How to connect AirPods to iPhone: A complete guide for every model

Whether you’re using AirPods for the first time or switching between devices, connecting them to your iPhone is quick and simple — once you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll show you how to connect all versions of AirPods to your iPhone, including AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, the latest AirPods 4, and even how to connect two pairs at once or add them to Find My iPhone.

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How to connect AirPods to iPhone for the first time

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Bluetooth)
  2. With your AirPods in the case, open the lid and hold it near your iPhone
  3. Wait for the setup animation to appear on screen
  4. Tap Connect, then Done.

That’s it — your AirPods are now paired. This method works with all AirPods models, including 1st through 4th gen, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max (with minor differences below).

Connecting AirPods Pro to iPhone

The setup is nearly identical to standard AirPods:

  1. Open the case near your iPhone
  2. Press and hold the back button if the setup screen doesn’t appear
  3. Tap Connect and follow the on-screen steps.

AirPods Pro offer extra setup for features like noise cancellation and spatial audio — the iPhone will walk you through it the first time.

How to connect AirPods Max

  1. Press and hold the Noise Control button until the LED flashes white
  2. Hold your AirPods Max near your iPhone
  3. Tap Connect when prompted.

AirPods Max will also guide you through setting up spatial audio and controls. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14.3 or later.

Pairing AirPods 4 to iPhone

The fourth-generation AirPods (expected in 2024/25) connect like previous models:

  1. Open the case lid near your iPhone
  2. Wait for the pairing animation
  3. Tap Connect.

If the animation doesn’t appear, hold the button on the case until the LED flashes white.

How to integrate with Find My iPhone

  1. Make sure your AirPods are already connected to your iPhone
  2. Open the Find My app
  3. Tap Devices
  4. Select your AirPods.

They’ll appear automatically if they’re paired with your Apple ID. From here, you can play a sound, locate them on the map, or get notified when they’re left behind.

How to link two AirPods to one iPhone

Want to share audio with a friend? You can connect two sets of AirPods to a single iPhone.

  1. Connect your first pair of AirPods as normal
  2. Open the control centre and tap the AirPlay icon on your music or video
  3. Tap Share Audio
  4. Hold the second pair of AirPods near the iPhone
  5. Tap Share Audio again.

Now both sets will play the same audio, with separate volume controls.

Bonus: Works perfectly with refurbished iPhones too

All of these steps work exactly the same on refurbished iPhones, including models bought from Swappie. Whether you’ve just switched to a refurbished iPhone or are pairing AirPods with an older device, iOS makes it seamless.

A properly restored iPhone from Swappie includes the latest software, Bluetooth functionality, and is 100% compatible with AirPods, no matter the version.

Conclusion

Connecting AirPods to your iPhone is easy — whether it’s your first time, you’re adding a second pair, or switching between devices. With just a few taps, you’ll be listening in seconds. And if you’re using a refurbished iPhone, everything works just as smoothly. It’s one more reason great tech doesn’t need to be brand new to work like new.

FAQ ❓

🎧 How do I connect AirPods to iPhone for the first time?
 Open the case near your iPhone and tap Connect when the animation appears.

🎧 How do I connect AirPods Pro to iPhone?
 Same steps as regular AirPods — just open the case near your phone and follow the prompt.

🎧 How do I connect AirPods Max to iPhone?
 Hold the Noise Control button until the LED flashes white, then bring them near your iPhone.

🎧 How do I connect AirPods to Find My iPhone?
 If they’re paired with your iPhone, they appear automatically in the Find My app under Devices.

🎧 Can I connect two AirPods to one iPhone?
 Yes. Use the Share Audio feature in the AirPlay menu.

🎧 Will this work on a refurbished iPhone?
 Absolutely. Refurbished iPhones from Swappie work like new and are fully compatible with all AirPods models.