Apple’s AirPods Pro are widely recognized as some of the best wireless earbuds in the world, thanks to their powerful Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, and seamless integration with Apple devices. But while the hardware is compatible with almost any Bluetooth device, the software features have always remained locked behind Apple’s ecosystem.
For Android users, this has been a long-standing limitation. Most premium features simply don’t work unless you pair your AirPods with an iPhone.
That’s now changing.
A new and completely free Android app called LibrePods is breaking Apple’s ecosystem barrier and allowing Android users to enjoy AirPods Pro features that were previously off-limits. From ANC controls to wear detection, the app unlocks nearly everything you’d get on an iPhone — and even more in some cases.
If you’ve been using AirPods with your Android phone or planning to switch to Android but worried about losing features, here’s the complete breakdown of how LibrePods works and what it can unlock for you.
What Is LibrePods? (Full Explanation)
LibrePods is a third-party Android application built to bring iOS-exclusive AirPods features to Android devices. Apple intentionally restricts access to many of these features, claiming privacy protection and ecosystem consistency, but the limitations have always frustrated Android users.
LibrePods bridges that gap by enabling Android to communicate with AirPods Pro the same way an iPhone does.
It doesn’t cost a single rupee, and yet it unlocks almost every high-end feature Apple usually keeps restricted.
AirPods Features You Can Unlock on Android Using LibrePods
Here’s a detailed, overview of all the features the app enables.
1. Switch Between ANC Modes (Transparency, Adaptive, Noise Cancellation)
With LibrePods, you can manually toggle between all three noise-control settings:
- Transparency Mode – lets in surrounding sounds
- Adaptive Mode – balances noise cancellation automatically
- Active Noise Cancellation – blocks out external noise completely
This is one of the most important AirPods Pro features that is missing natively on Android, and now you can control it as easily as on iOS.
2. Conversational Awareness
A premium feature introduced with the newer AirPods Pro models, Conversational Awareness automatically lowers music volume when someone speaks near you.
LibrePods supports this on Android, letting your earbuds behave exactly like they would on an iPhone.
3. In-Ear Detection (Wear Detection)
AirPods automatically pause music when you remove one earbud and resume when you insert it. Android normally cannot use this feature — but LibrePods enables full ear detection, bringing the iOS behavior to Android.
4. Head-Gesture Controls
One of the most advanced features unlocked by LibrePods is head-gesture call answering.
You can:
- Nod to accept calls
- Shake your head to reject calls
This feature isn’t even widely available on non-Apple earbuds, making it a standout advantage.
5. Exact Battery Levels for AirPods and the Case
Android normally shows only basic battery information.
LibrePods gives you complete visibility:
- Left earbud battery
- Right earbud battery
- Charging case battery
This matches the detailed pop-up you see on iOS.
6. Rename Your AirPods
Instead of being stuck with the default name, LibrePods lets you rename your AirPods just like you would on an iPhone.
7. Customizable Gesture Controls
You can modify long-press or squeeze gestures on the AirPods stems.
This includes:
- Switching ANC modes
- Activating voice assistant
- Triggering custom actions
Gesture customization is normally locked to Apple devices, so this is a major plus.
8. Multipoint Connectivity (Connect to 2 Devices at Once)
Multipoint lets you connect your AirPods to two devices simultaneously — for example, your laptop and your phone.
LibrePods enables this feature, but some functions may require root access.
9. Hearing-Aid Mode
This advanced feature lets your AirPods Pro function as makeshift hearing aids by amplifying surrounding audio.
This is usually restricted to Apple’s ecosystem but becomes available with LibrePods.
However, root access may be required for full functionality.
Is LibrePods Really Free? What’s the Catch?
The good news:
✔ LibrePods is 100% free to download and use
✔ No subscription
✔ No premium unlock
✔ No hidden charges
However, there are two important limitations:
1. Not Available on Google Play Store
The app is not published on the Play Store yet.
You will need to download it from the developer’s official repository (safe but unofficial).
2. Root Required for Some Features
Most basic and advanced features work without root, but some features still require a rooted device, including:
- Multipoint connectivity
- Custom transparency mode
- Hearing-aid enhancements
Good News for OnePlus & Oppo Users (No Root Required!)
If you’re using a OnePlus or Oppo device running OxygenOS or ColorOS, you can access most features without rooting your phone.
This is because these brands support Apple’s Bluetooth protocols more deeply than other Android skins.
Only a few advanced features will still need root access.
Device Compatibility: Which AirPods Work with LibrePods?
LibrePods supports many AirPods models, but some features vary based on hardware.
AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen)
✔ Full support
✔ All features unlocked
✔ Best experience overall
AirPods Pro 3 (3rd Gen)
✔ Almost full support
✘ Heart-rate monitoring not supported (hardware limitation)
AirPods Max
✔ Fully supported
✔ Works with ANC, Transparency, battery status, and more
Older AirPods (Gen 1 & 2)
Most essential features work:
- Ear detection
- Battery information
- Basic controls
Advanced features like head gestures may not work due to hardware limitations — not because of LibrePods.
Linux Version in Development
The developer has also confirmed a Linux version of LibrePods is being built.
This means you may soon be able to use AirPods Pro features on:
- Ubuntu
- Fedora
- Debian
- Mint
- Kali
- Pop!_OS
This is great news for users who rely on Linux laptops but still want full AirPods functionality without needing a Mac.
Is It Safe to Use LibrePods?
While it is not on the Play Store, the developer community considers it safe because:
- It is open-source
- Code can be inspected publicly
- No ads or data-tracking present
- It doesn’t require unnecessary permissions
Always download it from the official GitHub link (never from random websites).
Should You Use LibrePods? (Final Thoughts)
If you are an Android user who owns AirPods, LibrePods is almost a must-have app.
It instantly transforms your AirPods experience, unlocking all the premium features Apple normally restricts to iPhone users.
Pros
✔ Free
✔ Unlocks almost all AirPods Pro features
✔ Works on most Android phones
✔ No subscriptions or ads
✔ Open-source and community supported
Cons
✘ Not available on Play Store
✘ Some features require root
✘ Heart-rate monitoring still exclusive to iPhone
Conclusion
LibrePods is easily the most powerful and practical app for AirPods users on Android. It breaks Apple’s ecosystem lock and brings premium features like ANC mode switching, wear detection, head gestures, battery info, multipoint connectivity, and more — all for free.
If you have been unsure about switching to Android because of losing AirPods features, this app changes everything.