December 20, 2024, 9:16 am | Read time: 7 minutes
AirPods are by far the best-selling Bluetooth headphones in the world. One reason for this is how well they work with an iPhone. The situation is somewhat different with an Android smartphone.
AirPods are almost a must-buy for iPhone owners. The simple setup and ever-improving functions are solid selling points. But are the Apple headphones also worthwhile for Android smartphone users? Not really. TECHBOOK explains why Android users should opt for other headphones.
Overview
To clarify from the outset, this article is not intended for those who use both iOS and Android. In this case, there are hardly any restrictions, as the AirPods can always be connected and updated with the iPhone. This is about using AirPods exclusively with an Android smartphone. The following points show why the AirPods are not worthwhile in this case.
There Are No Updates – With One Exception
Many manufacturers now offer apps for their Bluetooth headphones to deliver improvements and new features through updates. With Apple, this works via iOS itself; no additional app is required. Apple rolls out new features and enhancements through iOS updates.
For example, the AirPods Pro have been given 3D audio with iOS 14. Automatic switching between devices has also been improved, and charging has been optimized for both AirPods and AirPods Pro. iOS 15 added support for the “Where is?” search function and the “Conversation Boost”. All of these things, which increase the quality of the product, are not available for AirPods in conjunction with Android smartphones. There are no improvements in stability or new functions. So you pay the same price but ultimately get less performance.
However, Apple details on an English-language support page that AirPods can be updated without another Apple device. According to this, you can either make an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple-authorized service provider to have the software update carried out directly on-site.
The Sound Quality is Worse
The AirPods (Pro) support only the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio format, which provides good audio quality with iPhones. In conjunction with Android, however, the AirPods produce poorer quality, as the audio-focused site Soundguys writes. Android, therefore, assigns Bluetooth a lower priority in order to reduce power consumption. Consequently, the energy-intensive AAC format does not perform as well on Android smartphones as on iPhones. Technologies such as Qualcomm’s energy-efficient “aptX” codec solve this problem for Android smartphones. AirPods, however, have none of this. It is thus recommended to select Bluetooth headphones for Android devices that support Qualcomm’s “aptX” audio codec.
These Functions Also Do Not Work for AirPods with Android Smartphones
Uncomplicated Setup
On an iPhone, simply opening the AirPods charging case initiates the setup process. This automatically starts the setup process on the iPhone. Read below to find out how the setup works on Android.
Wearer Recognition
When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, a sensor detects that they are in the ear. If you take them out, playback stops automatically. There are now many alternative Bluetooth headphones that support this function with both iPhones and Android smartphones. Additionally, AirPods transfer paused music to the iPhone, allowing playback to resume if needed.
Listening with a Single AirPod
When connected to an iPhone, you can only listen to music with one of the two AirPods. With Android, both must be outside the case. This function is also available on many other wireless earbuds.
Audio Sharing
Since iOS 13, it has been possible to play an audio source on two pairs of AirPods at the same time. For example, you can watch a movie together on the iPad without disturbing other people.
Automatic Switching Between Devices
The AirPods can detect when you are playing music on your iPhone and then pick up your iPad to watch a movie. They then automatically switch the audio source and play the sound from the device you are currently using. However, this function is linked to iCloud and, therefore, only works with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Other headphone models, such as those from Samsung, now also support this function for Android devices.
Ask Siri
The Apple voice assistant only works on an iPhone. However, there are ways to make the Google Assistant work on the AirPods under Android with additional apps.
Setting What Tap and Press Gestures Do
The AirPods and AirPods Pro have touch surfaces that can be used to control playback and start Siri. The headphones also support these gestures with Android. However, for a long time, it was not possible to change what the gestures did, unlike with an iPhone. However, there are now also Android solutions for this.
Display Battery Level
The iPhone (or iPad) can display exactly how much battery is left in the AirPods and in the case. Siri can also perform this task and read out the relevant information. This function is not available as standard on Android. However, there are apps in the Google Play Store that can imitate this function.
3D Audio
AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation), AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd generation), Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Pro, or Beats Solo 4 have the 3D audio function. In conjunction with their acceleration and position sensors, the headphones can determine their position in relation to the iPhone or iPad. This allows the AirPods to create a three-dimensional sound field in which the sound comes from the direction of the iPhone/iPad. The competition has recently followed suit and also offers headphones with similar technologies. There are also suitable apps, such as “Headphones Connect” from Sony, which enables 360 reality audio.
Adaptation to Ear Shape (AirPods Pro only)
With their built-in microphones, the AirPods Pro can determine whether the silicone tips fit well. If an attachment does not seal well enough, for example, the test can show this. In this case, it is advisable to try out other attachments.
What Actually Works?
The AirPods also offer some advantages with an Android smartphone. They have a good battery life despite the compact charging case. However, there are also limitations to be expected here, as the H1 or H2 chip installed with Android, depending on the model, cannot access all power-saving functions. However, in terms of the stability and range of the Bluetooth connection, Android device users can benefit from the chip. Compared to many other Bluetooth headphones, the connection is very stable, even at greater distances between the headphones and the smartphone.
The double-tap gesture on the AirPods surface works for playing and pausing. With the AirPods Pro, you can also fast-forward and rewind by squeezing the stem several times. However, alternative functions, such as calling Siri, cannot be set because there is no menu for this.
Active noise canceling (ANC) and transparency mode work with the AirPods Pro. However, you cannot turn off ANC directly. To set them up, you must connect the headphones to an iPhone or iPad. In addition, an Android smartphone does not give you access to future updates that can improve ANC and transparency mode.
Numerous users affected Netflix will soon stop working on multiple iPhones and iPads
Public Beta iOS 18 now available! What’s in the iPhone update
Update coming soon Hardly any iPhones are ready for iOS 18
Setting Up AirPods with the Android Smartphone
Despite the many limitations and our recommendation against it, using AirPods with an Android smartphone is still possible. Apple even offers instructions on the support page specifically for setting up the AirPods on an Android smartphone.
- Navigate to Bluetooth & Device Connection>Bluetooth in the Android settings.
- Now, it depends on which model you have:
For AirPods and AirPods Pro of all generations, you can open the lid of the charging case while the earbuds are inside. Then, press and hold the configuration button on the back of the case for about five seconds or until the status indicator flashes white.
With AirPods 4, you can also simply bring the open charging case with the earphones inside close to the device to be paired and then double-tap on the front of the case. The status indicator should then also flash white.
However, if you have AirPods Max, press the “Sound control” for about five seconds or until the indicator also flashes white. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until it flashes white. - The AirPods should appear in the list of detected devices. Select them to complete the setup.