How to Connect AirPods to an Apple Watch: Automatic and Manual Methods

AirPods that you have already set up with your iPhone are ready to use with your Apple Watch. To send watch audio to them, press the watch’s side button to open Control Center, tap the AirPlay button, and select your AirPods. If they do not appear, pair them manually from Settings > Bluetooth. The exact pairing gesture depends on your AirPods model.

Use AirPods already set up with your iPhone

Apple says AirPods set up with an iPhone are connected to both the iPhone and Apple Watch, so you usually do not need to pair them again. For automatic switching among Apple devices, keep them signed in to the same Apple Account. The watch can still show your AirPods as an audio destination even when you want to choose them yourself.

1. Put your AirPods in your ears, or open their case nearby so they are ready to connect.
2. Start a song, podcast, or other audio on Apple Watch.
3. Press the side button to open Control Center. (On current watchOS, Control Center opens with the side button; swiping up from the watch face is an older instruction.)
4. Tap the AirPlay button, then tap your AirPods in the list of audio destinations.

You can also open the AirPlay setting from the playback screen in Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks, or Now Playing. If the iPhone is the current audio destination, choosing AirPods from the watch’s list routes that playback to the earbuds. Automatic switching is convenient, but selecting the destination is the direct fix when another Apple device keeps the audio.

Apple’s current instructions are in Choose an audio destination on Apple Watch and Switch AirPods between Apple devices.

Pair AirPods directly from Apple Watch

Use manual pairing if your AirPods are not listed, you set them up with a different device, or you want to add them as a Bluetooth accessory. Keep the watch and AirPods near each other and make sure both have charge.

1. On Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to open the app list or grid.
2. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and leave the screen open while the watch searches for nearby devices.

Next, put the AirPods into pairing mode. Keep the earbuds in their case for the case-based models, and use the gesture that matches your model:

• AirPods 1, 2, or 3; AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Open the case with the earbuds inside, then press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white.
• AirPods 4 or 5; AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with the earbuds inside and double-tap the front of the case. Wait for the status light to flash white.
• AirPods Max: Press and hold the listening-mode button for about five seconds, until the status light flashes white.

When your AirPods appear in the Bluetooth list on Apple Watch, tap their name. The watch should connect; if prompted for a passcode, follow the accessory’s instructions. Apple’s guide has the current AirPods pairing gestures and Apple Watch Bluetooth pairing steps.

Play audio when you leave your iPhone behind

Connecting the earbuds only chooses an audio output; it does not put music on the watch. Before a phone-free walk or workout, make sure the audio itself is available: play music or a playlist stored on Apple Watch, or use a streaming service and network connection supported by your watch and plan. Apple explains how to play stored music and stream supported content in its Apple Watch Music guide.

If AirPods will not connect

• Check that Airplane Mode is off, the AirPods are charged, and the case or headphones are close to the watch.
• If the AirPods do not appear, close and reopen the case, then put the model back into pairing mode until its status light flashes white.
• If the AirPods appear but will not connect, on the watch go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info button beside them, choose Forget Device, and pair again. Forgetting AirPods can also affect their pairing with other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
• If the Bluetooth setting is unavailable or no Bluetooth accessory will connect, restart the watch and check for a watchOS update. If the issue remains, contact Apple Support.

For Apple’s full checklist, see Use AirPods and other Bluetooth accessories with Apple Watch.