how to make airpods discoverable

To make AirPods discoverable (enter pairing mode), the general process is:

1. Place both AirPods inside the charging case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light on the front starts flashing white.
3. This flashing white light means the AirPods are in pairing mode and discoverable by Bluetooth devices.
4. Then, go to the Bluetooth settings on the device you want to pair and select your AirPods to connect.

For AirPods 4 specifically, instead of a button on the back, you open the case with AirPods inside and then double-tap the front of the case until the white light flashes, making them discoverable. This process works for connecting to iPhones, Android devices, Macs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. If the AirPods were previously connected to another device, it helps to disconnect or forget them on that device first before pairing with a new one. Using discoverable mode lets the AirPods be found and connected by new devices quickly. In summary, making AirPods discoverable means putting them in Bluetooth pairing mode by using the button on the case (or double-tap the case for AirPods 4), indicated by a flashing white light on the case. Then find and select them in the Bluetooth settings of the device to pair.

If needed, I can also provide more details on troubleshooting or device- specific pairing steps.