The iPhone, the Apple Watch and the AirPods form the holy trinity of seamless communication. When you’re using AirPods, you can control playback or take calls from Apple Watch. You can even use AirPods directly with Apple Watch and leave your iPhone behind. Here’s how to use AirPods with Apple Watch.

How to Connect and Use AirPods with Apple Watch

First generation AirPods require watchOS 3 or later. If you’re using the second generation AirPods, you’ll need to upgrade to watchOS 5.2 and higher. If your AirPods are not showing up, first go the Watch app and update your Apple Watch.

Pair AirPods with iPhone

Apple Watch is still dependent on the iPhone. So you’ll first need to pair your AirPods with your iPhone. Then, all the devices connected to the same iCloud account will automatically be paired with the AirPods and switching between devices will just take a tap. This is the beauty of AirPods, you don’t need to pair and unpair when you switch between multiple devices. Just connect to another device and you’re good to go.

Connect AirPods with Apple Watch

If you’re using AirPods with your iPhone and you want to use Apple Watch to control playback, like volume or to change songs, you don’t need to connect AirPods to Apple Watch.

But if you’re planning to leave the iPhone behind and you want a direct connection between your Apple Watch and your AirPods, where you can play local Apple Watch content, you’ll need to connect to AirPods manually.

Step 1: Go to the Apple Watch watch face and swipe up to reveal the Control Center.

Step 2: Tap on the AirPlay icon (it’s the familiar icon with a triangle and concentric circles).

Step 3: From this list, select your AirPods. Now they’re connected to your Apple Watch.

You can connect your AirPods using any media app, and from the Now Playing screen. All you have to look for is the familiar AirPlay button, tap on it and then tap on your AirPods.

To disconnect your AirPods, simply remove them from your ears and put them back in the case. While you’re at it, you can also learn how to check AirPods battery life directly on your Apple Watch.

Your Favorite AirPods Tips and Tricks

We’ve already talked about our favorite AirPods tips and tricks. What are some of yours? Share with us in the comments below.