Why is my apple watch hot when connected to AirPods?

wiesia862, 

If we’ve got that right, you’re not using your AirPods for anything at the time such as listening to audio or on a phone call, but just having them paired to your watch seems to change the temperature. 

Let’s start with some troubleshooting steps. 

First, let’s restart your Apple Watch and test again. How to restart your Apple Watch

If there isn’t any change we’d next like to have you reset your AirPods, pair them and test again. How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

Should you be continuing noticing an issue, next please unpair your watch from your iPhone, pair again and set up as new, then test. Unpair and erase your Apple Watch

Let us know the results. 

Greetings wiesia862, 

We understand that you’re noticing a temperature change in your Apple Watch when it is paired with your AirPods. 

Do you notice this regardless of what activity is happening on your watch when your AirPods are connected? For example, do you have to be listening to audio or does the very nature of having them paired seem to drive it? 

Can you also verify that your watch is running watchOS 7.6.1? You can check on the watch itself in Settings > General > About. 

Thank you.