Will AirPods Automatically Pair with Apple Watch When Phone is Out of Range?

[Mac 128]

I'm wondering if anyone with AirPods can explain whether the AirPods will automatically pair with the Apple Watch when the iPhone is out of range, and/or exactly what would be the process if not?

The scenario is this: I am wearing AirPods paired to my iPhone, and walk out the door and forget my iPhone. While I realize this and need to make a call. So when I place the call on the watch, do the AirPods automatically connect? And if so, do they automatically connect back to the iPhone when I return to the iPhone?

 

[techno-Zen]

I took my dog for a walk, just popped them in and they connect to my watch without any interaction.

Blew my mind

 

[Nekomichi]

Yes, and yes.
AirPods will automatically connect to whichever device begins playing. If you start playing something on iPhone, they will connect to iPhone. If you start playing something on Apple Watch, they will automatically switch to Apple Watch even if iPhone is in range.

 

[a.y.n]

Theoretically yes, but I often get the action sheet to pick a Bluetooth device when I try to play something on my watch.

 

[puke]

They pair to your iCloud, not your devices.

 

[ActionableMango]

I'm wondering if anyone with AirPods can explain whether the AirPods will automatically pair with the Apple Watch when the iPhone is out of range, and/or exactly what would be the process if not?

The scenario is this: I am wearing AirPods paired to my iPhone, and walk out the door and forget my iPhone. While I realize this and need to make a call. So when I place the call on the watch, do the AirPods automatically connect? And if so, do they automatically connect back to the iPhone when I return to the iPhone?

I go for jogs with just watch and airpods. I usually pick a podcast and play it. There isn't really a pairing process, it just works.