How to Connect AirPods to Your PC

Connect AirPods to Windows or Mac via Bluetooth

To add AirPods to your PC, you turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them through your system settings. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use Windows or Mac — your AirPods will then connect automatically whenever they are near your PC and powered on.

AirPods use standard Bluetooth, so they work with any PC that has Bluetooth built in or connected via a USB adapter. Older desktops without Bluetooth can still use AirPods if you plug in a Bluetooth dongle (a small USB receiver, usually $10 to $20). Laptops made in the last five years almost always have Bluetooth already.

Key Takeaways

Open Bluetooth settings on your PC, then hold the button on the back of your AirPods case for three seconds until the light flashes white.
Your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth device list on your PC within ten seconds; click or tap the name to pair.
After the first pairing, your AirPods connect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and they are in range.
If your PC does not have Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter lets you add it without opening the computer.
AirPods work on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac, but some features like automatic switching between devices only work on Apple devices.

Pairing AirPods on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Start by making sure Bluetooth is turned on. Click the Windows Start button, type "Bluetooth settings," and open the Bluetooth & devices panel. Toggle Bluetooth to On. You should see a message that says "Bluetooth is on" and a list of paired devices below.

While that panel is open, pick up your AirPods case and press and hold the small button on the back for about three seconds. The light inside the case will flash white — this means the AirPods are in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to. Do not release the button until you see the white flash.

Look back at your Windows Bluetooth settings. Within ten seconds, your AirPods should appear in the list as "AirPods" or with a name you gave them. Click on that name, then click the "Pair" button that appears. Windows will confirm the connection, and you will see "Connected" next to the AirPods name.

Pairing AirPods on Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle switch at the top.

Hold the button on the back of your AirPods case for three seconds until the light flashes white. Your AirPods will show up in the Bluetooth list on your Mac within ten seconds. Click "Connect" next to the AirPods name. Your Mac will confirm the pairing and show "Connected" in the list.

What to Do If Your PC Does Not Have Bluetooth

If your PC is a desktop or older laptop without built-in Bluetooth, you can add it with a USB Bluetooth adapter. These are small dongles that plug into any USB port on your computer. Popular options include the Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter and the ASUS USB-BT500, which cost between $10 and $25.

Plug the adapter into a USB port, wait for Windows or Mac to install the driver (usually automatic), then follow the pairing steps above. The adapter will appear as a Bluetooth device in your settings, and your AirPods will pair through it just as they would through built-in Bluetooth. Leave the adapter plugged in whenever you want to use your AirPods on that PC.

Automatic Connection After the First Pairing

Once you have paired your AirPods to your PC, they will connect automatically the next time you turn them on and Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. You do not need to repeat the pairing process. straightforward open your AirPods case near your PC, and the connection will happen in the background within a few seconds.

If your AirPods do not connect automatically, check that Bluetooth is still turned on in your PC settings. If Bluetooth is off, your AirPods cannot find your computer. You can also manually reconnect by opening Bluetooth settings, finding your AirPods in the device list, and clicking "Connect."

Switching AirPods Between Your PC and Other Devices

AirPods can pair with multiple devices at once, but they only play audio from one device at a time. If you are using your AirPods with your iPhone and want to switch to your PC, you have two options: manually select your PC in the AirPods settings on your iPhone, or straightforward start playing audio on your PC and the AirPods will switch automatically.

On Windows or Mac, you can also choose your AirPods as the audio output device if multiple speakers or headphones are paired. Open Sound settings on Windows (right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar) or Sound settings on Mac (Apple menu > System Settings > Sound), and select your AirPods from the output list.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure the case battery is not empty. Put your AirPods back in the case and charge them for at least 15 minutes, then try pairing again. Also check that you are holding the button on the back of the case long enough — it should flash white, not just light up once.

If your AirPods were previously paired to another device, they may try to connect to that device instead of your PC. Put your AirPods in the case, forget them from the other device's Bluetooth settings, then try pairing with your PC again. On Windows, right-click the AirPods name in Bluetooth settings and select "Remove device." On Mac, click the X next to the AirPods name.

If Bluetooth itself is not working on your PC, restart your computer and check that Bluetooth is enabled in BIOS (on Windows desktops, this is rare but possible). For persistent problems, uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth driver: on Windows, open Device Manager, find Bluetooth in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall device," then restart your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods work on Windows?

Yes. AirPods use standard Bluetooth and work on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac. Some Apple-specific features like automatic switching between your iPhone and PC do not work on Windows, but audio playback and microphone input work the same way.

Can I use AirPods on my PC and iPhone at the same time?

AirPods can be paired to both devices, but they only play audio from one at a time. To switch, start playing audio on the device you want to use, and the AirPods will connect to it automatically. You can also manually switch in the AirPods settings on your iPhone or in Bluetooth settings on your PC.

Why won't my AirPods show up in Bluetooth settings?

Make sure you are holding the button on the back of the case for at least three seconds until the light flashes white, not just lights up once. Also check that the case battery is not empty — charge for 15 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, forget the AirPods from any other device they were paired to, then try pairing with your PC again.

Do I need to buy anything to use AirPods on my desktop PC?

Only if your desktop does not have Bluetooth built in. Most modern desktops do not, so you may need a USB Bluetooth adapter ($10 to $25). Laptops almost always have Bluetooth already, so you will not need anything extra.

How do I know if my AirPods are actually connected to my PC?

Open Bluetooth settings on your PC. If your AirPods are connected, they will appear in the device list with the word "Connected" next to them. You can also test by playing audio on your PC — if sound comes through your AirPods, they are connected.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.