Connect AirPods Pro 3 Using Bluetooth Settings

To connect your AirPods Pro 3 to a PC, you need to put them in pairing mode and then add them through your computer's Bluetooth settings. The process is the same whether you use Windows or Mac, though the menu locations differ slightly. Your AirPods will remember your PC after the first connection, so you won't have to pair them again unless you reset them.

Start by opening the case of your AirPods Pro 3 and holding the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. You'll see the LED light flash white, which means the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect to a new device. Leave the case open during this process.

On your PC, open the Bluetooth settings menu. On Windows 11, click the Start menu, select Settings, then go to Bluetooth & devices. On Windows 10, go to Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then Bluetooth. Your AirPods Pro 3 should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds.

Click or select your AirPods Pro 3 from the list. Windows will show them as "AirPods Pro (3rd generation)" or similar. Mac will show the same name. After you click them, your PC will connect automatically, and you should see a "Connected" status appear next to the device name. Close the Bluetooth menu—your AirPods are now paired.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods Pro 3 in pairing mode by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the LED flashes white.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices (Windows 11) or Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (Windows 10) and select your AirPods from the list.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth and click your AirPods Pro 3 to connect.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will connect automatically to your PC when Bluetooth is on and the AirPods are nearby.
  • If your AirPods don't appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and try the pairing process again.

Switching Between Devices

AirPods Pro 3 can stay paired to multiple devices at once, but they can only play audio from one device at a time. When you want to switch from your phone to your PC, straightforward start playing audio on your PC. The AirPods will automatically switch to the device that's actively sending sound.

If automatic switching doesn't work, you can manually switch by opening the Bluetooth menu on your PC and selecting your AirPods again. On Mac, you can also click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods from the list. On Windows, open the Bluetooth settings and click your AirPods, then select "Connect."

Keep in mind that if your AirPods are currently connected to another device—like your iPhone or iPad—they may not when ready switch to your PC. Disconnect them from the other device first by opening that device's Bluetooth settings and selecting "Forget This Device" or "Disconnect," then reconnect them to your PC.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your AirPods Pro 3 don't appear in your PC's Bluetooth list, first check that Bluetooth is turned on. On Windows, make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on in Settings. On Mac, open System Settings and confirm Bluetooth is enabled. If Bluetooth is on but your AirPods still don't show up, restart your PC and try the pairing process again.

If your AirPods were previously paired to your PC but won't connect now, try "forgetting" them and re-pairing. On Windows, go to Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods in the list, click the three dots next to them, and select "Remove device." On Mac, click the X next to your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu. Then put your AirPods back in pairing mode and add them again.

Make sure your AirPods have enough battery. If the battery is very low, they may not pair or stay connected. Charge them in their case for at least 15 minutes and try again. Also check that your PC's Bluetooth hardware is working by trying to pair a different Bluetooth device, like a mouse or keyboard. If other devices pair successfully but your AirPods don't, reset your AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds after they're already paired, then repeat the pairing steps.

Audio Output and Volume Control

Once your AirPods Pro 3 are connected to your PC, you need to set them as the default audio output device so sound plays through them instead of your speakers. On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Sound, scroll down to "Advanced," and under "Output" select your AirPods from the dropdown menu. On Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Sound, scroll to "Output," and select your AirPods.

On Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings > Sound, and choose your AirPods Pro 3 from the "Output device" list. Once you've set them as the default, all audio from your PC will play through your AirPods unless you manually change the output device again.

You can control volume using the volume buttons on your PC or keyboard. On Windows, use the volume slider in the Sound settings or the volume keys on your keyboard. On Mac, use the volume keys or the volume slider in the menu bar. You can also adjust volume directly on your AirPods by using the force sensor on the stem—press and hold to increase or decrease volume, though this feature works best with Apple devices.

Using Microphone Features on Your PC

Your AirPods Pro 3 have a built-in microphone that works for calls and voice recording on your PC. When you're on a video call or voice chat, your PC will automatically use the AirPods microphone if they're set as the default input device. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound, scroll to "Input," and select your AirPods from the dropdown. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and choose your AirPods under "Input device."

Test your microphone before an important call. On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound, scroll to "Input," and click "Volume level" under your AirPods to see if the meter moves when you speak. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound, select your AirPods, and speak into them while watching the input level bar. If the meter doesn't move, your AirPods microphone may not be working, and you should try disconnecting and reconnecting them.

The microphone on AirPods Pro 3 picks up sound from the environment as well as your voice, so if you're in a noisy room, the other person may hear background noise. Some applications let you enable noise cancellation for the microphone, which reduces background sound. Check your video call app's settings to see if this option is available.

Disconnecting and Forgetting Your AirPods

If you want to temporarily stop using your AirPods with your PC but keep them paired, straightforward turn off Bluetooth on your PC or put your AirPods in their case. They'll stay paired and will reconnect automatically the next time you turn Bluetooth back on and open the case.

If you want to completely remove your AirPods from your PC so they no longer automatically connect, you need to "forget" them. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods in the list, click the three dots, and select "Remove device." On Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, click your AirPods, and select "Remove device." On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, click the X next to your AirPods, and confirm.

After you forget your AirPods, they won't connect to your PC automatically anymore. To use them with your PC again, you'll need to put them back in pairing mode and go through the connection process a second time. This is useful if you're selling your AirPods, giving them to someone else, or if you want to clear out old paired devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair my AirPods from my iPhone to use them with my PC?

No. AirPods Pro 3 can stay paired to multiple devices at once. They'll automatically switch to whichever device is actively playing audio. If you want to prevent them from switching, you can manually disconnect them from your iPhone's Bluetooth settings, but you don't have to forget them entirely.

Why won't my AirPods Pro 3 show up in my PC's Bluetooth list?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your PC's settings and that your AirPods are in pairing mode (hold the setup button on the case for 15 seconds until the LED flashes white). If they still don't appear, restart your PC and try again. If your AirPods were previously paired to your PC, try forgetting them first, then re-pairing.

Can I use only one AirPod with my PC?

Yes. You can use a single AirPod Pro 3 with your PC just as you would with an iPhone. Both AirPods will connect together, but you can remove one from your ear and it will continue to work. Audio will play through both unless one is out of range or the battery is dead.

What should I do if my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

Move closer to your PC—Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, and obstacles like walls can reduce it. Check that your AirPods have enough battery and charge them if needed. If disconnections continue, try forgetting your AirPods and re-pairing them. If the problem persists, restart your PC and your AirPods.

Can I use spatial audio with my AirPods Pro 3 on my PC?

Spatial audio is primarily an Apple feature and works best with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. On Windows PCs, spatial audio is not supported, so you won't have access to that feature. Your AirPods will still deliver high-quality stereo sound on Windows.