Connect AirPods 4 Using Bluetooth Settings

To connect AirPods 4 to your computer, open your computer's Bluetooth settings, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the list of available devices. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on Windows and Mac, though the menu locations differ slightly.

Start by opening the case of your AirPods 4 but do not remove them yet. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light inside flashes white. This puts the AirPods in pairing mode, and they will stay in this mode for about 15 minutes while you complete the connection on your computer.

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Your AirPods 4 should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds. Click Connect next to them. On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings, select Devices, then Bluetooth & devices. Click Add device, choose Bluetooth, and select your AirPods 4 from the list.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods 4 in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click Connect next to your AirPods 4 in the device list.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices, click Add device, select Bluetooth, and choose your AirPods 4.
  • Once connected, your AirPods 4 will automatically reconnect to your computer when they are nearby and Bluetooth is turned on.

What to Do If Your AirPods Don't Appear in the Device List

If your AirPods 4 do not show up after you put them in pairing mode, the most common cause is that Bluetooth on your computer is turned off. Check that Bluetooth is enabled before you start the pairing process. On Mac, look for the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. On Windows, check the taskbar in the bottom-right corner or go back to Settings > Bluetooth & devices to verify the toggle is on.

If Bluetooth is on but your AirPods still do not appear, try moving them closer to your computer. Bluetooth works best within 30 feet, and walls or other devices can interfere with the signal. Wait another 10 seconds after putting them in pairing mode, as it sometimes takes a moment for them to show up in the list. If they still do not appear, take the AirPods out of the case, wait 10 seconds, put them back in, and repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

Reconnecting AirPods 4 After the First Time

After you connect your AirPods 4 to your computer for the first time, they will automatically reconnect whenever they are nearby and both your AirPods and computer have Bluetooth turned on. You do not need to repeat the pairing process every time you want to use them.

If your AirPods do not reconnect automatically, open your Bluetooth settings and look for them in the list of paired devices. On Mac, click the three dots next to your AirPods 4 and select Connect. On Windows, click on your AirPods 4 in the Bluetooth list and select Connect. If they still do not connect, turn Bluetooth off and back on, or restart your computer.

Switching Your AirPods Between Devices

AirPods 4 can be paired to multiple devices at once, but they can only play audio from one device at a time. When you want to switch from your computer to another device like a phone or tablet, straightforward start playing audio on that device. Your AirPods will automatically switch to it.

If your AirPods do not switch automatically, manually disconnect them from your computer first. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click the three dots next to your AirPods 4, and select Disconnect. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods 4, click on them, and select Disconnect. Then start playing audio on your other device, and your AirPods will connect to it.

Using AirPods 4 for Calls and Video Meetings on Your Computer

Once your AirPods 4 are connected to your computer, they will work as the microphone and speaker for video calls and meetings. When you join a call in an app like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, the app will automatically detect your AirPods as an audio device.

If the app does not automatically use your AirPods, open the app's audio settings and select your AirPods 4 from the list of microphones and speakers. On Mac, you can also set your AirPods as the default audio device by going to System Settings > Sound, clicking the Output tab, and selecting your AirPods 4. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound, scroll down to Advanced, and set your AirPods 4 as both the default speaker and microphone.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

AirPods connected but no sound: Check that your AirPods are selected as the audio output device in your computer's sound settings. On Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods 4. On Windows, right-click the volume icon in the taskbar and select your AirPods 4 from the list of devices.

AirPods keep disconnecting: Move your computer and AirPods closer together, away from other wireless devices like routers or microwaves. If the problem continues, forget the AirPods from your computer's Bluetooth settings and pair them again from scratch. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click the three dots next to your AirPods 4, and select Remove. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click on your AirPods 4, and select Remove device.

One AirPod not working: Take both AirPods out of the case and place them back in. Wait 10 seconds and remove them again. If only one AirPod still does not work, the issue may be with that individual AirPod rather than the connection to your computer. Try connecting the AirPods to your phone to see if the problem happens there too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install any software to connect AirPods 4 to my computer?

No. AirPods 4 use standard Bluetooth, so your computer's built-in Bluetooth radio and operating system are all you need. There is no app to read or driver to install.

Can I use AirPods 4 with both a Mac and a Windows PC?

Yes. You can pair AirPods 4 to as many computers as you want. They will automatically reconnect to whichever computer you are using when you turn on Bluetooth and bring the AirPods nearby.

What if my computer does not have Bluetooth?

If your computer does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $15 to $30. Plug it into a USB port on your computer, and then follow the same pairing steps. The adapter will add Bluetooth capability to your computer.

Will connecting AirPods 4 to my computer drain the battery faster?

No. Battery drain depends on how much you use the AirPods and how far they are from your computer, not on the number of devices they are paired with. Pairing does not use extra battery.

Can I use AirPods 4 with my computer and phone at the same time?

Your AirPods can be paired to both devices, but they can only play audio from one at a time. When you start playing something on your phone, they will switch to it automatically. To switch back to your computer, start playing audio there.