Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To put AirPods in pair mode, you open the charging case with the earbuds inside and press and hold the small setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. Once the light pulses, the earbuds are discoverable and ready to link to a new phone, tablet, computer, or other Bluetooth device. The exact steps vary slightly by model, but the basic idea is the same across the AirPods lineup.

Step-by-step: putting AirPods or AirPods Pro in pair mode

Start with both earbuds in the case and the lid open. Keep the case near the device you want to pair with, since Bluetooth discovery works best at close range.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

  1. Locate the setup button on the back of the charging case. It is a small, round button, usually near the hinge on the back side.
  2. Press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes white. Most owners find this takes about 5 to 10 seconds.
  3. Look at the device you want to connect. A pairing card should appear on an iPhone or iPad, or you can open Bluetooth settings on Android or Mac and select the AirPods from the list.

Putting AirPods Pro or AirPods Max in pair mode

The AirPods Pro line uses the same back-of-case button, though some owners report the flashing light is harder to see in bright rooms. The AirPods Max work differently because they have no charging case. Instead, press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown together until the status light on the headphones flashes white.

For a more detailed walkthrough of the Max, see How to Pair AirPods Max: Step-by-Step for iPhone, Mac, and Android. If you are working with the newest earbuds, AirPods Pro 3 Pairing Mode: How to Put Them in Pairing Mode covers that model specifically.

Pairing AirPods with iPhone, Android, or Mac

Once the earbuds are in pair mode, the connection process depends on the device. On an iPhone, the pairing card appears automatically when the case is opened near the phone, and you tap Connect. On Android, go to Bluetooth settings, choose pair new device, and select the AirPods from the list. On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, and click Connect next to the AirPods name.

If you are connecting to Android specifically, How to Connect AirPods with Android: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026) walks through the menu differences between phone brands.

When pair mode does not start

If the light never flashes or the earbuds do not appear on your device, the problem is usually the case battery or a stuck connection. Check the battery level first, since a nearly empty case may not power the setup function. Then forget the AirPods on the old device and try again. If one earbud stays silent after pairing, Only One AirPods Is Working? How to Fix It in 7 Steps covers that problem.

Common mistakes

  • Closing the case lid too early. Keep it open while you hold the setup button.
  • Pressing the button on the earbuds instead of the case. On AirPods and AirPods Pro, the button lives on the case.
  • Holding the button for only a second or two. A longer press is needed to trigger pair mode.
  • Leaving the AirPods connected to another device nearby. Disconnect them there first so they are free to pair.
  • Trying to pair from too far away. Stay within a few feet of the device.
  • Apple AirPods charging case replacement: helpful if the setup button is worn or the case no longer charges reliably. View on Amazon
  • USB-C charging cable: keeps the case topped up so the setup function responds consistently. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why is my AirPods status light not flashing white?

The case may be low on battery, or you may not be holding the setup button long enough. Charge the case for a few minutes and try again while holding the button for about 10 seconds.

Can I put AirPods in pair mode without the case?

No, AirPods and AirPods Pro need the case for the setup button. The AirPods Max are the exception, since they use the noise control button and Digital Crown on the headphones themselves.

How long does AirPods stay in pair mode?

They stay discoverable for a few minutes after the light starts flashing. If no device connects in that window, press and hold the button again.

Conclusion

Putting AirPods in pair mode takes only a few seconds once you know where the setup button is. Hold it with the lid open until the light flashes white, then choose your device from its Bluetooth list. If the process keeps failing, check the case battery and clear old connections before trying again.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.