Summary
- Apple's AirPods Pro 2 can be used with Android devices, allowing users to listen to music and podcasts and access core features like Active Noise Cancelation and volume control.
- However, some convenience features, such as automatic ear detection and Apple's Find My network, do not work with Android devices.
- Android users can pair the AirPods Pro 2 to their device by enabling Bluetooth, putting the AirPods in the charging case, and searching for them in the list of Bluetooth devices on their Android device. Some third-party apps can be installed to view battery levels.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are a great choice for iPhone users, but can they also be used with an Android device? Apple launched the AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022. They are the successor to the first-generation AirPods Pro that were launched in 2019, and bring a few thoughtful upgrades over the original model. These include better Active Noise Cancelation, a new low-distortion driver, and a custom amplifier, all of which help improve the audio quality. They also come with the H2 chip that replaces the H1 chip in the previous-generation model.
Apple's AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with iPhones, but their basic playback features also work with Android devices. The AirPods Pro 2 are no exception, meaning they can also be paired with any Android smartphone to listen to music or podcasts. The core AirPods features all work as expected with Android devices, including long presses to switch from ANC to transparency mode and swipes on the stem to change volume. The AirPods Pro 2 also let users summon Google Assistant on their Android smartphone via the 'Hey Google' voice command.
Using AirPods Pro 2 With Android Devices
However, like all other AirPods models, Apple's latest earbuds also lose a few convenience features when being used with Android smartphones. One such example is the one-tap pairing process that can be used to pair the AirPods with an iPhone. Within Apple's ecosystem, when users open the lid of an AirPods case, their iPhone automatically detects the AirPods and asks the user whether they want to pair the two devices. Just a single tap not only pairs the AirPods to the iPhone, but also to any other iOS device that uses the same Apple ID. This process, however, is unavailable with Android devices, meaning users have to manually pair the AirPods Pro 2 with their Android smartphone.
Some other key AirPods features that do not work with Android devices include automatic ear detection, AirPods control customization, and Spatial Audio. Apple's Find My network also doesn't work with Android devices, which might make it difficult to retrieve the earbuds if lost or misplaced. While these features may not be a deal-breaker for most users, Spatial Audio is a popular option that most audiophiles will want. So while the AirPods Pro 2 do work with Android devices, these users would be better off buying earbuds like Samsung's Galaxy Buds that are specifically designed to be used with Android smartphones.
How To Pair AirPods Pro 2 To An Android Device
For Android users who want to invest in a pair of AirPods Pro 2 despite the limitations, setting them up is pretty easy. The first thing to do is check if Bluetooth is enabled on the Android phone. Next, make sure the AirPods are in the charging case. Open the lid, and press and hold the button at the back until the LED light starts flashing white. Look for the AirPods Pro 2 in the list of Bluetooth devices on the Android device, and tap on the name to connect.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Among the most popular wireless earbuds for iPhone users, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) bring several improvements over the first generation model. They have an H2 chip that is designed to push advanced audio performance even further. This results in better noise cancelation and even more immersive sound. The AirPods Pro 2 also feature an Adaptive Transparency mode, four sizes of silicon tips, physical volume controls, and better battery life.
If users are having trouble connecting the AirPods to their Android devices, there are a few things they can try. It may be a matter of disconnecting any Apple devices they were previously paired to, which may be competing with the Android device to pair. To confirm if this is the issue, users should try turning off Bluetooth on their connected Apple devices while setting up the AirPods on the new device. AirPods may also fail to pair if the battery is drained. Users should try charging the earbuds in the case for 15 minutes or so before attempting to pair them again.
Once the AirPods are connected, users can proceed to use them like they would on an iPhone, but they won't be able to view the battery levels. There's a workaround for this though. Users can install third-party apps like PodAir or AndroPods. While these are free apps, some premium features might require an in-app purchase. Once the app of choice has been installed, Android users will need to launch it and then open the lid of their AirPods Pro 2 case to see the battery levels.
Source: Apple