How to Pair AirFly with AirPods and Other Bluetooth Headphones: A Quick Tutorial

AirFly is a game-changer for anyone who wants to use their favorite Bluetooth headphones with devices that lack Bluetooth, like in-flight entertainment systems, gym equipment, or older audio jacks. Whether you're traveling, working out, or just want to enjoy wireless audio on a long flight, AirFly makes it effortless. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the simple steps to pair AirFly with AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones, so you can start enjoying your audio without the hassle of wires.

Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand what AirFly does. AirFly is a compact Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into any device with a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to transmit audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. It's compatible with a wide range of devices, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort, and many others. With AirFly, you can finally use your favorite wireless earbuds on a plane, at the gym, or with any device that still uses a headphone jack.

What You'll Need

Before you start the pairing process, make sure you have the following items ready: your AirFly transmitter, your Bluetooth headphones (such as AirPods), and the device you want to connect to (like an airplane seat's entertainment system or a treadmill). Ensure that your AirFly is fully charged – a full charge typically provides up to 10 hours of battery life, so you'll have plenty of time for long flights or workouts.

It's also a good idea to check if your AirFly has the latest firmware. While not always necessary, updating the firmware can improve compatibility and performance. You can check for updates through the Twelve South AirFly app or the official website. Keeping your AirFly up to date ensures a smooth pairing experience with newer headphone models.

• AirFly transmitter (any model)
• Bluetooth headphones (AirPods, AirPods Pro, etc.)
• Device with a 3.5mm audio jack
• USB cable for charging (if needed)

Step-by-Step Pairing Guide

The first step is to put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode. For AirPods, simply open the charging case and hold the button on the back until the LED flashes white. For other headphones, refer to the manufacturer's instructions – usually, you'll press and hold the power button or a dedicated pairing button until the LED blinks.

Next, plug your AirFly into the audio jack of the device you want to use. For example, if you're on a plane, insert AirFly into the headphone jack on the seat's armrest. Once plugged in, the AirFly will automatically enter pairing mode, indicated by a blinking blue LED. If it doesn't, press the multi-function button on AirFly for a few seconds until the LED starts blinking.

Now, wait for your headphones to detect AirFly. On your AirPods, you'll see a notification on your iPhone or iPad, or you can check the Bluetooth settings. For other headphones, they may automatically connect, or you may need to select 'AirFly' from the list of available devices. Once connected, the LED on AirFly will turn solid blue, and you'll hear a confirmation tone in your headphones.

• Make sure your headphones are in pairing mode before plugging in AirFly.
• If connection fails, turn off your headphones and turn them back on, then try again.
• Keep AirFly and your headphones within a reasonable range (usually 30 feet) for a stable connection.

Tips for a Seamless Experience

To get the most out of your AirFly, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, if you're using AirFly with AirPods, you can easily control volume and playback using your AirPods' touch controls or Siri. This makes it convenient to adjust audio without reaching for the device.

Another tip is to use AirFly with the included USB cable to charge it while in use, if needed. This is especially handy on long flights where you might run low on battery. Simply connect the USB cable to a power source, and you can continue using AirFly without interruption.

If you encounter any connectivity issues, try resetting your AirFly by pressing and holding the multi-function button for 10 seconds. This will clear any saved pairings and put it back into pairing mode. Then, repeat the pairing steps. This often resolves most common issues.

• Use the 'Share' feature on some AirFly models to connect two pairs of headphones simultaneously.
• Keep AirFly in a safe place when not in use to avoid losing it – consider using a protective case.
• Remember to turn off AirFly when not in use to save battery life.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might run into issues when pairing AirFly with your headphones. A common problem is that your headphones don't appear in the list of available devices. This could be because your headphones are not in pairing mode, or they are already connected to another device. Make sure to disconnect them from any other Bluetooth connections and try again.

Another issue is audio lag or poor sound quality. This can happen if there are too many wireless devices in the area causing interference. Try moving closer to the audio source or turning off other Bluetooth devices. Also, ensure that your AirFly is not obstructed by metal objects, which can block the signal.

If you're still having trouble, consult the user manual that came with your AirFly or visit the Twelve South website for additional support. There, you'll find FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and firmware updates to help you resolve any issues.

• If your headphones are not connecting, forget the AirFly from your Bluetooth settings and re-pair.
• Check if your AirFly is compatible with your specific headphone model – most are, but it's worth verifying.
• Resetting your AirFly can often fix persistent pairing problems.

Pairing AirFly with your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones is a straightforward process that opens up a world of wireless audio possibilities. Whether you're on a plane, at the gym, or just want to use your wireless earbuds with older devices, AirFly is the perfect companion. If you don't have an AirFly yet, consider adding one to your travel kit. And don't forget to check out other Twelve South accessories like the HiRise 3 Wireless Charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods to keep all your devices powered up and organized.