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Can you use AirPods on in-flight TVs?

Want to watch the in-flight entertainment with your AirPods? We’ll show you how.

apple airpods and in-flight entertainment
Image: KnowTechie

Quick Answer: Yes, you can use AirPods on an airplane TV. You need the correct adapter to get everything sync’ed up, whether you’re flying JetBlue, Delta, United, or any other airline.

Apple AirPods are everywhere. So, seeing them on an airplane is definitely not out of the ordinary.

A long flight across the country or overseas usually leads to boredom. You can read, write, or enjoy a large catalog of movies and shows on an airline’s in-flight seat-back TVs.

You may be wondering how to connect AirPods to these in-flight entertainment systems, whether its to catch up on Game of Thrones or whatever collection of movies the flight is broadcasting.

person using an inflight entertainment system

Of course, to enjoy the entertainment, a traveler will have to use headphones. Either your own or buy some cheap ones provided by the airline.

What about those who have AirPods? After all, they do have exceptional sound quality and the ability to cancel out outside noise.

If you’ve ever flown, you know the drill: the engine hums in the background and there’s always someone chattering away.

Of course, having something that blocks all that noise is essential.

Can you use the AirPods on an airplane to watch the built-in TVs?

Answer: You can, but it requires extra equipment, like an AirPods airplane adapter.

The majority of airlines have a universal 3.5mm headphone jack. So, all you will have to do is purchase a Bluetooth adapter with a 3.5mm jack.

There are more than a few available on Amazon. One of the top-rated adapters is the fittingly named AirFlfy.

airfly inflight bluetooth adapter next to a passport and several pairs of headphones
Image: Twelve South

READ MORE: How to connect two AirPods to one phone

So how do go about setting up your AirPods and Airfly to an in-flight entertainment system? Surprisngly, it’s a pretty painless process. Here’s how do to it.

How to connect AirPods to a plane TV

  1. Push the button on the adapter, that will put the device into pairing mode.

  2. Hold the rear button on the AirPods case to put them into pairing mode.

  3. Pay attention to the lights on both the AirPods and the adapter – if it changes colors or stops flashing, that means they are paired.

  4. Plug in the adapter to the headphone jack in the entertainment center and enjoy your flight.

There you have it – a quick and easy guide on using a 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter to use your AirPods with an in-flight entertainment system.

Remember, you’ll probably want to snag one of the adapters before your flight because you might be hard-pressed finding them in an airport.

READ MORE: Will Apple AirPods work on a plane?

Word of the wise: keep the adapter charged. Also, if you plan on using AirPods for an entire flight, remember to keep them charged or else all of this was for nothing.

What do you think? Plan on using your AirPods with in-flight entertainment? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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