You probably already know how useful wireless earbuds such as Apple's AirPods are for listening to music and taking calls on your phone, but you may not know how to connect AirPods to a laptop. Many modern laptops and desktops — both Macs and PCs — come with built-in Bluetooth capabilities which will allow you to connect Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth devices. This means that AirPods can be used with any consumer tech device like your home computer as well. Here's how to pair Apple AirPods with your Mac or Windows PC. Show
Advertisement Steps to Connect Apple AirPods to a MacOtherwise, manually pair them by following the steps as detailed in Apple support. 1. On your Mac, choose System Settings from the Apple devices menu, then click Bluetooth. Advertisement 2. Make sure that Bluetooth is on. 3. Put both of the AirPods in the charging case and open the lid. 4. Press and hold the circular button (the setup button on the back of the Airpods case, where the status light is) for a few seconds until the status light flashes white. 5. Select your AirPods in the Devices list, then click Connect. If you're having trouble and can't connect AirPods to your Mac, you may need to update to the latest version of Mac OS. Apple states that the second generation of AirPods Pro requires the latest version of the OS to sync properly with other Apple devices and all Bluetooth device features. Apple Advertisement Steps to Connect Apple AirPods to a Windows LaptopHere's how to pair Bluetooth audio devices and connect Airpods to Windows 10, via Microsoft support: 1. Make sure that your Bluetooth is turned on. Select: Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth. You can likely find a shortcut to your PC's Bluetooth settings in the notification tab on the bottom right of your taskbar. Advertisement 2. Turn on your Bluetooth audio device and make it discoverable. On AirPods, this means placing them in the charging case and holding the setup button. 3. On your PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Choose the device and follow any additional instructions if they appear, then select Done. 4. Your AirPods and PC will usually connect automatically anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on. On the newer Windows 11, this process varies slightly: 1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. Again, press and hold the setup button on your AirPods charging case with the earbuds inside. 2. On your PC, select the Network, Sound or Battery icons next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar. 3. Select Manage Bluetooth devices on the Bluetooth quick setting, then select your device under Not paired. 4. Follow additional instructions on the pairing process if they appear, then select Done. Now That's Interesting The Bluetooth wireless standard that AirPods and many other wireless devices use was first introduced in 1998, and soon became the preferred method of connecting audio devices (and now pairing AirPods) other devices to cell phones. Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz radio band, and allows for short range transmission of audio, as well as some graphical and text data. The method for connecting Apple AirPods is the same as adding any other Bluetooth speaker or headphones to a Windows computer:
You can also pair AirPods with Microsoft Surface devices. How Can AirPods Connect to a Windows PC?Apple AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to any computer. Once connected, you can use AirPods to listen to audio, input audio via their built-in mic, and control audio volume or pause sound via tap controls. AirPods are actually compatible with most devices that support Bluetooth including Android tablets and smartphones. How to Fix Windows 10 Apple AirPod Sync ProblemsIf your Apple AirPods stop working on your Windows PC, try these fixes:
If you're still having problems, follow these troubleshooting steps:
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