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Can AirPods connect to an old iPad?

As an owner of Apple AirPods, I’ve often wondered if they would be able to connect to my old iPad. Frustrated, I finally decided to do some research and testing to see if I could find an answer. Here I am to share with you how I solved this problem and some other solutions I discovered along the way.

AirPods require iOS 13 or later to be able to make use of most of its features such as automatic switching and Siri. However, AirPods can connect to most Bluetooth devices, including old iPads and they will still be able to work as regular earphones.

AirPods come with a number of features that makes them work well in the Apple ecosystem such as automatically switching between Apple devices and the ability to use Siri.

If you have an old iPad, you will not be able to use these features if the iOS version is older than iOS 13. However, it will still be possible to connect your AirPods to the iPad and use them to listen to the iPad.

Quick Tips for Using AirPods with iPad
AirPods can be connected to any iPad that features Bluetooth.
The iPad needs to be running iOS 13 or above to get the most out of AirPods.
AirPods come with features such as automatic switching, Siri, Find My iPhone, and charge monitoring that are designed to work with the Apple ecosystem.
AirPod Pros still function as regular Bluetooth earphones, but won’t be able to use the noise-canceling and transparent modes.
To connect AirPods to an old iPad, open the lid and hold the button on the AirPods case, then open the Bluetooth settings on your iPad and connect to the AirPods.

Can AirPods connect to an old iPad?

AirPods and AirPod Pros are able to connect to iPads via Bluetooth. As long as your iPad has Bluetooth, it will be possible for your AirPods to connect to it and function as regular earphones.

However, AirPods come with additional features that are designed to be used with the Apple ecosystem.

These features include:

  • The ability to automatically switch AirPods between Apple devices depending on which one you are using
  • Ability to use Siri
  • Ability connect AirPods to find my iPhone
  • Ability to see how much charge is in the AirPods case and the AirPods themselves
  • Ability to answer and reject calls

If you are thinking of getting AirPod Pros, you will also still be able to use the noise-canceling and transparent modes.

However, you will not be able to activate them through the iPad. This is not such an issue because you can just squeeze on the stem to switch between them.

AirPods
AirPods

How to connect AirPods to an old iPad?

To connect your AirPods to an old iPad do the following:

  1. Put the AirPods in the case
  2. Open the lid and hold the button on the AirPods case
  3. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPad
  4. Your AirPods should be displayed and you can connect to them by clicking on them

Why won’t my AirPods connect to my old iPad?

If your AirPods won’t connect to your old iPad, it might be because you have Bluetooth turned off, you are not holding the button on the case, or because you need to manually connect to your AirPods through your iPad’s Bluetooth.

Read more: Do you have to connect AirPods every time?

Can Airpod Pro connect to an old iPad?

AirPod Pros are Bluetooth earphones, so it will be possible to connect them to your iPad.

However, you will miss out on the same features as with regular AirPods as mentioned above.

It will also not be possible to control the noise-canceling and transparent modes through your iPad.

However, you will be able to activate noise-canceling or transparent mode by holding down on the stem of the AirPod Pros.

Read more: do AirPods use data?

Are AirPods compatible with all iPads?

AirPods can be connected to any iPad that features Bluetooth. However, to get the most out of AirPods, it will be necessary for the iPad to be running iOS 13 or newer (as of Feb 2022).

If your iPad is using an older iOS, you will only be able to use the AirPods as regular Bluetooth earphones.