How to Connect AirPod Pro 3 to Your PC

AirPod Pro 3 work with Windows PCs through Bluetooth, but the pairing process is different from connecting to an iPhone or Mac

AirPod Pro 3 are designed primarily for Apple devices, but you can connect them to a Windows PC using Bluetooth. The connection is straightforward once you know where to look in Windows settings. Your AirPods will pair like any other Bluetooth headset, though you won't get all the seamless features Apple builds into its own ecosystem — things like automatic switching between devices or Siri voice control won't work on Windows.

The pairing happens in Windows Settings under Bluetooth & devices, and once connected, your AirPods will show up as a standard audio device. You can then select them as your default speaker or headset whenever you want to use them. The process takes about five minutes the first time, and after that your PC will remember them and reconnect automatically when they're nearby and turned on.

Key Takeaways

Open Windows Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth on before you start pairing.
Put your AirPod Pro 3 in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
Select your AirPods from the Bluetooth device list in Windows Settings to complete the connection.
After the first pairing, your PC will reconnect to your AirPods automatically when both are powered on and in range.
You may need to adjust audio settings in Windows to use your AirPods for both microphone input and speaker output.

Turn on Bluetooth in Windows Settings

Start by opening Windows Settings on your PC. You can do this by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then clicking the Settings app when it appears. Once Settings is open, click on Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar.

Look for the Bluetooth toggle at the top of the page and make sure it is switched On. If it shows Off, click the toggle to enable Bluetooth. Your PC will now begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Leave this window open — you'll come back to it in a moment.

Put Your AirPod Pro 3 in Pairing Mode

Take your AirPod Pro 3 case and locate the small button on the back. Press and hold this button for about 10 to 15 seconds until you see the LED light on the front of the case flash white. This white flashing light means your AirPods are now in pairing mode and ready to connect to a new device.

Keep the case nearby your PC while the light is flashing. The pairing mode will stay active for about 15 minutes, so you have time to complete the next step without rushing. If the light stops flashing before you finish pairing, press the button again to re-enter pairing mode.

Select Your AirPods from the Device List

Go back to the Windows Settings window where you turned on Bluetooth. Scroll down to the section labeled Devices or Available devices. Your AirPod Pro 3 should appear in this list within a few seconds, usually labeled as "AirPods Pro (3rd generation)" or straightforward "AirPods Pro."

Click on the AirPods entry in the list. Windows will then attempt to pair with them. You may see a brief notification asking you to confirm the pairing — if so, click Yes or Connect. Once the pairing is complete, your AirPods will move from the available devices list to a section showing connected devices, and the LED light on your case will turn solid white.

Set Your AirPods as the Default Audio Device

After pairing, your AirPods are connected but may not be set as your default speaker or microphone. To use them for audio, you should set them as your default device. In the same Bluetooth & devices window, look for your connected AirPods and click on them to open their settings.

You'll see options to set them as your default device for audio output (speakers) and audio input (microphone). Click the dropdown menus next to each option and select your AirPods. If you only want to use them for listening and not for calls or voice input, you can leave the microphone set to your PC's built-in mic or another device.

Troubleshoot if Your AirPods Don't Appear

If your AirPods don't show up in the available devices list, first check that the case LED is flashing white. If it's not, press the button on the back again. Make sure your PC's Bluetooth is still turned on — sometimes it turns off automatically if no devices are connected.

If the LED is flashing and Bluetooth is on but your AirPods still don't appear, try moving the case closer to your PC. Bluetooth works best within about 30 feet, but obstacles like walls or metal objects can reduce the range. If you're still having trouble, restart your PC and try the pairing process again from the beginning.

Reconnect Your AirPods After the First Time

Once your AirPods are paired, your PC will remember them. The next time you turn on your AirPods near your PC, they should connect automatically without any action on your part. You'll see a notification in the bottom right corner of your screen when the connection is established.

If your AirPods don't reconnect automatically, open Bluetooth & devices in Settings and click on your AirPods in the connected devices list. You can also manually disconnect them from this menu if you want to use them with another device. To forget the pairing entirely — for example, if you're selling the AirPods or giving them to someone else — click the three-dot menu next to your AirPods and select Remove device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose the connection when I switch to my iPhone?

Your AirPods will automatically switch to your iPhone if it's nearby and you're using it, even if they're still paired with your PC. To use them with your PC again, you'll need to manually select them in Windows Settings or disconnect them from your iPhone first. This automatic switching is an Apple feature that only works between Apple devices.

Can I use the microphone on my AirPods for calls on Windows?

Yes, but you need to set them as your default microphone in Bluetooth & devices settings. Some apps like Zoom or Skype will automatically detect your AirPods once they're set as default, while others may require you to select them manually in the app's audio settings.

Why is the sound quality lower on my PC than on my iPhone?

Windows uses a standard Bluetooth audio codec that doesn't support the advanced audio technology Apple built into its devices. Your AirPods will sound good on Windows, but not quite as refined as they do on an iPhone or Mac. This is a limitation of how Bluetooth works on Windows, not a problem with your AirPods.

What should I do if my AirPods keep disconnecting?

First, make sure your PC and AirPods are within 30 feet of each other and that nothing is blocking the Bluetooth signal. If disconnections continue, try removing the AirPods from your paired devices list and pairing them again from scratch. You can also check Windows Update to see if there are driver updates for your Bluetooth adapter.

Can I use one AirPod at a time on my PC?

Yes. You can remove one AirPod from your ear and use just the other one for audio or calls. Both AirPods will stay connected to your PC, and you can switch between them or use both together whenever you want.

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.