When I first got my AirPods, I was all-in on the Apple ecosystem using my iPhone and Mac daily. But then life happened: I switched to an Android phone. That’s when the questions started flooding in.
Could I still use my AirPods? Would they work seamlessly? Or was I about to lose a lot of that “magic” Apple promises?
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than I expected.
Why I Tried Using AirPods with Android (And What Surprised Me)
Honestly, I love the convenience of AirPods the ease of pairing with my Apple devices, the intuitive ear detection that pauses music when I take them out, and the crisp sound quality.
So, when I switched to an Android phone, I was worried I’d lose all those features. But since I already owned the AirPods Pro and Max models, I didn’t want to buy new wireless earbuds just yet.
I quickly found out that AirPods do connect to Android devices, including Samsung phones and even Windows laptops, thanks to Bluetooth compatibility. The pairing process was simple enough just open Bluetooth settings, put the AirPods in pairing mode, and tap to connect. But…
One annoying issue was immediately clear: many handy Apple-specific features were gone. There’s no Siri on Android, no spatial audio magic, and no customizable double-tap functionality.
The ear detection feature didn’t work either, which was a bummer because I loved how it automatically paused music when I removed an AirPod.
I Hate How Some Features Just Don’t Translate to Android
Not having access to Siri or Google Assistant on AirPods was frustrating. On my iPhone, I could summon Siri to skip songs or change audio modes just by double-tapping.
On Android, the default double-tap function is locked in, with no way to customize it, which made me feel stuck.
Battery life was another pain point. While some Android versions show Bluetooth device battery levels, it never felt quite right especially since the two AirPods might be at different battery levels, or the charging case might be low and I wouldn’t know.
It was a little annoying to constantly guess when I needed to charge.
How I Improved My AirPods Experience on Android Using Apps
Thankfully, third-party apps like MaterialPods and AndroPods came to the rescue. These apps brought back some of the battery life info I missed and even added handy notifications whenever my AirPods connected to my phone.
MaterialPods, in particular, had a cool feature that lets you play loud audio through the AirPods to help locate them if you lose one.
I appreciated how these apps made the AirPods experience on Android feel less limited, even if they didn’t unlock every feature.
There’s a pro version for both apps that offers more advanced functions like auto-resuming music and voice assistant activation, but even the free versions were worth trying.
Still, there was a nagging feeling that these apps were just patchwork solutions none could truly replace the seamless integration I was used to on Apple devices.
What I Learned About Choosing Wireless Earbuds for Android
If you’re like me, caught between loving AirPods but using Android, you might want to consider other earbuds designed with Android in mind.
Wireless earbuds like Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer deeper integration with Android phones, including native Google Assistant support and better compatibility with Android settings.
These alternatives often come with similar or even better sound quality, customizable controls, and features that don’t rely on third-party apps.
Plus, there are options at different price points, from affordable throwaway sets to premium, high-quality earbuds.
Why I Still Use AirPods and When I Might Switch
Despite the drawbacks, I still love my AirPods for their sound quality and comfort. Pairing them with my Android device is easy, and with apps like MaterialPods, I feel more in control. But I won’t pretend it’s as smooth as using them with an iPhone.
If you want a wireless earbud experience tailored for Android, especially with features like Google Assistant and spatial audio, exploring Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds might be the way to go. But if you already own AirPods, don’t feel forced to ditch them just be ready for some compromises.
