Connect AirPods to a Mac or Windows PC

AirPods connect to computers the same way they connect to phones: through Bluetooth. On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, then select them from the list. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, turn on Bluetooth, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and click "Add device" to find them.

The first connection takes about a minute. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you open the case near your computer — as long as Bluetooth stays on. If they don't reconnect, open the Bluetooth menu and select your AirPods manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods in pairing mode by pressing and holding the small button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, then select your AirPods from the device list.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, turn on Bluetooth, click "Add device," and select your AirPods.
  • After the first pairing, your AirPods reconnect automatically when you open the case near your computer.

Mac Connection Steps

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle at the top of the window.

Hold your AirPods case in your hand and press the small button on the back for about three seconds. The status light on the front of the case will flash white. This means the AirPods are in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to.

In the Bluetooth window on your Mac, you will see your AirPods appear in the list of available devices. Click them once. Your Mac will connect and show "Connected" next to the AirPods name. You can now use them for audio.

Windows Connection Steps

Click the Windows Start button and open Settings. Select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. Toggle Bluetooth on if it is not already on — the switch will turn blue.

Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. In the Bluetooth & devices window, click "Add device" at the top. A window will open showing available Bluetooth devices.

Your AirPods will appear in the list. Click them to connect. Windows will show a confirmation message when the connection is complete. Your AirPods are now ready to use with your computer.

What to Do If Your AirPods Don't Show Up

If your AirPods don't appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure the case button is held down long enough. The light needs to flash white, not just turn on. Release the button and try again — hold it for a full three seconds.

Check that your computer's Bluetooth is turned on. On Mac, look at the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top. On Windows, check the Bluetooth toggle in Settings. If Bluetooth is off, turn it on and put your AirPods back in pairing mode.

If your AirPods are already paired with your phone or another device, they may be trying to connect there instead. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, then try pairing with your computer again.

Reconnecting After the First Time

Once your AirPods are paired, you don't need to go through pairing mode again. straightforward open the AirPods case near your computer and they will reconnect automatically — as long as Bluetooth is on.

If they don't reconnect on their own, open your Bluetooth menu and click your AirPods in the device list. They will connect in a few seconds. This manual step is usually only needed if your computer's Bluetooth was off or if your AirPods were connected to a different device.

Using AirPods With Video Calls and Audio

After connecting, your AirPods will work for any audio your computer plays — music, videos, podcasts, or video calls. On Mac, you can also use them with Siri by holding down the button on your AirPods while wearing them.

If audio is not coming through your AirPods, check your computer's sound settings. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and make sure your AirPods are selected as the output device. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound and check that your AirPods are set as the default playback device.

Disconnecting Your AirPods

You don't need to formally disconnect your AirPods. straightforward close the case or turn off Bluetooth on your computer, and they will stop playing audio from that device. They will reconnect the next time you open the case near your computer with Bluetooth on.

If you want to remove your AirPods from your computer entirely so they don't reconnect automatically, go to your Bluetooth settings and click the information icon next to your AirPods, then select "Forget This Device." You will need to pair them again the next time you want to use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same AirPods with my computer and phone at the same time?

No, AirPods can only play audio from one device at a time. They will connect to whichever device you use them with most recently. If you want to switch from your phone to your computer, put your AirPods in pairing mode again or manually select them in your computer's Bluetooth menu.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my computer?

AirPods disconnect when Bluetooth is turned off, when you move too far away from your computer, or when they connect to another device like your phone. Keep Bluetooth on and stay within about 30 feet of your computer. If your phone is nearby, turn off its Bluetooth to prevent the AirPods from switching to it.

Do I need to charge my AirPods before connecting them to my computer?

Your AirPods should have some charge, but they don't need to be fully charged to pair. If the battery is very low, charge them for at least 15 minutes in their case before trying to connect. The case itself also needs to have some charge to power the pairing process.

Will my AirPods work with older computers?

AirPods work with any computer that has Bluetooth — most Macs from 2012 onward and most Windows PCs from 2015 onward. If your computer doesn't have Bluetooth built in, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for about $15 to $30 and use it to connect your AirPods.