Apple in March 2019 debuted second-generation AirPods, featuring several updates over the original massively popular wireless earbuds of the same name. Then, in October 2019, Apple launched the AirPods Pro, a higher-end version of its existing AirPods with a unique design, noise cancellation technology, better sound, and a more expensive $249 price tag.

If you've just received a version of AirPods earbuds, you'll be raring to use them to listen to music, take phone calls, use Siri, and more. Keep reading to learn how to set up and connect them to your devices.

airpods2

Update Your Software

As mentioned, Apple's second-generation AirPods include new features not seen in the previous model, and AirPods Pro have additional features of their own, but to use them you'll need to make sure your devices are running the latest software.

On iOS devices:

If you want to use your new AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, make sure you're running iOS 12.2 or later. If you've got AirPods Pro, make sure you're running iOS 13.2 or later or iPadOS 13.2 or later.

software update ios 12
To check that your device's software is up to date, launch the Settings app and then select General -> Software Update, and download any available updates if necessary.

On Mac:

To use second-generation AirPods with your Mac, it needs to be running macOS 10.14.4 or later. For AirPods Pro, you need to be running macOS 10.15.1 or later. To check that your machine is up to date with the latest software, select System Preferences... from the Apple () menu in the top-left corner of the screen, and then click Software Update in the preferences window.

macos mojave software update
If your Mac finds an update is available, click the Update Now button to download the software and allow the software to install when prompted.

Set Up New AirPods on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Before you can begin using your new AirPods with your iOS devices, there are a few quick steps you need to perform.

  1. Unlock your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or iPod touch. If your device is already unlocked, navigate to the Home screen.
  2. Bring the AirPods or AirPods Pro case – with the AirPods inside – close to your device and open the case lid.
    airpods2heysiri

  3. Wait for the setup animation to appear on your device's screen.
  4. Tap Connect, then tap Done.
  5. If you haven't set up "Hey ‌Siri‌" already on your device, you'll be guided through the setup.

And that's all there is to it. Your AirPods or AirPods Pro should now pair seamlessly with your device whenever you go to use them. Note that if you're signed in to iCloud, your AirPods or AirPods Pro will be set up automatically with any of your supported devices that are signed in to ‌iCloud‌ with the same Apple ID.

Connect New AirPods to Your Mac

If you've set up your AirPods or AirPods Pro with your ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, or iPod touch and your Mac is signed in to ‌iCloud‌ with the same ‌Apple ID‌, then your AirPods should be ready to use with your Mac. In that case, all you you need to do is put your AirPods in your ears, click the Bluetooth icon in your Mac's menu bar, select your AirPods or AirPods Pro from the dropdown list, and click Connect.

how to pair airpods with your mac
If you don't see your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu, check out our dedicated how-to article on how to pair AirPods manually with your Mac and customize the gesture controls.

Connect New AirPods to Android Devices

You can use AirPods and AirPods Pro with Android smartphones and other devices. You won't be able to use "Hey ‌Siri‌" but you can use them to listen and talk. Check out our special guideo learn how to use AirPods on Android, as well as the benefits, the downsides, and how well AirPods work on non-Apple devices.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

Leehowell1983 Avatar
89 months ago
Does anyone know if I need to delete my old AirPods before pairing my new ones?
No i have connected both at the same time. It switches between them when u put them in
[doublepost=1553599010][/doublepost]
Yeah just tested, needs the latest version of watchOS. Guess that means release must be today.
5.2 is out

Attachment Image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sheza Avatar
89 months ago
Do we have to unpair our first gen AirPods??
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justabrake Avatar
88 months ago
I had ordered these because I walk by water sometime works great holds very well

Attachment Image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
c.leonard66h Avatar
89 months ago
Can't use new AirPods on Apple Watch yet. As requires watchOS 5.2 which isn't yet publicly available.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pcmike Avatar
89 months ago
It would be great if we could pick these up today at the Apple store...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iConnected Avatar
89 months ago
Ya, my local store just finally has availability. Going to pick them up now.
Cool. Very pleased with mine. Am sure you will be too. :)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 17 models

No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest

Thursday January 1, 2026 8:43 am PST by
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest...
duolingo ad live activity

Duolingo Used iPhone's Dynamic Island to Display Ads, Violating Apple Design Guidelines

Friday January 2, 2026 1:36 pm PST by
Language learning app Duolingo has apparently been using the iPhone's Live Activity feature to display ads on the Lock Screen and the Dynamic Island, which violates Apple's design guidelines. According to multiple reports on Reddit, the Duolingo app has been displaying an ad for a "Super offer," which is Duolingo's paid subscription option. Apple's guidelines for Live Activity state that...
Clicks Communicator Feature

'Clicks Communicator' Unveiled — Will You Carry This With Your iPhone?

Friday January 2, 2026 6:35 am PST by
The company behind the BlackBerry-like Clicks Keyboard accessory for the iPhone today unveiled a new Android 16 smartphone called the Clicks Communicator. The purpose-built device is designed to be used as a second phone alongside your iPhone, with the intended focus being communication over content consumption. It runs a custom Android launcher that offers a curated selection of messaging...
apple intelligence black

Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026

Tuesday December 30, 2025 9:01 am PST by
Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues. The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data...
Low Cost MacBook Feature A18 Pro

Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

Friday January 2, 2026 9:08 am PST by
Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce. In a press release this week, the Taiwanese research firm said this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing." TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more...
apple fitness 2026 1

Apple Teases 'Something Big' Coming Soon to Apple Fitness+

Tuesday December 30, 2025 2:11 pm PST by
The Apple Fitness+ Instagram account today teased that the service has "big plans" for 2026. In a video, several Apple Fitness+ trainers are shown holding up newspapers with headlines related to Apple Fitness+. What's Apple Fitness+ Planning for the New Year? Something Big is Coming to Apple Fitness+ The Countdown Begins. Apple Fitness+ 2026 is Almost Here 2026 Plans Still Under ...
Apple Fitness Plus hero

Apple Announces New Fitness+ Workout Programs, Strava Challenge, and More

Friday January 2, 2026 6:43 am PST by
Apple today announced a number of updates to Apple Fitness+ and activity with the Apple Watch. The key announcements include: New Year limited-edition award: Users can win the award by closing all three Activity Rings for seven days in a row in January. "Quit Quitting" Strava challenge: Available in Strava throughout January, users who log 12 workouts anytime in the month will win an ...
Mac Pro Feature Blue

What's Happening With the Mac Pro?

Wednesday December 31, 2025 9:59 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2023, and according to recent rumors, there's no update coming in the near future. In fact, Apple might be finished with the Mac Pro. Bloomberg recently said that the Mac Pro is "on the back burner" and has been "largely written off" by Apple. Apple apparently views the more compact Mac Studio as the ideal high-end pro-level desktop, and it has almost...