Use AirPods with Androiddevice is a popular solution among users who appreciate Apple sound quality, but prefer smartphones based on Android. However, standard control gestures familiar to owners iPhoneon Android work differently or do not work at all. This creates confusion: how to switch tracks, pause or adjust the volume if the headphones are not synchronized with the ecosystem Apple?

In this article we will analyze all the current ways to control playback on AirPods (including models Pro 1/2, AirPods 2/3 and Max) via Android-smartphone. From standard double taps to specialized applications, you will learn how to set up convenient track switching without iPhone. We will also reveal a hidden function that allows you to emulate gestures iOS on Android without root access.

Why do AirPods behave differently on Android?

The problem lies in protocol Bluetooth and proprietary chips Apple. Headphones AirPods were originally designed to work with iPhone, where control is implemented through:

  • 🔹 A specialized chip W1/H1, optimized for iOS;
  • 🔹 Proprietary protocol Apple Media Service (AMS), which transmits track metadata and commands control;
  • 🔹 Integration with Sirinot available on Android.

On Android headphones are connected as usual Bluetooth headset with a limited set commands By default, only basic functions are available: answer a call, play/pause, and call the voice assistant (if configured). Switching tracks, adjusting volume and other gestures are blocked at the firmware level AirPods.

⚠️ Attention: Branded application Apple for Android (for example, Apple Music) does not expand management functionality AirPods. It only allows you to listen to music, but does not change the behavior of gestures.

Method 1: Standard gestures (limited functionality)

Even without additional settings AirPods support a minimal set of gestures on Android. Their action depends on the headphone model:

AirPods model Double touch (left/right) Triple touch Hold sensor
AirPods 1/2 Play/pause — Call voice assistant
AirPods 3 Play/pause (set in iOS) — Switching noise reduction modes (ANC/Transparency)
AirPods Pro 1/2 Play/pause or change noise mode — Hold - switching noise reduction modes
AirPods Max Button Digital Crown - volume adjustment Control button - play/pause Noise reduction button - switching modes

As can be seen from the table, switching tracks by default. not available on any model. However, there is a workaround: if your player supports control via Bluetooth remote control (for example, Spotify, YouTube Music), you can set the double tap to the "Next track" action:

  1. Open the player settings (for example, Spotify → Settings → Playback → Device management).
  2. Activate the option Use headset buttons.
  3. Assign the "Next track" action to double tap.
⚠️ Attention: Not all players support this function. For example, in standard Google Play Music or Apple Music for Android gesture settings. not available.

Method 2: Applications for advanced control

If standard gestures are not satisfactory, you can install third-party applications that emulate controls AirPods on Android. The most effective options:

  • 📱 AirBattery - shows the charge of the headphones and the case, and also allows you to assign actions to touches (required Android 8.0+).
  • 🎧 AssistantTrigger - emulates a call Google Assistant by holding the sensor, which can be used for voice switching of tracks.
  • 🔄 Podroid - a specialized application for AirPods with gesture support, display of charge level and action settings (does not work on all models Android).

Let's look at the setup using an example AirBattery:

  1. Download the application from Google Play and provide access to Bluetooth and Notifications.
  2. Connect AirPods to your smartphone.
  3. Go to Settings → Gesture control.
  4. Assign the double/triple tap action "Next track" or "Previous track".

Important: some functions (for example, charge display) may not work properly Android 12+ due to system limitations. In case, it will help enabling developer mode and activating the option Debugging via Bluetooth.

📊 What application do you use to control AirPods on Android?
AirBattery
AssistantTrigger
Podroid
Other
Not I use

Method 3: Voice commands via Google Assistant

If gestures are inconvenient, you can switch tracks by voice. To do this:

  1. Activate Google Assistant on your Androidsmartphone. (Settings → Google → Assistant Settings).
  2. Assign touch hold to AirPods to call assistant (in settings Bluetooth or through an application like AssistantTrigger).
  3. Say commands type:
    • "Next track"
    • "Previous track"
    • "Pause"

The advantage of this method is works on any models AirPods, including Pro i Max. Disadvantage - requires an Internet connection for voice recognition and may respond with a delay.

💡

If Google Assistant does not recognize commands, try reinstalling the voice input language or updating the application Google to the latest version.

Method 4: Using player widgets on the lock screen

The most reliable, but least convenient way is to control playback directly from the lock screen. Most music players (Spotify, YouTube Music, VLC) display a widget with buttons "Previous track", "Pause", "Next track". To use it:

  1. Start playing music.
  2. Lock the smartphone screen.
  3. Swipe up on the lock screen - the player widget will appear.
  4. Use the buttons to switch tracks.

    5. This method does not require additional settings and works on everyone versions Android. However, it inconvenient in motion (you need to take out the phone) and is not suitable for AirPods Maxwhere there is no access to the screen while listening.

    Make sure that the player supports widget on the lock screen|Enable the display of notifications for the player in the settings|Check that AirPods connected as a playback device-->

    Method 5: Flashing AirPods (for advanced users)

    For those who are willing to take risks, there is a way change firmware AirPods to unlock all gestures on Android. This method requires:

    • 🖥️ A computer with macOS or Windows (for tools like AirPods Firmware Tool);
    • 🔌 Cable Lightning/USB-C (depending on the model);
    • 🛠️ Skills in working with the terminal and understanding the risks (possible loss warranty or damage to headphones).

The process includes:

  1. Downloading alternative firmware (for example, AirPods Custom Firmware from forums XDA Developers).
  2. Connection AirPods to PC in mode DFU (to do this, you need to hold the button on the case for 15 seconds).
  3. Running the firmware command through the terminal: 
    python3 airpods_flasher.py --file custom_firmware.bin
⚠️ Attention: Unofficial firmware may contain vulnerabilities, lead to unstable operation of the headphones or damage. Apple does not provide support for such cases, and the warranty is void.
What happens if the firmware goes wrong?

If the firmware process is interrupted, AirPods they may stop turning on or connecting to devices. They can only be restored through the official service Apple (the cost of repairs is comparable to buying new headphones).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the optimal method, we will evaluate each according to the criteria of convenience, reliability and compatibility:

Method Convenience Reliability Compatibility Does root/PC required
Standard gestures ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ All models No
Applications (AirBattery etc.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Android 8.0+ No
Voice commands ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ All models No
Player widget ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All models No
Flashing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ AirPods 1/2/Pro Yes (PC)

For most users the optimal solution will be a combination of the application AirBattery and voice commands. This gives you control flexibility without the risk of damaging your headphones. If you need maximum functionality and are ready to experiment, consider flashing, but only on a backup pair. Applications like AirPods.

💡

Applications like AirBattery or Podroid are the best balance between convenience and security. They do not require root access and work on most models. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to eliminate them: Android And AirPods.

Common problems and their solutions

When driving AirPods With Android users encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

  • 🔴 Gestures do not work:
    • Check that AirPods are connected in the mode A2DP (for playing music), and not HFP (for calls).
    • Reconnect the headphones: forget the device in the settings Bluetooth and pair again.
  • 🔴 The application does not see AirPods:
    • Enable permission to access Notifications and Bluetooth for the application.
    • Update the headphone firmware via iPhone (if possible).
  • 🔴 Sound is interrupted when switching tracks:
    • Disable power saving mode on Android.
    • In settings Bluetooth disable Absolute volume.

If the problem persists, try resetting the settings AirPods:

  1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.
  3. Connect the headphones to Android again.
Is it possible to switch tracks on AirPods Pro 2 from Android without applications?

No, standard gestures AirPods Pro 2 on Android does not support switching tracks. The maximum that is available is play/pause and switching noise reduction modes. To control tracks, you will need a third-party application or voice commands.

Why did gestures on AirPods stop working after the Android update?

Most likely, the new update Android changed the processing Bluetooth commands. Try:

  1. Update the control application AirPods (if you use it).
  2. Reset network settings on your smartphone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
  3. Reconnect the headphones.
How can I find out what firmware is installed on my AirPods?

Checking the firmware version is only possible through iPhone or iPad:

  1. Connect AirPods to the device Apple.
  2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
  3. Click on the icon i next to AirPods.
  4. Look at the line Version (for example, 5A303 for AirPods Pro 2).

On Android this information cannot be obtained.

Will Siri work on AirPods with Android?

No, Siri available only when connected to devices AppleOn Android the touch hold can be reassigned to a call. Google Assistant (via settings Bluetooth or applications like AssistantTrigger).

Is it possible to set different actions for the left and right AirPods on Android?

Yes, but only using third-party applications such as AirBattery or Podroid. In standard settings Android this function is not available. Applications allow you to assign, for example, a double tap on the left earphone to “Previous track”, and on the right to “Next track”.