Connect AirPods via Bluetooth on Windows or Mac

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

The first connection takes about 30 seconds. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and they are in range. If they do not appear in the list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your system settings and that no other device is currently pairing with them.

Key Takeaways

  • Put AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, then select them from your computer's Bluetooth menu.
  • On Mac, use System Settings > Bluetooth; on Windows, use Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device.
  • After the first pairing, AirPods reconnect automatically when Bluetooth is on and they are in range.
  • If AirPods do not show up, restart Bluetooth on your computer or reset the AirPods by holding the case button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber.

Pairing AirPods for the First Time on Mac

Open System Settings and click the Bluetooth icon in the sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on. Take your AirPods out of the case and hold the small button on the back of the case for about three seconds until you see a white flashing light. Do not release the button when the light turns green — keep holding until it flashes white again.

Your AirPods should appear in the Bluetooth list as "AirPods" or "[Your Name]'s AirPods". Click the Connect button next to them. The pairing is complete when the status changes to Connected and you see a checkmark. Your computer will remember these AirPods and connect to them automatically in the future.

Pairing AirPods for the First Time on Windows

Open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices. Toggle Bluetooth on if it is not already. Click Add device, then select Bluetooth from the menu. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds.

Click on them to pair. Windows will show a confirmation message when the connection is complete. Your AirPods will now appear in your Bluetooth devices list, and Windows will connect to them automatically when both are turned on and in range.

What to Do If Your AirPods Do Not Appear

If your AirPods do not show up in the Bluetooth list, first check that the case button light is actually flashing white. A steady green light means they are already paired to another device. If they are paired to your phone, they may not appear on your computer until you disconnect them from the phone or turn off Bluetooth there.

If the light is white and flashing but they still do not appear, restart Bluetooth on your computer. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and toggle it off, wait five seconds, then toggle it back on. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth off and back on. Then put the AirPods in pairing mode again.

If that does not work, reset the AirPods. Hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. This erases all pairings. Put them in pairing mode again and try connecting to your computer.

Switching AirPods Between Devices

AirPods can be paired to multiple devices at once, but they can only connect to one at a time. If your AirPods are currently connected to your phone, they will not connect to your computer until you disconnect them from the phone. The easiest way is to turn off Bluetooth on your phone or put it in airplane mode.

Once Bluetooth is off on your phone, your AirPods will automatically connect to your computer if it is nearby and Bluetooth is on. To switch back, turn Bluetooth back on on your phone, and the AirPods will reconnect to it instead. You do not need to re-pair them each time — they remember all the devices they have been paired with.

Using AirPods as Your Computer's Default Audio Device

After pairing, your AirPods may not automatically become your default audio output. On Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar, hold Option, and click the volume slider. A menu will show all connected audio devices. Select your AirPods. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound, scroll down to Advanced, and under Output devices, click on your AirPods and select Set as default.

Once set as default, all system sounds and app audio will play through your AirPods. You can change this back at any time by selecting a different device from the same menu. Some apps let you choose audio output independently, so if an app is not using your AirPods, check that app's audio settings first.

Troubleshooting Audio and Connection Issues

If your AirPods are connected but you hear no sound, check that they are set as your default audio device. Also check the volume on both your computer and in any app you are using — some apps have their own volume controls separate from the system volume. If the volume is up but you still hear nothing, disconnect and reconnect the AirPods from Bluetooth.

If your AirPods keep disconnecting, move closer to your computer. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and other devices can reduce that. If disconnections happen even when you are close, restart your computer's Bluetooth. On Mac, hold Shift + Option and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, then click Reset the Bluetooth module. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth off for 10 seconds, then back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods on both a Mac and Windows computer?

Yes. Pair your AirPods to each computer separately. They will remember both pairings. When you want to use them with one computer, make sure Bluetooth is off on the other, or your AirPods may connect to the wrong device.

Do I need to unpair AirPods to use them with a different device?

No. AirPods can stay paired to multiple devices. To switch which device they connect to, just turn off Bluetooth on the current device or move the AirPods out of range, then turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to use.

Why do my AirPods keep connecting to my phone instead of my computer?

AirPods connect to whichever device they last used. If your phone is on and nearby, they will prefer it. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone or put it in airplane mode, then your AirPods will connect to your computer instead.

What if my AirPods are stuck paired to an old device I no longer have?

Reset your AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. This clears all pairings. Then pair them fresh to your computer.

Can I use AirPods with video calls on my computer?

Yes. Once your AirPods are set as the default audio device, they will work with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and other video call apps. Check the app's audio settings if the call is not using your AirPods — some apps let you choose audio input and output separately.