Do AirPods Work Well on Android Devices?
Even though they were created for the iPhone, Apple’s AirPods work with Android phones and tablets, allowing you to benefit from its wire-free technology even whether you use Android or own both Apple and Android devices.
Of course, certain bells and whistles are lost, like as Apple’s exclusive AirPods pairing capabilities. On an Android smartphone, AirPods behave like any other Bluetooth headset, and there are methods to at least partially restore its functionality via Android applications.
Features of AirPods that don’t function on Android (Out of the Box)
Thanks to the W1 wireless chip in the first generation or the H1 chip in the AirPods 2 or AirPod 3, the accelerometer and other sensors, and close integration with Apple’s products, the AirPods provide a comprehensive range of functionality when coupled with an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac.
The following is a list of AirPods features that are unavailable while running Android:
Siri
For actions like changing music, adjusting the volume, or simply asking basic queries, you can push or tap to activate Siri on an iPhone. You may also activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” if you have AirPods 2 or 3.
Making Double Tap your own
On an iOS device, you may modify what a tap or press performs in the Settings app. Accessing Siri, Play/Pause, Next Track, and Previous Track are available options.
Switching automatically
For Apple customers, AirPods are connected to an iCloud account, making it simple to switch between using the headphones with an iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac.
Easy setup
Simply open the case next to an iOS device and complete the fast setup instructions to pair.
Examining the AirPods’ battery
Ask Siri on the iPhone or Apple Watch to check the battery life of the AirPods, or check it from the Today centre or Control Center, respectively. Fortunately, the AirBattery app or Assistant Trigger on Android may be used to replace this capability.
Automatic identification of ears
When you take an AirPod out of your ear while using an iPhone, your current audio track is paused until you re-insert the AirPod.
Listening with a lone AirPod
Because it employs ear recognition technology, using a single AirPod to listen to music is only possible on iOS devices. For the AirPods to connect on Android, you must remove both of them from their cases.
Space-Time Audio
AirPods 3 (and AirPods Pro) enable Spatial Music compatibility for Apple Music when connected to Apple devices, enabling a more immersive listening experience that makes it appear like audio is emanating from all around you.
AirPod Features That Work on Android
The functionality of AirPods on Android is relatively restricted right out of the box, although the double tap or press feature works. It will play or stop the music when you double-tap one of the AirPods (or push on the Force Sensor on the stem with AirPods 3). Next track and previous track gestures will also function if you personalised your AirPods using an iOS smartphone, however Siri and “Hey Siri” won’t operate on AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 since they need an Apple device.
The Bluetooth connection range of AirPods on Android is an extra advantage. On both Android and iOS, AirPods often have a Bluetooth range that is much greater than comparable Bluetooth-enabled headphones.
The remaining special features of AirPods are lost on Android, but there are a few applications for the platform that aim to bring back some of them, extending the usefulness of AirPods on Android.
The best way to restore lost AirPod functionality
You can now monitor the charge status of your AirPods with the addition of AirBattery. Like the battery interface on iOS devices, it displays battery levels for the left AirPod, right AirPod, and charging case. When paired with Spotify, it also features an experimental ear recognition capability that can halt music when you take out an AirPod.
The battery life of your AirPods is now shown with AssistantTrigger, which also claims to offer ear recognition functions. It may be used to modify tap gestures, enabling you to configure Google Assistant to be activated with a double tap.
How to Activate AirPods on an Android Phone
Although there are a few unique procedures to take, AirPods link to an Android smartphone just like any other Bluetooth device.
- AirPods case should be opened.
- On your Android smartphone, go to the Bluetooth settings.
- Hold the rear pairing button on the AirPods case.
- In the list of Bluetooth accessories, look for AirPods and then press “Pair.”
The AirPods should correctly pair with your Android smartphone after you’ve selected “Pair.”
Can I use AirPods with Android?
The AirPods are a fantastic wire-free earbud alternative that performs better than many other Bluetooth earbuds offered for Android smartphones, even if you only use Android-powered devices. If you own both iOS and Android smartphones, AirPods are a no-brainer since, with the right Android applications, you can use them on both with no compromise.
AirPods offer several appealing qualities that may appeal to Android users even without having many of the bells and whistles seen on iOS devices, while there are wire-free Android-specific choices that Android users may want to look at.
Many people who have used AirPods agree that they are solid and comfy in the ears, with little chance of them coming out, and the battery life is definitely tempting. Apple released the AirPods 3 in 2021, which feature an improved fit and are considerably more comfy in the ears. With a portable, small form factor, the charging case for AirPods offers a 24-hour battery life. As long as you have a Lightning wire, charging the case is likewise straightforward.
One key factor to consider while deciding whether to use AirPods with Android is audio quality. There may be worse streaming on Android due to the way Android handles Bluetooth codecs as Apple’s AAC codec does not work as well on Android as it does on the iPhone.
