Connect AirPods 4 Using Bluetooth Settings

AirPods 4 connect to a PC the same way any Bluetooth headphone does — through your computer's Bluetooth settings, not through an Apple app or iTunes. Your PC must have Bluetooth capability, which most modern laptops and desktops do. If your desktop doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $15 to $30.

The process takes about two minutes the first time. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever they're in range and turned on. The key is putting your AirPods into pairing mode before you search for them in settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods 4 into pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for three seconds until the light flashes white.
  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and select "Add device" to find and connect your AirPods.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, choose Bluetooth, and click "Connect" next to your AirPods when they appear in the list.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will show as connected in Bluetooth settings and you can use them when ready for audio and video calls.
  • If your AirPods don't appear in the device list, restart them by placing them in the case for 15 seconds, then try pairing again.

Put Your AirPods 4 Into Pairing Mode

Before your PC can find your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. This tells them to broadcast their Bluetooth signal so nearby devices can discover them. On AirPods 4, the pairing button is on the back of the charging case, not on the earbuds themselves.

Open the case lid and hold down the small circular button on the back for about three seconds. You'll see the LED light on the front of the case start flashing white. That white flash means pairing mode is active and will last for about 15 minutes. If the light turns amber or green instead, the AirPods are already connected to another device — you'll need to disconnect them there first, or reset them by holding the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.

Connect on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Once your AirPods are flashing white, open the Windows Settings app. You can do this by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," or by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Settings."

In Settings, click Bluetooth & devices on the left side. Then click the blue Add device button near the top. A window will pop up asking what kind of device you want to add — select Bluetooth. Windows will then search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds, usually labeled as "AirPods" or "AirPods 4." Click on them to connect.

Windows will show a "Pairing" message, then "Connected" once the link is complete. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds. After this, your AirPods will appear in your Bluetooth device list and will reconnect automatically whenever you turn them on near your PC.

Connect on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (not the older System Preferences). You can find it in the Apple menu at the top left, or search for it using Spotlight by pressing Command+Space and typing "System Settings."

Click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you'll see a toggle switch at the top. Your AirPods should appear in the device list within a few seconds of entering pairing mode. Click the Connect button next to your AirPods. The status will change from "Not Connected" to "Connected" once the pairing is complete, usually within 10 to 20 seconds.

On Mac, you may also see your AirPods appear in the Bluetooth menu in the top menu bar. You can click that menu and select your AirPods to switch between devices or check their battery level.

What to Do If Your AirPods Don't Appear

If you don't see your AirPods in the device list after 30 seconds, the most common fix is to restart them. Place both AirPods back in the charging case, close the lid, and wait 15 seconds. Then open the case again and hold the back button for three seconds until the light flashes white. Try the pairing process again.

If they still don't appear, check that your PC's Bluetooth is actually turned on. On Windows, go back to Bluetooth & devices and make sure the toggle at the top is switched on. On Mac, check the Bluetooth menu in the top menu bar. Also make sure your AirPods aren't already connected to your phone or another device — they can only pair with one device at a time, though you can switch between them.

If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth at all, you'll see "No Bluetooth adapter found" in settings. In that case, you'll need to buy a USB Bluetooth adapter and plug it into an available USB port. Windows and Mac will recognize most adapters automatically.

Using Your AirPods After They're Connected

Once your AirPods are connected, they'll work for any audio on your PC — music, videos, video calls, games, and podcasts. The audio will play through your AirPods automatically. You can adjust the volume using your PC's volume controls or using the volume buttons on your AirPods if your model has them (AirPods 4 do not have physical buttons, so you'll use your PC's volume).

For video calls on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or other apps, your AirPods will work as both speakers and a microphone. The microphone quality is good for voice calls but not as clear as a dedicated headset microphone for recording.

Reconnect Your AirPods to a Different Device

If you want to use your AirPods with your phone, tablet, or another computer, you don't need to unpair them from your PC. AirPods can remember multiple devices. To switch to a different device, just open Bluetooth settings on that device and select your AirPods from the list. They'll disconnect from your PC and connect to the new device within a few seconds.

If you want to completely remove your AirPods from your PC so they don't reconnect automatically, go to Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the device list, and click the "Remove" or "Forget" button (the wording varies between Windows and Mac). You can always pair them again later by repeating the pairing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need iTunes or Apple software to connect AirPods to my PC?

No. AirPods connect through standard Bluetooth, which Windows and Mac both support natively. You don't need iTunes, Apple Music, or any other Apple software. Just use your PC's built-in Bluetooth settings.

Can I use AirPods 4 on both my phone and PC at the same time?

No, but you can switch between them quickly. AirPods can only play audio from one device at a time. To switch, open Bluetooth settings on the device you want to use and select your AirPods. They'll disconnect from the other device within a few seconds.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

This usually happens if your PC's Bluetooth adapter is too far from your AirPods, or if something is blocking the signal. Try moving closer to your PC. It can also happen if your PC goes to sleep — some computers turn off Bluetooth when sleeping. Check your power settings and disable sleep mode if you want your AirPods to stay connected.

Will the microphone on my AirPods work for video calls on my PC?

Yes. Once your AirPods are connected, they'll work as both speakers and a microphone for Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and other calling apps. You may need to select your AirPods as the microphone in the app's audio settings if it doesn't do so automatically.

What if my PC doesn't have Bluetooth?

You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $15 to $30 and plug it into any available USB port on your PC. Windows and Mac will recognize most adapters without needing to install drivers. After plugging it in, follow the same pairing steps as above.