AirPods connect to a PC through Bluetooth, the same way they pair with a phone or tablet

Your AirPods will work with any Windows PC or Mac that has Bluetooth built in. The pairing process takes about two minutes and happens only once — after that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on and your PC is nearby. You do not need iTunes, special software, or an Apple account to make the connection work.

The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, but the core idea is the same: put your AirPods in pairing mode, then tell your PC to find and connect to them. Once paired, you can switch between devices — your phone, tablet, and PC — and your AirPods will follow the audio to whichever device you're actively using.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods pair with a PC through Bluetooth and work with both Windows and Mac without any additional software.
  • You must put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device and select your AirPods from the list.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click the plus icon to add your AirPods.
  • After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and your PC is in range.

How to pair AirPods with a Windows PC

Start by putting your AirPods in pairing mode. Place both AirPods in the charging case, then open the case lid. Press and hold the small button on the back of the case — not the button on the AirPods themselves — until the light inside the case flashes white. This usually takes about 10 to 15 seconds. The white flash means your AirPods are ready to pair with any device nearby.

On your Windows PC, open the Settings app. Click the Start button, type "Settings," and press Enter. Once Settings opens, click Bluetooth & devices on the left side. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you should see a toggle switch at the top. Click Add device, then select Bluetooth from the menu that appears.

Your PC will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. When you see your AirPods in the list — they will appear with a name like "Sarah's AirPods" — click on them. Windows will pair automatically and show a confirmation message. Your AirPods are now connected to your PC.

How to pair AirPods with a Mac

Put your AirPods in pairing mode the same way: place both in the case, open the lid, and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white. Keep the case open and near your Mac.

On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on — you should see a toggle at the top right. Click the plus icon to add a new device.

Your Mac will show a list of available Bluetooth devices. Select your AirPods from the list and click Connect. Your Mac will pair with them and show a confirmation. Your AirPods are now ready to use with your Mac.

What to do if your AirPods don't appear in the device list

If your AirPods are not showing up, the most common reason is that they are not actually in pairing mode. Go back to the case, open the lid, and hold the button on the back for a full 15 to 20 seconds. The light should flash white — not amber or orange. If the light is amber, your AirPods are already paired with another device and need to be reset first.

To reset your AirPods, hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. This erases all previous pairings. Now try pairing with your PC again. Make sure your PC's Bluetooth is on and in pairing mode before you start.

If your PC does not have Bluetooth built in, you will need a USB Bluetooth adapter. These are inexpensive and plug into any USB port on your computer. Once plugged in, your PC will recognize it as a Bluetooth device and you can pair your AirPods the same way.

How to switch AirPods between your PC and other devices

Once your AirPods are paired with your PC, they will remember that pairing. You can also pair them with your phone, tablet, or other devices — AirPods can be paired with multiple devices at once. To switch which device your AirPods are listening to, straightforward start playing audio on the device you want to use. Your AirPods will automatically switch to that device within a few seconds.

If automatic switching does not work, you can manually select your PC from your AirPods' settings. On your phone or tablet, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and tap the info icon next to them. Look for an option that says "Connect to This Mac" or "Connect to This PC" and select it. Your AirPods will switch when ready.

Troubleshooting sound and microphone issues

After pairing, your AirPods should work for both audio and video calls. If you hear sound but your microphone is not working during a call, check your audio settings. On Windows, open Settings > Sound, scroll down to Advanced, and click Volume mixer. Find your app in the list and make sure your AirPods are selected as the input device. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and select your AirPods from the Input tab.

If your AirPods are connected but producing no sound, check the volume on both your AirPods and your PC. You can adjust volume by pressing the force sensor on the stem of your AirPods (or the button on older models). If sound still does not work, disconnect your AirPods from your PC and reconnect them. On Windows, go to Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods, click the three dots next to them, and select Remove device. Then pair them again from the beginning.

How to disconnect or unpair your AirPods

To temporarily disconnect your AirPods without erasing the pairing, straightforward turn off Bluetooth on your PC or put your AirPods in their case. They will reconnect automatically the next time you turn Bluetooth back on and open the case.

To permanently unpair your AirPods so they no longer automatically reconnect to your PC, go to your Bluetooth settings and remove the device. On Windows, open Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods, click the three dots, and select Remove device. On Mac, click the info icon next to your AirPods in Bluetooth settings and select Remove. You can pair them again anytime by putting them in pairing mode and following the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair my AirPods from my iPhone before connecting them to my PC?

No. AirPods can be paired with multiple devices at the same time. You can keep them paired with your iPhone and also pair them with your PC. They will automatically switch to whichever device is playing audio.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

This usually happens if your PC goes to sleep or if Bluetooth is turned off. Make sure Bluetooth stays on in your PC settings. If disconnections happen even when your PC is awake, try removing and re-pairing your AirPods. Also check that no other device is trying to connect to them at the same time.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with a PC the same way?

Yes. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max pair with Windows and Mac using the same Bluetooth method. The pairing steps are identical, though AirPods Max have a power button instead of a case button — hold that button until the light flashes white to enter pairing mode.

What if my PC does not have Bluetooth?

You will need a USB Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into any USB port on your computer. These are inexpensive and widely available. Once plugged in, your PC will recognize it and you can pair your AirPods normally through your Bluetooth settings.

Will my AirPods work with video calls on my PC?

Yes. Your AirPods will work with Zoom, Teams, Discord, and any other video or voice call app. Make sure your AirPods are selected as both the audio output and microphone input in your app's settings before you start a call.