How to connect airpods to pc laptop

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.

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Steps to Connect Apple AirPods to a Mac

Otherwise, 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.

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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

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Steps to Connect Apple AirPods to a Windows Laptop

Here'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.

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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:

1. Select the Action Center icon in the bottom-right corner of the Windows taskbar to open Windows Action Center.

   
   

2. Select All settings in the Windows Action Center.

   While you have the Action Center open, check to make sure Bluetooth is enabled. The Bluetooth tile should be highlighted; if it’s not, select the tile to turn it on.

   
   

3. Select Devices in the Windows Settings.

   
   

4. Select the Bluetooth & other devices tab on the left side, then select Add Bluetooth or other devices.

   
   

5. Select Bluetooth in the Add a device window.

   
   

6. Your Apple AirPods should appear on the list as AirPods. Select AirPods to begin the pairing process.

   If your AirPods aren’t showing up, open the lid of their charging case.

   
   

7. Press the setup button on the rear of the Apple AirPod charging case while having the lid open. The charging case’s light should change from green to white.

   Continue firmly pressing the setup button until the pairing is complete. If you encounter an error message, press the setup button on the charging case before you select the AirPods on the Bluetooth device list.

   
   
    Apple

8. If paired correctly, you should see a "Your device is ready to go!" message. Select Done to close the message.

   
   

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 Problems

If your Apple AirPods stop working on your Windows PC, try these fixes:

• Disable Bluetooth on other devices. If you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone, it could interfere with the connection to your PC, so try temporarily turning off Bluetooth on other devices.
• Open the charging case lid. Apple AirPods connect to devices when the charging case’s cover is open and its light turns green. Try opening it for a few seconds before removing the AirPods and putting them in your ears.

If you're still having problems, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Open an app such as Spotify on your Windows 10 PC and begin playing some music.

   

2. Place your Apple AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid, then wait a few seconds.

   
   
   Seremin / Getty Images 

3. Open the Action Center and select All settings.

   
   

4. Select Devices in the Windows Settings.

   
   

5. Make sure your AirPods are on the list of paired devices.

   
   

6. Open the charging case’s lid, remove the AirPods, and place them in each ear.

   
   
    John Edelson / Getty Images

7. Select AirPods in the device list, then select Connect. The AirPods should connect, and the audio should being playing through them.

   If your Apple AirPods still won't play sound, open All settings > Devices, then select Remove Device under AirPods and repeat the pairing process.

   
   

FAQ

• How do I connect AirPods to a Mac?

  To connect your AirPods to a Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Place your AirPods in the case, open the lid, and tap the button on the AirPods case until the status light blinks. Select Connect.

• How do I connect AirPods to an Android?

  To connect AirPods to an Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is on. With the AirPods inside, open the charging case and press and hold the button on the case until it flashes. From the Android device, tap the AirPods from the available Bluetooth devices list.

  Why won't my AirPods connect to my Windows laptop?

  If you have trouble pairing your AirPods to a Windows PC, try turning off the Bluetooth on all other nearby devices – especially other Apple devices. If you need the Bluetooth on those devices to be in 'On' mode, try forgetting your AirPods from them or simply resetting your AirPods.

  Do AirPods work with PC laptops?

  AirPods connect seamlessly to Apple devices; listen to podcasts on your iPhone or watch your latest streaming obsession on the iPad without disturbing anyone around you. But you're not limited to Apple-made gadgets; thanks to the power of Bluetooth, AirPods can connect to Android devices, as well as your PC.

  Can I connect my AirPods to a Windows PC?

  AirPods connect to your Windows laptop through Bluetooth, so make sure the functionality is turned on. Head to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and flip the switch for Bluetooth to on if it's not already activated.