Connecting your AirPods to your iPad is quick and easy. Just open the AirPods case near your iPad, turn on Bluetooth, and hit Connect when the option pops up.
Once you pair them, your AirPods will reconnect automatically every time you use them with that iPad. You don’t have to mess with the settings again.
I’ll cover what to check before you start, how to move your AirPods between Apple devices, and what to do if things don’t work right away. It’s all about making sure your AirPods work smoothly every time.
If you want to share audio with a friend, connect AirPods to more than one device, or fix connection issues, keep reading. You’ll find clear steps and tips to help you out.
Requirements for Connecting AirPods to iPad
You’ll need the right AirPods model, an iPad that supports Bluetooth, and the right software version. These things make pairing smooth and keep your sound working well.
Compatible AirPods Models
Almost every AirPods model works with iPad. That includes AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen), AirPods Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen), and AirPods Max.
Newer AirPods, like AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd gen) and AirPods 4, have extra features—lower lag, better sound—especially if you use them with newer Apple devices. Older AirPods will still connect fine, but you might miss out on some of the cool stuff.
If you use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you get Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. These work if your iPadOS supports them.
Supported iPad Devices
Any iPad with Bluetooth can pair with AirPods. That covers iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro from the last several years.
If your iPad is really old, you might still connect AirPods, but some features won’t show up. For example, automatic switching or spatial audio might not work on older models.
Here’s a quick list:
- iPad (5th gen and later) – fully compatible
- iPad mini (4th gen and later) – supports AirPods pairing
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later) – works with most features
- iPad Pro (all models) – full AirPods support
Software Version Needed
Your iPad needs a supported iPadOS to connect with AirPods. For basic pairing, iPadOS 10 or newer is usually fine. But if you want the latest features, you’ll need a more recent update.
For example:
- Spatial Audio needs iPadOS 14 or later.
- Automatic Device Switching works on iPadOS 14 and up.
- Personalized Spatial Audio needs iPadOS 16 or later.
If your iPad runs an old version, you’ll still get basic audio, just not the fancy stuff. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update. Staying updated keeps things working better.
👉 Want to take things further and share your screen? By reading our guide, How to Connect iPad to Projector: Easy Setup Guide, you’ll learn how to present with ease.
Pairing AirPods with Your iPad for the First Time
You can connect AirPods to an iPad in just a few steps. Sometimes you’ll see an automatic setup prompt, but you can also connect through Bluetooth settings if you need to.
Preparing AirPods and iPad
Make sure your iPad has the latest iPadOS. Updates help Bluetooth work better and fix pairing bugs.
Turn on Bluetooth by going to Settings > Bluetooth. If it’s off, switch it on.
Put your AirPods in the charging case and open the lid. Check the status light—it should be green or amber, which means they have power.
If you use AirPods Max, just take them out of the Smart Case and hold them near your iPad. Keeping both close helps the iPad find them fast.
Using the Setup Prompt
Open the AirPods case near your iPad. You should see a setup animation pop up. This works for almost all AirPods models, including AirPods Pro and Max.
Tap Connect to start pairing. If you have AirPods Pro or Max, you might get extra screens for noise control or spatial audio.
Once you’re paired, your AirPods link to your Apple ID. They’ll also be ready to use with your iPhone, Mac, or any Apple device signed in with the same account.
To check if you’re connected, look in the Bluetooth menu. Your AirPods should show up under My Devices as “Connected.”
Manual Bluetooth Pairing
If you don’t see the setup prompt, you can connect manually. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad.
With the AirPods in the case and lid open, press and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white. That’s pairing mode. For AirPods Max, hold the noise control button until the light flashes.
On your iPad, look under Other Devices and tap your AirPods. The status should change to “Connected.”
This works for all AirPods models and comes in handy if you want to connect to more than one iPad or even non-Apple devices.
Switching AirPods Between iPad and Other Devices
You can move your AirPods between your iPad, iPhone, and other Apple stuff pretty easily. The way you do it depends on if you want them to switch automatically, keep audio on your AirPods when something else connects, or just do it manually.
Seamless Device Switching
AirPods can switch automatically between your Apple devices if you use the same Apple ID. So, if you’re listening to music on your iPad and get a call on your iPhone, the AirPods might jump to your iPhone by themselves.
To control this, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad or iPhone. Tap the “i” next to your AirPods, then pick Connect to This Device. Choose Automatically if you like auto-switching, or When Last Connected to This iPad/iPhone if you want more say in it.
Automatic switching works best when you use one Apple ID for everything. If you use different Apple IDs, you’ll need to switch manually.
Using the Playback Destination Feature
Sometimes you want to keep audio on your AirPods even if your device connects to something else, like a car stereo. There’s a setting for that.
On your iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity. Turn on Keep Audio with Headphones. With this on, your AirPods stay active unless you pick another audio device.
If this setting is off, you might see a banner asking if you want to switch audio. Tap it if you want to move sound between AirPods and something else.
Shortcuts for Quick Switching
If you like manual control, you can switch AirPods fast with shortcuts. On your iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Press and hold the audio card, then tap the AirPlay icon to pick AirPods.
You can also switch from the lock screen or Now Playing widget by tapping the AirPlay button and choosing AirPods.
On a Mac, just click the volume control in the menu bar and pick your AirPods. On iPhone, it’s the same as iPad. These shortcuts make switching quick and painless.
💻 If you’d like more screen space for work or entertainment, read our article, How to Connect External Display to iPad: A Simple Guide, for clear steps.
Connecting Multiple AirPods to One iPad
You can connect more than one pair of AirPods to a single iPad if your device supports audio sharing. This lets two people listen at once and set their own volume or listening mode.
Audio Sharing Feature
Audio sharing works on iPads from 2017 or newer with iPadOS 13.1 or later. Both AirPods pairs need to be close and charged up.
First, connect your main AirPods as usual. Then, bring the second pair near the iPad with the case open. You should see a prompt asking to share audio. Tap Share Audio to connect both.
You can also use Control Center. Open it, tap the AirPlay icon, and select both AirPods. The iPad will play the same sound to each pair.
This works with most AirPods models, including Pro and Max, and even some Beats headphones.
Managing Multiple Connections
Once both pairs are connected, you get two volume sliders in Control Center. Each slider changes the volume for one set of AirPods, so you and a friend can set your own levels.
If you use AirPods Pro or Max, you can adjust listening modes for each person. Choose Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency as you like.
To disconnect one pair, go back to Control Center, tap the AirPlay icon, and uncheck the headphones you want to drop. The other pair stays connected until you take them off too.
🔄 Sometimes your iPad may freeze or act up. To fix it fast, check out our full article, iPad Hard Reset Guide: Fix Your Frozen Tablet in Seconds.
Troubleshooting Common AirPods Connection Issues
Most connection problems come from Bluetooth settings, software updates, or the AirPods themselves. You can usually fix things by checking your settings, changing audio options, or resetting your AirPods.
AirPods Not Detected
If your iPad doesn’t see your AirPods, make sure Bluetooth is on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and check that the switch is green. If it is, try turning it off and on again.
Put your AirPods in the case, close the lid for about 15 seconds, then open it again and hold the case near your iPad. The setup animation should pop up.
Check if your AirPods and the charging case have enough battery. Low battery can block pairing. Plug in the case and wait for the light to turn green, then try again.
If your AirPods still don’t show up in Bluetooth, restart your iPad. Restarting fixes lots of weird connection glitches.
Audio Playback Problems
Sometimes your AirPods connect, but the sound just won’t play right. First, check if your iPad is actually set to use your AirPods for audio.
Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap the AirPlay icon and pick your AirPods.
Take a look at your iPad’s volume. Lots of people forget and leave the volume super low, which makes it seem like the AirPods aren’t working at all.
Slide the volume up and try playing some music or a video. That usually does the trick.
If you only hear sound from one AirPod, put both back in the case for a few seconds. Then pop them back in your ears—sometimes they just need a quick reset.
Try cleaning the speaker mesh with a dry, soft cloth. Gunk or earwax can block the sound, making playback weird or uneven.
Resetting AirPods
If nothing else works, you might need to reset your AirPods. Put both AirPods in the charging case and leave the lid open.
Press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white. On AirPods Pro or newer, sometimes you need to double-tap the front of the case until you see that white flash.
That means they’re in pairing mode. Hold the open case near your iPad and follow the on-screen steps to connect them as if they’re brand new.
After a reset, you’ll have to re-pair your AirPods with your other Bluetooth devices, like your iPhone or Mac. Kind of a hassle, but it clears out the old connections.
Recommended Accessories to Pair with Your iPad & AirPods
Getting your AirPods connected is just the first step. To make the most of your iPad setup, you’ll want accessories that boost productivity and protect your device.
CHESONA offers high‑quality keyboard cases that turn your iPad into a true laptop replacement—perfect for work, study, or entertainment.
- CHESONA Step Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th 10.9″: A slim, backlit keyboard case with dual Bluetooth channels, letting you switch easily between devices. Great for students or anyone who multitasks.
- CHESONA ArmorDock Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9″ (6/5/4/3): A powerhouse case with built‑in M.2 SSD storage, HDMI output, USB ports, and a responsive trackpad—ideal for professionals who need desktop‑level performance on the go.
- CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 13″ (M4) 2024: Designed for the newest iPad Pro, this sleek case combines portability with a premium typing experience and support for Apple’s latest accessories.
With these accessories, your iPad and AirPods become more than just tools—they become a complete mobile workstation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to pair my AirPods with my iPad for the first time?
Open the AirPods case with your AirPods inside and hold it close to your iPad. On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Tap your AirPods in the list that pops up.
Can I connect my AirPods to multiple devices, including an iPad?
Yep, you can. AirPods pair with several Apple devices using the same Apple ID.
They’ll switch between your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when you start using one of them. It’s pretty smooth most of the time.
Why won't my AirPods connect to my iPad?
Make sure Bluetooth is on in Settings > Bluetooth. Check that your AirPods have enough battery and the case lid is open.
If they still won’t connect, reset them by holding the setup button until the light flashes amber, then white. Try pairing again.
How do I check if my AirPods are compatible with my iPad model?
Go to Settings > General > About on your iPad and check the iOS version. AirPods need certain iOS versions, depending on the model.
Newer AirPods might need the latest iPadOS, while older ones work with earlier versions. Updating your iPad is always a good idea for compatibility.
What should I do if my AirPods keep disconnecting from my iPad?
Make sure both your AirPods and iPad have enough battery. Try moving away from other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference.
If that doesn’t help, unpair the AirPods in Settings > Bluetooth, then reconnect them. Sometimes it just takes a fresh start.
How can I fix issues with AirPods sound quality when connected to my iPad?
Start by cleaning your AirPods. Wipe off any dirt you find on the speaker mesh.
Open your iPad’s settings and tap Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual. Make sure the audio balance sits in the middle.
If the sound still isn’t right, reset your AirPods. Then, connect them to your iPad again and see if that helps.
