Developer says you can “unlock” AirPods to use them on Android and Linux devices
The app provides an opportunity to gain access to more AirPods features, however, it does come with some limitations that require gaining a device’s administrative rights, a move that not so many consumers are willing to take.
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The app provides an opportunity to gain access to more AirPods features, however, it does come with some limitations that require gaining a device’s administrative rights, a move that not so many consumers are willing to take.
While Apple’s AirPods can be used on Android devices via Bluetooth connection, they can’t live up to their full potential, as they lack additional features that AirPods are known for when paired with, let’s say, a Samsung.
Nevertheless, Apple’s earbuds are known to have numerous useful features, including automatic ear detection, seamless switching between devices, Spatial Audio, and, in the event of lost earbuds, Apple’s Find My network.
This might no longer be an issue with the developer Kavish Devar introducing a free third-party app, LibrePods, which allows some Android and Linux device users to use AirPods with all of its advanced features.
How does the LibrePods app work?
The creator of the app shared on Reddit that he used “reverse-engineered the protocol that AirPods use to communicate with Apple devices and implemented several features on Android (and Linux).”
This allowed him to expand the AirPods features when connected to other devices, not just Apple products.
These features include automatic ear detection, conversational awareness, which would lower the volume when a user starts to speak, and a custom transparency mode.
The LibrePods also allow users to access the AirPods hearing aid feature, which was released last year. Android and Linux users can now also answer calls with hand gestures, just like AirPods users on Apple devices. They can also check battery status and have multiple devices connected simultaneously.
However, the app, which works with all AirPods models, doesn’t include a heart rate monitoring feature, which is available with the AirPods Pro 3, the latest version of Apple's earbuds.
Limitations, or “What’s the catch?”
It may seem that the app solves a problem for many non-Apple smartphone users, however, there’s one catch.
Users with OnePlus or Oppo devices running ColorOS or OxygenOS 16 can use LibrePods without needing to root their smartphones.
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Meanwhile, LibrePods only works on Android smartphones that have been rooted, meaning the device owner gains administrative rights and is provided with control to perform actions, such as removing restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.
The developer explained that this “obstacle” happened due to “a bug in Android’s Bluetooth stack. There is some issue with how it handles ‘extended flow control’ connection mode.”
Users’ take: accessible features, but at what cost?
Even though the app works with some limitations and requires some smartphones to be rooted, netizens praised Devar for his work.
“Great job and very polished! Sucks that you need root but not your fault. Unfortunately I'll not be able to try it on as my work applications and revolut bank application will not like my rooted device,” wrote one user.
“Great app, would love to use it, but never rooting my phone in 2025,” noted another netizen, resisting the idea of messing with their device.
Nevertheless, some users found the application worth it. “Damn, this may the first app worth rooting for in a long time,” wrote one user, adding: “That said, having a Linux version is incredible. It may completely let me use my faulty airpods pro 2s again.”
“They're too ugly for me. But well done on the tech side, you're very talented,” shared another netizen.
Why do users want AirPods?
What might be the reason for some non-Apple users wanting to use AirPods? Over the years, the company has introduced additional features to its earbuds that push it beyond being a simple device for listening to music or podcasts.
Apple’s latest earbuds, AirPods Pro 3, come equipped with additional features, including extended battery life and live translation, which is also offered by, for example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 versions.
Apple has also been adding additional health-related features to its earbuds, including those related to hearing aid and heart rate monitoring.
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