Yes, You Can Use AirPods on Android Devices (but You Will Lose Some Features)
The fact that you can does not mean that you should. In the video above, I cover how to connect AirPods to an Android device and why that might not be the best idea.
When you pair Apple’s AirPods with an Android device, they work just like any other pair of Bluetooth headphones. Even the pairing process is the same. But in the end, you will lose some of the iOS-specific functionality, which could hinder the deal.
Out of the box, you won’t be able to instantly connect AirPods by simply opening the lid and holding them next to your iPhone. You will need to go through the normal process by holding the button on the case until the Airpods go into pairing mode (the light will blink) and then connect to them in the Bluetooth settings on your Android device. Nothing fancy considering you will probably only do this once.
Another feature that you will lose is the ability to call the voice assistant easily. AirPods don’t work with Google Assistant out of the box, and since Android devices don’t have Siri, you won’t be able to say “Hey Siri” to use voice commands.
One of the best features of AirPods is automatic ear detection. When you take one AirPod out of your ear, whatever you’re listening to is automatically paused. When you put the AirPod back in your ear, it will resume. This feature will not work on Android.
Another important feature that will be missing is the ability to check the battery level of your AirPods and case. There are some workarounds , but they are not ideal. On the other hand, if you have AirPods Pro, noise cancellation and touch controls will work just like they do on an iPhone.
Ultimately, the decision to use AirPods with your Android device depends on how important some of these features are to you. Obviously, AirPods were designed to work with Apple’s own devices. Little things like a user interface that lets you quickly turn noise canceling on and off, or the ability to easily switch between multiple Apple devices without re-pairing, are quality of life features that add to the overall experience.
If you really dislike AirPods as an Android user, you’re probably better off buying yourself a pair of nicer Bluetooth headphones. There are many great options out there.