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How to connect wireless headphones to an iPhone. Connecting AirPods to various devices

At the 2016 presentation, Apple presented not only the seventh generation of iconic smartphones, but also wireless headphones for the iPhone 7.

Cupertino decided to completely change the concept of connecting a headset to a phone. There is no 3.5 mm jack.

As an alternative, it was proposed to use original wired headphones that connect to the Lightning port, or AirPods.

Let's take a closer look at how wireless headphones work and why they should be used instead of a regular headset.

Contents:

Equipment

The headphone package includes a minimum number of elements. At first glance, the contents of the box seem meager for such a considerable cost of the product, however, there is everything necessary for comfortable work.

The box itself is made of durable cardboard, which many users prefer to use as additional storage space for the headset.

The package includes:

  • Case. It is also a charger;
  • Lightning cable;
  • User manual.

To recharge the headphones, just place them in the plastic case. Please note that you must use a Lightning cable to pre-charge the case's battery.

Appearance

Externally, the new headset is very similar to the familiar EarPods wired headphones.

In terms of shape, the wireless device is slightly thicker and fits better in the ears. The engineers first of all made sure that the chance of losing the gadget while wearing it was minimized.

More voluminous type of headphones This is explained not only by the desire to make them reliable, but also by the presence of a built-in battery, microphone and a large number of other parts that are responsible for the interaction of the gadget with mobile devices.

One of the main components of the headphones is the W1 chip, which completely controls the operation of the headset - from monitoring the charge level to connecting with any devices.

Also, the headphones have a proximity sensor. Its task is to determine whether the headphones are inserted into the user's ears.

Appearance of the plastic box Internet users have already dubbed it “like a box for dental floss.” In fact, the shape of such a case is very practical and convenient.

Inside the box for each of the headphones there is a special compartment that secures them firmly and at the same time charges them.

As soon as you place the headset in the plastic case, it automatically recharges. The box works on the same principle as usual, so you first need to charge it and then place the headphones inside.

It should be noted that the headphones are fixed in a plastic box using a magnet, which is built into the bottom of the box.

Thus, they will never fall out of their storage location, unless they hit a hard surface hard.

There is virtually no play in the housing cover, and the hinge itself is made of metal for even greater reliability. Also, the lid closes with a built-in magnet.

Price

AirPods do not belong to the category of democratic gadgets. Otherwise, this is a normal thing for Apple products. In Russia, you can purchase headphones at official sales points for 13,000 rubles .

On American sites the scene is $159 .

The cost is really impressive, however, for your money you will get really high-quality headphones that cannot be compared with well-known Bluetooth headset models from, or.

If you lose one of the headphones, you can purchase it separately for $69. This price includes only one earphone, without plastic box and charging cable.

Device support

The presented wireless headphones work with both new and earlier generations of smartphones and tablets from Apple.

The official list of supported devices is as follows:

By releasing AirPods, Apple decided not to limit itself only to supporting its devices. The headphones can be easily connected to any other Android smartphone. The only difference is the reduction in functionality.

AirPods interact with officially supported devices not only via a Bluetooth connection, but also at the OS software level.

With “non-native” gadgets, there is no function of connecting through the menu or instantly stopping the track after turning off the headset.

How do they work?

The principle of operation of AirPods is quite simple. You turn on Bluetooth on your phone and the devices automatically connect to each other. Using a wireless headset, you can listen to music, record sound, and make calls.

There is no need to use any additional adapters. The only thing you should pay attention to is the charging level of the headphones.

They turn off immediately after the battery life is exhausted. To recharge, simply place the headset in the plastic case.

Built-in sensors and diodes

On the edges of each of the headphones, two sensors are visible, with the help of which the device “understands” when the user inserts it into the ear or puts it on charge.

To stop playback, simply put one of the headphones aside. To “deceive” the gadget, you can hide it in your palm.

And the microphone interacts perfectly with each other for incoming and outgoing calls. The sound of an incoming call is automatically redirected to the headset.

Inside the charging case there is a diode with which you can monitor the status of the headset without connecting it to a smartphone. If the LED starts blinking red, you need to put the headphones on to charge. The activation of the charging process is indicated by the green light of the diode.

Connection toiPhone

Let's look at how to set up the first connection of wireless headphones to your iPhone.

First, make sure that your mobile device has a newer firmware version installed. Older versions of the operating system do not support interaction with headphones.

Apple has organized the most convenient and fast interaction between the phone and the headset. The user only needs to charge the plastic headphone box, put the headset in it and charge it.

Follow the instructions:

  • When the headphones are at least slightly charged, unlock your smartphone, place it near the docking station and turn on Bluetooth;
  • On iPhone screen a dialog box will appear immediately with data from detected AirPods;
  • Click on “Connect”;

  • The connection will take less than a second. As a result, detailed information about the headset will appear on the screen. In this window you can control the remaining battery life of both the plastic buck itself and the headphones. To start using AirPods, click on the “Done” button.

Now you can play any music or video on your phone. The sound will be played through the headphones. If you receive a call, the gadget will automatically turn off the music and turn on the built-in microphone.

Also, users noted an interesting feature of the operation of wireless headphones. AirPods can sync with your alarm clock. When the signal is triggered, it plays both from the phone's speakers and through the headphones.

Control Features

If the user removes one earphone from their ears, music playback will be paused automatically . An excellent solution from Apple, because often we take one of the wired headphones out of our ears to hear the other person. With AirPods, the song, video, will be paused, and you will be able to hear the other person without skipping a track or taking your smartphone out of your pocket.

Removing all headphones from ears ends file playback .

To select wireless headphones as a sound source, click on the microphone icon and in the list that opens, click on AirPods. Now speak any command and wait for it to complete.

The audio of all incoming calls is automatically sent to AirPods. For outgoing calls, the user can select the talk mode. At the dialing stage, there is a button to switch between the iPhone speakers and the wireless headset.

Connection toApple Watch

AirPods work not only with smartphones and tablets, but also with Apple smartwatches. You can connect a wireless headset to any watch model, regardless of its generation. You only need to update the IOS firmware to version 10 or 11.

Many users prefer to use AirPods with Apple Watch. since in combination these two devices work as a full-fledged music player, which is convenient to take with you to the gym or on a trip.

Before connecting the headphones, we recommend downloading music and adding it to the watch’s memory. To do this, add your favorite tracks to the “Music” section on your iPhone/iPad and synchronize your watch with your phone. In the window "My watch" select field "Music" and set up a connection with your smartphone.

Remember! Phone and smartwatch data will only be synced if the watch is connected to a charger.

Follow the instructions:

1 Make sure the headphones are charged;

2 In the clock settings window click on the “Bluetooth” field and in the available devices section select AirPods;

3 On your watch, go to the main menu and click on the Music application icon;

4 In the playback source selection field click on the headphones icon;

5 Play any music track and enjoy your wireless headset.

Connection withAndroid-devices

One of the advantages of Apple's wireless headset is its interaction with devices that work. To connect your gadget to headphones, just open your phone settings, go to the Bluetooth settings window and select AirPods from the list of available devices.

It is worth noting that the operation of the headset with third-party operating systems may be accompanied by slight background noise immediately after connecting the headset.

Sound

The sound of AirPods is much better than that of EarPods. The hardware component of a wireless headset differs significantly from its wired counterpart.

Despite the fact that all differ in the presence of noise, Apple managed to create a model that is devoid of these shortcomings (if you use the headset with compatible Apple technology).

AirPods users report a more “matte” and clear sound when compared to wired headphones. Testing the sound of music of different genres and directions showed that the bass is heard well, the performer’s vocals are clear, and acoustic tracks and classical melodies are reproduced volumetrically and pleasantly for the listener.

The playback quality is the same for both music from the library and files from streaming services and third-party sites.

Operating time and usage experience

Apple says that the operating time of the headphones in activity mode reaches 5 hours . As you know, company representatives have never tried to exaggerate the operating capabilities of their devices.

AirPods users actually note that the headphones are discharged after 5 hours of continuous listening to music.

In 5 hours you can listen to an average of 5 music albums, which is an excellent indicator for the autonomy of a wireless headset.

Function "Fast charging" allows you to fully charge the headset in 15-20 minutes. You can view the battery and dock status indicator by connecting the headphones to the phone.

It should be noted that AirPods not protected from moisture . Testing has shown that the headset does not break during a walk in the rain or after visiting the gym. But you don’t need to swim with your headphones in – this will leave them in a condition beyond repair.

Some users note that due to the strong magnet, the headphones are quite difficult to pull out. You won't be able to do this with one hand, because you first need to turn the plastic holder down and pull the headphones hard.

In general, they do not cause discomfort and provide a reliable mount for the gadget.

The design of the gadget does not imply strong sound insulation, so you should not expect a vacuum effect from the headphones. Even with the volume of the song being played at a high volume, you will be able to hear voices quite well in a crowded place.

It should also be noted that it is inconvenient to use Siri in a crowded place. If you control the assistant through a headset and are in a crowded place, the commands will be poorly recognized, because the AirPods will simultaneously record the voices of other people and extraneous noise.

Many users also note the convenience of fully automatic operation of the headphones. They don't need to be turned on or off all the time. The gadget itself will understand when to stop playing or pause the track.

Owners of wireless headphones to Apple gadgets often have the question of how to connect AirPods to an iPhone, and whether it is possible to connect AirPods to an Apple Watch. This review provides answers to these and other questions.

How to connect AirPods to iPhone?

To perform the initial setup of your AirPods wireless headphones, you need to sign in to your iCloud account from your smartphone. This is necessary for the headset to be compatible with any Apple device linked to the same account.

In order to make a connection, you need an iPhone, iPad or iPod with iOS 10 or higher:

  1. Open the case and place it near the device.
  2. The setup program will automatically launch on the device.
  3. Click on “Connect” and “Done”.
  4. Enjoy stereo sound.

To use on another iOS device:

  1. Open the Control Center program.
  2. Tap the icon at the top right to change settings.
  3. Click and select AirPods from the list provided.

How to connect AirPods to iPad, Apple Watch?

Connecting to other devices running iOS is done in the same order, but you need to know that the operating system versions for this must be:

  1. For Apple Watch -> WatchOS version 3 and higher.
  2. For Apple TV -> tv OS from version 11 and higher.

Connecting to MacBook

To connect, you need a MacBook with macOS Sierra or later:

  1. Place the accessory in the case.
  2. Press the button on the back of the case.
  3. The LED indicator between the headphone jacks will blink white.
  4. Click on the button in the menu bar and under Output Device on your MacBook and select AirPods wireless headphones.


Connecting AirPods to Android and Windows Phone devices

It is possible to connect wireless headphones to Android and Windows devices. The connection process is carried out in exactly the same way as with other devices with a Bluetooth module:

  1. Open the case and place it near the device
  2. Press the round button on the back. The white indicator will start flashing.
  3. Find the AirPods headset in the list of Bluetooth devices and pair.


What to do if AirPods can't connect to your device

If one of the headphones stops working, then:

  • first you need to install them in the charging case for 10 seconds;
  • after that, you should insert them into your ears, and after 3-5 seconds, the AirPods will automatically connect to your device;
  • You should check the connection indicator on the case - it lights up white during operation;
  • if this does not happen, then close the case and hold down the reset button and at the same time open the case;
  • in this case, the light will light up white or blink yellow for a short time, after which it will change to white;
  • If the connection does not occur, then you need to turn off the Bluetooth module on the device for a minute through the “Control Center” program.

Apple Wireless Headphones for Android are treated like a regular Bluetooth device. To connect them, no additional adapters or adapters are required, which is typical for Apple products.

Why are headphones compatible with any device? All modern gadgets have a Bluetooth data transfer function, which has allowed manufacturers to produce accessories with remote connection.

Using a connection example, let's look at the process of connecting headphones from an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi device on Android:

  1. Press the power button on the case without removing the headphones;
  2. Connect Bluetooth in settings;
  3. Select your device.
  4. After pairing, the case will give a color signal on the indicator.
  5. Put on your headphones.
  6. Check the connection by listening to audio.

Apple wireless headphones are suitable for Android, the process is similar for any device - simple connection via Bluetooth.

If the music does not play, check whether the case with headphones is turned on; turning it on and off is accompanied by signals on the indicator. If Bluetooth does not find the device, check the charge and try again.

How to use AirPods with Android?

When headphones are connected, try to stay within 50 meters of the paired device. This may cause the connection to break. If the music starts playing, but the headphones are not discharged, remove them and place them in the case. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the indicator turns orange. After rebooting, repeat the normal connection.

Airpods are suitable for all iPhone models, starting from the fifth. To connect, you just need to take them out of the case and put them on. When connected, the sensors give a signal to automatically play music, and when removed, they stop it. The main condition is that you have updated to the latest version of iOS. The accessory also allows you to control the voice assistant, synchronize work with other gadgets, and the indicator notifies you about the charge level. When connected to a non-native device, Airpods work as a regular headset.

To end the session and disconnect the accessory from your smartphone, go to settings and disconnect the device. The indicator on the headset gives a signal of any action performed.

Headphones Compatible:

  • with any Apple equipment with an updated operating system;
  • with any Bluetooth devices;
  • with Android devices.

Advantages and disadvantages

No matter how much they argue about the practicality of wireless headphones, Airpods have undeniable advantages. The headphones can work up to 5 hours on a full charge, which sets the product apart from its competitors. The case extends the charge for 24 hours, and a 15-minute charge lasts for 3 hours, these are market leading indicators among competitors. Also among the advantages are sound quality and purity. The device has technology to suppress extraneous noise, providing complete immersion in sound. Connoisseurs of music and audio content are ready to purchase Airpods, even if they have gadgets on other operating systems.

In the official store, Airpods cost around 14,000 rubles. The headset is contained in a compact charging case, which has a reboot function. The launch began after the release of iPhone 7.

The iPhone 7 comes with a standard headset, which requires an adapter to use. The catch is that now even Apple product owners must have additional accessories to connect their headphones. Connection occurs by connecting to the adapter, then to the smartphone itself.

The design caused a lot of criticism due to its inconvenience. Wireless iPhone headphones have become a real salvation for iPhone owners.

AirPods are new wireless headphones from Apple. They make it possible to interact with Siri, music and audio, and answer calls. They are popular with iPhone users but work with most iOS devices.

When you buy a new pair of headphones, you may wonder how to connect it to your iPhone. It turns out that everything is simple. Most of the process is automated. Don't worry if something doesn't go as planned.

Before you begin, make sure your AirPods are charged (they usually come with a charged battery) and that the device you want to sync them with is compatible. If you're not sure, you can see the supported devices below, but almost all current Apple products will work with AirPods.

Connection process

Pairing AirPods with new iPhone models is surprisingly easy. Take your iOS device and case. You can connect AirPods to iPhone as follows:

  1. Unlock the iPhone you want to connect to the pair of AirPods and go to the home screen (where you see all the application icons);
  2. Open the case with the headphones without taking them out and keep them near the iPhone;
  3. Wait until the iPhone detects the AirPods and click “Connect”;
  4. Click "Done."

Airpods are connected and ready to go. Also, if you use the same Apple ID and iCloud account on several devices, AirPods will automatically be configured to work with them.

Compatibility and supported devices

AirPods work with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, but all devices are expected to have the latest software installed. The connection takes place via Bluethoth. The headphones are compatible with the following devices and software versions:

  • iPhone (4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 7, 8, X), iPad, iPod touch, starting with iOS 10 and later;
  • Mac running macOS Sierra 10.12.3 and later;
  • Apple Watch with watchOS 3;
  • Apple TV with tvOS11.

Essentially, they are compatible with all modern versions of Apple software. If the device is brand new, it will work with these headphones, and even older devices are easy to connect if they have the software listed above installed.

AirPods not connecting to iOS or installed incorrectly? What to do?

If for some reason your headphones don't pair or sync with your iPhone after the above setup process, you'll need to hold down the setup button on your AirPods and try again. You should also do this if you are connecting the headphones to another iPhone:

  1. Put your headphones in the case if you haven't already;
  2. Press and hold the set button on the back of the AirPods charging case for 18 seconds, or until the charging light flashes orange and then white;
  3. Repeat the initial installation process mentioned above in the article.

It's also worth mentioning that while AirPods should come with the latest software installed, it's worth updating them if possible.

Your AirPods are now connected and ready to work with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Apple device. Using them is very simple, just double tap your headphones to call Siri, answer a phone call, control your music.

How to distinguish originals from fakes

Here are some tips to help you distinguish original Apple headphones from fake ones:

  1. Price. The first thing you should pay attention to when purchasing. Obviously, original AirPods cost much more than those made by a third party;
  2. Packaging and case. Look carefully at the case; it should be pure white, made of high-quality plastic, and smooth. If this is not the case, you can be sure that you have a fake in your hands;
  3. Headphone color. This is the easiest way to distinguish the original from the fake. The original AirPods only come in white;
  4. Build quality. The original headphones consist of three parts that are precisely connected to each other without unnecessary plastic. Also, compared to a fake, they look stronger, higher quality and heavier (due to the premium build quality);
  5. Comfortable to wear. Try inserting AirPods into your ear. Apple headphones should fit neatly under the ear cavity and should not fall out;
  6. Headphone control. The original ones do not have buttons. For control, they have built-in optical sensors and motion and voice accelerometers;
  7. Company logo and other designations. The original Apple case does not have their logo. There should also be no other inscriptions. On the headphones themselves there should only be the letters L and R, which indicate which earphone is right and which is left;
  8. Sound quality. The headphones are designed to produce the best sound using their own design. This design ensures deeper lows and crisper highs when listening to music. If the sound quality seems low to you, then this is a direct indicator that the headphones are fake;
  9. Microphone quality. Among other things, checking the quality of a microphone is an easy way to understand whether your product is original or not. Usually people don’t pay attention to such a detail, but it’s enough just to call a friend and ask if he hears your voice loudly and clearly, if there are any extraneous noises.

If you're not buying AirPods from an official Apple store, these tips will help you make sure you get the original earbuds and don't lose your money.

How to clean your headphones

Spending more than 10,000 rubles on headphones is not such an easy decision. And if you do purchase AirPods, don’t forget to take care of them, and then you won’t have to change them along with a new iPhone upgrade. After all, in the end you won’t just store them in a case. So here are some tips on how to clean your AirPods.

Dirt, dust, lint, earwax and more easily find their way onto the glossy white surface of the AirPods, requiring you to clean your earbuds from time to time. It's best to do this consistently to prevent dirt from accumulating.

  • Microfiber. Buy a microfiber cloth and carry it with you at all times and wipe down your AirPods and their case every few days;
  • Water. The headphones are made of plastic and glue, they are not waterproof or waterproof, but they are made very strongly. There are many reviews that these headphones remained functional even after being thrown into the washing machine. So don't worry if some water gets on them;
  • Contrary to popular belief, hand sanitizer and similar cleaning solutions are bad for electronics. Don't use them for your AirPods. You risk damaging the surface of the plastic, or even the internal electronics. Instead, a little water and a microfiber cloth will help you remove dirt or grease from the surface;
  • Cotton swab. While everyone would love for headphones to be one seamless piece of plastic, they aren't. And small cracks are easily filled with dust and dirt. In such places, the fabric will not help you. A cotton swab will be very convenient. It is also easy to remove earwax from the speaker grille;
  • Finally, if you find a particularly stubborn stain, use an eraser.

This way you can clean your headphones from dirt, and to preserve their appearance for a long time, don’t be lazy and follow the tips below.

  • Polish your Airpods with a microfiber cloth from time to time to keep the color vibrant and the surface shiny;
  • Don't forget about ear hygiene;
  • If you do not use headphones, store them in a special case;
  • Try to make sure that only you use your headphones. This advice also applies to the issue of hygiene.

Unlike conventional round earbuds, the design of Apple headphones is dictated by the shape of the auricle. This is why for many users EarPods are much more convenient than any other models. The EarPods speakers are designed to provide minimal loss of sound quality and maximum power.

Apple headphones have a microphone and an in-line remote control that lets you adjust volume, control music and video playback, and take and end calls with one touch. Find out how to use the three-button EarPods remote control as efficiently as possible later in our article.


How to control iPhone using EarPods remote

1. Play/Pause. Press the center button once to play music or pause a song or video. To resume playback, press the button again.

2. Skip to next song. Press the center button twice.

3. Skip to previous song. Quickly press the center button three times.

4. Flash forward. Quickly press and hold the center button twice.

5. Rewind. Quickly press and hold the center button three times.

6. Answer a call/end a call. A single press of the center button allows you to answer an incoming call or end the current conversation.

7. Reject an incoming call. Press and hold the center button for about two seconds and then release. Two short beeps confirm the call is rejected.

8. Switch to an incoming call or to a call on hold and put the current call on hold. Press the center button. Press again to return to the first call.

9. Switch to an incoming call or a call on hold and end the current call. Press and hold the center button for about two seconds and then release. Two short beeps confirm the end of the first call.

10. Using Siri. Press and hold the center button to launch the voice assistant. You can ask Siri any questions and tasks: from “set the timer for 3 minutes” to “what movies are showing tonight?” Siri can launch apps and turn features on and off, such as Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and Accessibility. Siri understands natural speech, so you don't have to learn special commands or memorize keywords.