How to pair your Apple AirPods to a Steam Deck

Note: As bluetooth only has a limited wireless range. We recommend that when trying to pair your AirPods to your console, you have the buds (and charging case) no further than one meter from your Steam Deck. 

• To place your Apple AirPods into pair mode. Open the lid of the charging case with your buds docked in their charging sockets.
• Next locate the pair button on the charging case.
• Press and hold down the pair button until the indicator light starts to flash white.

Note: It’s worth noting that because Bluetooth works on the 2.4Ghz WiFi spectrum. Other wireless devices may cause latency, or provide interference that prevents your buds from pairing or working correctly with your console. 

If you experience issues with pairing, try pairing in a different location where the interference is less. However for latency issues, try disconnecting and then reconnecting your AirPods, or removing the pairing and then re-pairing your buds to your console. More advice can be found on the Steam support page.

• On your Steam Deck press the Steam button.
• From the Steam menu select Settings.
• In Settings locate and choose Bluetooth.
• Enable Bluetooth.
• Under the heading Available to Pair, you will see your Apple AirPods.
• Select your buds from the list.
• When the AirPods are paired to your Steam Deck they will be listed under the heading Paired.
• Place your AirPods in your ears to use them with your Steam Deck.
• Removing your AirPods from your ears will return audio to the speakers of your console. 

Note: In order to save battery life, when not using your Apple AirPods with your Steam Deck. We recommend that you disable Bluetooth.

• Steam support article – Steam Deck – Basic use and Troubleshooting guide
• Mydoodads article – How to de-register and factory reset your Apple AirPods