Can AirPods connect to a Samsung phone or TV?

A pair of AirPods sit on top of two stacked Samsung phones
(Image credit: Future)

The best AirPods aren't limited to Apple products. You can use them with any Bluetooth-enabled device including those made by Samsung, such as its Galaxy phones and tablets, as well as the best Samsung TVs

If you've already read our how to connect AirPods to Android phones and tablets, then you'll likely be familiar with the steps as they're largely the same with any Samsung phone or tablet – and also work as a rough guide for connecting to Samsung TVs.  

Of course, you'll miss out on certain Apple features like support for Siri, in-ear detection, auto-switching between devices, spatial audio (including personalized with head tracking), Find My, and custom sound modes and controls but they do still work as an effective pair of headphones.  

Steps for how to connect AirPods to Samsung devices

  • Open your device's Settings menu 
  • Go to the connectivity or audio settings 
  • Put your AirPods into pairing mode
  • Select and pair your AirPods  

Step by step guide for how to connect AirPods to a Samsung phone

How to connect AirPods to a Samsung phone or tablet

(Image: © Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

While the following steps may vary depending on which Samsung phone or tablet you own, they should still give you the general gist of what to do. Open your phone's or tablet's settings and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If you don't see your AirPods under the available devices to pair then put them into pairing mode by holding down the button on the back of the case – or the noise control button on your AirPods Max – until they start flashing white. Then click on your AirPods when they appear to pair them with your Samsung device.      

Step by step guide for how to connect AirPods to a Samsung TV

How to connect AirPods to a Samsung TV

(Image: © Future)

Like a Samsung phone or tablet, you can also connect Apple's best headphones to the brand's TVs but the steps may vary between models. Not sure if your Samsung TV has Bluetooth? You can check this by going to the Settings menu, selecting 'Sound' and then 'Sound Output'. If you see 'Bluetooth Speaker List' then your TV supports it. It's in this same menu that you'll also be able to connect to your AirPods. If you don't see them, make sure to turn on pairing mode. From here, select your AirPods from the list and click 'Pair and connect' to get them connected. 

How to connect AirPods to Samsung devices: Final thoughts

A pair of AirPods sit on top of two stacked Samsung phones

(Image credit: Future)

While using an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV 4K will offer you the best experience when listening with AirPods, Samsung devices are great products too. One useful feature of Samsung devices that Apple doesn't yet have – for example – is support for next-generation Bluetooth connectivity. The software update was released last year to bring Auracast tech to its latest TVs and earbuds. However, AirPods don't yet support Auracast so this is not something you can take advantage of. That may change in the future but as it stands, AirPods are still effective headphones with Samsung devices. 

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Amelia Schwanke
Senior Editor UK, Home Entertainment

Amelia became the Senior Editor for Home Entertainment at TechRadar in the UK in April 2023. With a background of more than eight years in tech and finance publishing, she's now leading our coverage to bring you a fresh perspective on everything to do with TV and audio. When she's not tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos in the ever-evolving world of home entertainment, you’ll find her watching movies, taking pictures and travelling.