How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (2024)

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (1)

Apple's AirPods are designed for use with other Apple products, but that doesn't mean you can't use them with your Windows PC. Pairing AirPods with a PC initially isn't exactly intuitive at first because you have to use the charging case along with the AirPods, but it's easy once you know the process.

Products used in this guide

How to pair AirPods with a Windows device

To pair and connect a new pair of Apple AirPods with your PC, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Insert AirPods into their charging case, and make sure they're at least partially charged.
  2. Open the lid of your AirPod charging case (do not remove AirPods from the case).
  3. Tap and hold the circular button on the rear side of the charging case for a couple of seconds until the light inside the case blinks white.
  4. Open your Windows PC's Bluetooth settings by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the system tray all the way to the right of your taskbar, or by searching for "Bluetooth" in your taskbar search field and clicking the "Bluetooth and other devices settings" option when it appears.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (2)

  1. Click "Add Bluetooth or other devices" at the top of the settings screen
  2. On the next "Add a device" page, click the top option for Bluetooth.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (3)

  1. Click the AirPods option from the list of discoverable devices.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (4)

  1. After a few seconds, you should see a connection confirmation screen once your AirPods and PC are paired and connected.
    • Note: If you get a connection error, close your AirPods case and your PC's Bluetooth settings, and repeat the process above.
  1. Remove AirPods from their case.
  2. Stick them in your ears, and you're good to go.

Connecting AirPods to a PC is just as easy as connecting any other Bluetooth device. When you're ready to disconnect them, just put your AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid.

How to reconnect paired AirPods and a Windows PC

Your AirPods should automatically connect to your PC after a few seconds every time you remove them from the charging case. If for some reason they don't, you can easily reconnect them by following these easy steps:

  1. Open your Windows PC's Bluetooth settings by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the system tray all the way to the right of your taskbar, or by searching for "Bluetooth" in your taskbar search field and clicking the "Bluetooth and other devices settings" option when it appears.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (6)

  1. Scroll down to the Audio section under the "Bluetooth and other devices" list, and click on the AirPods listing.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (7)

  1. Click Connect to reconnect your AirPods and PC.
  2. You'll hear an audio confirmation if you're wearing your AirPods, and your Bluetooth settings screen will read "Connected voice, music" beneath AirPods listing.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (8)

If for some reason your AirPods still won't reconnect, insert them back into their case, close your Windows Bluetooth settings and repeat this above process. If you're still having issues repeat this process, but on Step 3 choose "remove" to unpair you AirPods and then begin the pairing process detailed above once more.

Our top equipment picks

To connect AirPods and a Windows computer, you need only some AirPods and a PC.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (9)Windows-friendly audio

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple's top-o-the-line 'buds

Apple's AirPods are perhaps best paired with iOS devices, or at least other Apple computers. However, because they use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to tech gear, they work well with Windows PCs, Android phones, and other mobile devices, too. They're also easy to pair up and connect, and these are the best 'buds Apple offers.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (10)Older but still well worth a look

Apple AirPods

All the good stuff, minus the "Pro"

You don't have to go Pro, or spend upwards of $200, if you want a pair of Apple's AirPods. You won't get the active noise cancellation or sweat and water resistance of AirPods Pro, but you'll get just slightly better battery life. These 'buds are still a worthy option.

Check out more tips on getting the most out of your headphones and earbuds.

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How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (11)

Al Sacco

Al Sacco is content director of Future PLC's Mobile Technology Vertical, which includes AndroidCentral.com, iMore.com and WindowsCentral.com. He is a veteran reporter, writer, reviewer and editor who has professionally covered and evaluated IT and mobile technology, and countless associated gadgets and accessories, for more than a decade. You can keep up with Al on Twitter and Instagram.

How to pair Apple AirPods with a Windows PC (2024)
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