When it comes to connecting your AirPods to a new device, the case plays a crucial role. The reason you can’t connect your AirPods without the case is because the case acts as a bridge between your AirPods and the device you want to pair them with.
The case is not just a storage container for your AirPods; it also serves as a charging station and a communication hub. Inside the case, there is a pairing button that allows you to put your AirPods into Pairing Mode. When you press this button, it enables your AirPods to be discovered by nearby devices and establishes a Bluetooth connection.
Pairing Mode is necessary when you want to connect your AirPods to a new device for the first time. This is because your AirPods can only be paired with one device at a time. So, if you’ve previously paired your AirPods with your iPhone, for example, and now want to connect them to your laptop, you’ll need to put your AirPods into Pairing Mode using the case.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Open the lid of your AirPods case.
2. Press and hold the pairing button located on the back of the case until the LED light on the front starts flashing white.
3. Once the LED light is flashing, your AirPods are in Pairing Mode and ready to be discovered by nearby devices.
4. On the device you want to pair your AirPods with, go to the Bluetooth settings and look for your AirPods in the list of available devices.
5. Select your AirPods from the list and follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.
After the initial pairing, you won’t need the case to reconnect your AirPods to a device you’ve already used them with. Your AirPods will automatically try to connect to the last device they were paired with when you take them out of the case, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on that device.
It’s important to note that while the case is not required for reconnecting your AirPods, it is still essential for charging them. The case contains a built-in battery that can recharge your AirPods multiple times, ensuring they stay powered up and ready to use.
The AirPods case is necessary for pairing your AirPods with a new device for the first time, as it enables Pairing Mode. However, once your AirPods are initially paired, you can reconnect them to previously used devices without the case. So, keep your case handy for both pairing and charging purposes to make the most out of your AirPods experience.