AirPods, AirPod Pros, and other headphones with a W1
Which headphones have the W1 or H1 chip?
As of this writing, the following Apple and Beats headphones have the W1 or H1 chip. The steps in this guide apply to all of them.
If your headphones aren't on the list, it's probably just your regular Bluetooth headphones. Check out our guide to connecting Bluetooth headphones to an Apple Watch for help (link to the other article please Chris!).
- Apple AirPods 1st Generation (W1)
- Apple AirPods 2nd Generation (H1) [19659008] Apple AirPods Pro (H1)
- BeatsX (W1)
- Beats Studio 3 (W1)
- Beats Solo 3 Wireless (W1)
- Beats Powerbeats 3 Wireless (W1)
- Beats Solo Pro (H1)
- Powerbeats Pro (H1)
- Powerbeats (H1)
To solve problems with your headphone connection there is no difference between the W1 and H1 chips. The H1 is simply a newer chip model that allows "Hey Siri" support and otherwise improves the wireless performance of the headphones.
RELATED: What is Apple's W1 chip?
Pair your AirPods with your First iPhone or iPad
If you have a new pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro or other compatible headphones, pairing with your iPhone or iPad will pair them automatically with your Apple Watch as long as both devices are on the same iCloud his connected account.
First, go to the home screen on your iPhone or iPad.
If your headphones have a charging case, such as the AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Powerbeats Pro, open them next to the iPhone or iPad – with the headphones still inside.
If your headphones have an on / off button, such as the BeatsX or Powerbeats, press them for a second while holding them next to the iPhone or iPad.
When the installation animation appears, tap “Connect.” Your headphones are now paired with your iPhone and your Apple Watch.
Selecting your AirPods on your Apple Watch
Whenever you play music or other audio with your Apple Watch, it should run automatically through your AirPods or other headphones. If not, you can force select it on your Apple Watch.
With your AirPods or other headphones on and off their cases, swipe up on the home screen of your Apple Watch to access the Control Center.
Scroll down and tap the "Audio sources" icon.
You should see your headphones in the list. Tap on their name to play audio through them. If you don't see them in the list, continue to the next section.
Manually pairing your AirPods with your Apple Watch
While you should never have to do this, it's worth knowing how to get AirPods and other Apple or Beats headphones can pair manually with your Apple Watch.
On your Apple Watch, go to Settings> Bluetooth.
When you see your headphones here, they are ready to pair. Turn them on and keep them close to do this.
If you don't see your headphones here, it's time to pair them manually.
First, put your headphones in pairing mode. With AirPods, AirPods Pro and other headphones with a charging case, open the case and press and hold the sync button (on the back or just inside the case) for five seconds. For headphones without a charging case, press and hold the power button for five seconds.
Within a few seconds, the headphones should appear under Devices. Tap it to pair.
Now you should be done.
