AirPods 4 connect to a PC through Bluetooth, but the process differs slightly between Windows and Mac

AirPods 4 use standard Bluetooth, so they work with any PC that has Bluetooth hardware — most modern laptops and desktops do. On a Mac, the process is straightforward: open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the list. On Windows, you open Settings, navigate to Bluetooth & devices, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and add them the same way. The first connection takes about a minute. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on and your PC's Bluetooth is active.

One thing to know upfront: AirPods 4 do not have a dedicated pairing button like older models. Instead, you hold down the stem (the flat part on the back) for about three seconds until the LED flashes white. That white flash means pairing mode is active and your PC can find them.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods 4 enter pairing mode when you hold the stem for three seconds until the LED flashes white.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, wait for AirPods to appear, and click Connect.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, select Bluetooth, and choose your AirPods from the list.
  • After the first connection, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on.
  • If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for under $20.

Connecting AirPods 4 to a Mac

On Mac, the connection process is the quickest of any device. First, make sure your AirPods 4 are charged and nearby. Hold down the stem on the back of the case for three seconds until you see the LED flash white — this puts them in pairing mode.

Next, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds. Click the Connect button next to them. Your Mac will confirm the connection and show "Connected" next to the AirPods name. That is it — they are now paired to your Mac and will reconnect automatically the next time you turn them on.

If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list after 30 seconds, hold the stem down again for another three seconds to re-enter pairing mode, then check the list again.

Connecting AirPods 4 to a Windows PC

Windows requires a few more steps than Mac, but the process is still straightforward. First, put your AirPods 4 in pairing mode by holding the stem for three seconds until the LED flashes white. Make sure your AirPods are close to your PC — within 10 feet is ideal.

Open the Windows Settings app. Go to Bluetooth & devices (or Devices on older Windows versions). Click Add device. A window will open asking what type of device you want to add — select Bluetooth. Windows will then scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. Your AirPods should appear in the list within 10 to 15 seconds. Click on them to connect. Windows may ask you to confirm the pairing — if so, click Yes. Once connected, you will see "Connected" next to your AirPods name.

If your AirPods do not show up, make sure your PC's Bluetooth is actually turned on. In the same Bluetooth & devices menu, toggle the Bluetooth switch to On if it is off. Then try the Add device process again.

What to do if your PC does not have Bluetooth

Older desktops and some budget laptops do not come with built-in Bluetooth. If your PC does not have it, you have two options: buy a USB Bluetooth adapter or use a wired connection with a 3.5mm jack (though AirPods 4 do not support this).

A USB Bluetooth adapter is the practical choice. These are small dongles that plug into a USB port and add Bluetooth to any PC. They cost between $15 and $30 and work with Windows and Mac. Popular options include the TP-Link UB400 and the Plugable USB Bluetooth adapter. Once plugged in, your PC will recognize it as a Bluetooth device, and you can follow the same pairing steps as above.

After you plug in the adapter, Windows or Mac may automatically install drivers. If not, visit the adapter manufacturer's website and read the driver for your operating system. The installation usually takes less than five minutes.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your AirPods connect but the sound is not coming through, check that they are set as your default audio output. On Mac, open System Settings > Sound and look for your AirPods in the Output section. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound > Volume and scroll down to Advanced > Volume mixer. Find your AirPods in the list and make sure they are selected as the output device.

If your AirPods keep disconnecting, try forgetting them and pairing again. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, right-click your AirPods, and select Remove. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click your AirPods, and select Remove device. Then put them back in pairing mode and connect again.

If your AirPods are paired but not appearing in the audio output list, restart your PC. This usually forces your system to recognize the Bluetooth connection properly. After restart, turn your AirPods on and they should reconnect automatically.

Using AirPods 4 with multiple PCs

AirPods 4 can be paired to multiple devices at once, but they will only play audio from one at a time. Once paired to your Mac and Windows PC, your AirPods will remember both connections. When you turn them on, they will try to connect to whichever device they were last used with.

To switch between devices, you have two options. The easiest is to manually disconnect them from one device before using them with another — go to Bluetooth settings and click Disconnect. Alternatively, you can open the Bluetooth menu on the device you want to use, and your AirPods will connect to it if they are nearby and turned on. This takes a few seconds longer but avoids the disconnect step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods 4 work with Windows 10 or only Windows 11?

AirPods 4 work with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, as long as your PC has Bluetooth hardware. The pairing process is identical on both versions. If you are on Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices instead of Bluetooth & devices.

Why does my PC not see my AirPods even though they are in pairing mode?

The most common reason is that Bluetooth is turned off on your PC. Check your Bluetooth settings and make sure the toggle is on. If it is already on, try turning it off and back on again. Also make sure your AirPods are fully charged — a low battery can prevent pairing mode from working.

Can I use AirPods 4 with a gaming headset at the same time?

No. Your PC can only play audio through one output device at a time. You have to choose either your AirPods or your gaming headset. If you want to use both, you would need to manually switch the audio output in your sound settings each time.

Will my AirPods 4 automatically reconnect to my PC when I turn them on?

Yes, as long as your PC's Bluetooth is turned on. After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you power them on and your PC is nearby with Bluetooth active. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds.

What is the range for Bluetooth on AirPods 4?

AirPods 4 have a typical Bluetooth range of about 30 feet in open space, though walls and interference can reduce this. For reliable connection to your PC, keep them within 10 to 15 feet, especially during the initial pairing.