What features do you lose if you use Apple AirPods with a Samsung Galaxy phone?

AirPods pair with Android like any other Bluetooth device, but most of their smarts stay behind on the iPhone.

By Luke James Oct. 25, 2026 12:45 pm EST Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Flip open an AirPods case next to an iPhone and up pops a card showing your earbuds and their battery levels, ready to connect with one tap. Do the same next to a Samsung Galaxy, and you'll get nothing. Instead, you'll need to double-tap the front of the case on AirPods 4, AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3 (or hold the button on the back of older models) until the light flashes white, then connect them manually through Bluetooth settings.