooth Settings: On your non-Apple device, go to Bluetooth settings and turn on Bluetooth.
3. Select AirPods: Choose your AirPods from the list of available devices to complete the pairing process.
   
   
   

Once paired, your AirPods will work like any other Bluetooth headphones, providing audio output for your device.

5. Third-Party Apps for Enhancing AirPods on Non-Apple Devices

If you’re using AirPods with a non-Apple device, certain third-party apps can help bridge the gap between Apple’s features and your Android or Windows experience. Here are a few popular options:

• AirBattery (Android): This app provides battery level notifications for your AirPods on Android devices, emulating the battery widget found on iOS.
• Assistant Trigger (Android): This app allows you to summon Google Assistant by double-tapping your AirPods, effectively replacing Siri with Google’s voice assistant.
• ToothFairy (Mac/Windows): This app simplifies the process of switching your AirPods between multiple Bluetooth devices, including Windows PCs and older MacBooks.

These apps can help improve the overall experience of using AirPods with non-Apple devices, though they still won’t completely replicate the seamless integration found within the Apple ecosystem.

Final Thoughts: AirPods and Non-Apple Devices

In summary, AirPods can work with a wide variety of non-Apple devices, from Android phones to Windows PCs to gaming consoles. While you’ll lose out on some Apple-specific features like Siri integration, automatic switching, and spatial audio, AirPods still offer excellent sound quality and convenience for users outside of the Apple ecosystem. With the right third-party apps and accessories, you can make the most of your AirPods on non-Apple devices, making them a versatile option no matter what tech you use.