AirPods 4 connect to a PC through Bluetooth, the same way they pair with a phone — but the steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using Windows or Mac

AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3, so any PC with Bluetooth hardware built in can pair them. The process takes about two minutes and involves putting the AirPods in pairing mode, then selecting them from your computer's Bluetooth settings. Once paired, they reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your PC.

If your desktop computer doesn't have Bluetooth, you'll need a USB Bluetooth adapter — a small dongle that plugs into a USB port and costs between $15 and $40. Laptops almost always have Bluetooth built in, but older desktops often don't.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods 4 pair through Bluetooth settings on Windows or Mac, not through an app or iTunes.
  • You must put the AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
  • Windows and Mac show slightly different menu paths, but both take you to the same Bluetooth settings screen.
  • Once paired, AirPods 4 will reconnect automatically when you open the case near your computer, as long as Bluetooth is on.
  • If your desktop has no Bluetooth, a USB adapter is the only solution — wireless dongles designed for gaming headsets will not work with AirPods.

How to pair AirPods 4 to a Mac

On Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click Bluetooth in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on. Your Mac will show a list of available devices.

Open the AirPods case and hold the button on the back for about 15 seconds. The light inside the case will flash white, which means the AirPods are in pairing mode. They should appear in your Mac's Bluetooth list within a few seconds. Click the AirPods name, then click Connect. The pairing is complete when the status changes to "Connected."

If the AirPods don't appear, close the case, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Make sure your Mac's Bluetooth is on and that no other device is actively pairing with the AirPods at the same time.

How to pair AirPods 4 to Windows 10 or 11

On Windows, open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices (or Devices on Windows 10). Toggle Bluetooth on if it's off. You'll see a button labeled Add device or Pair new device — click it.

A window will open asking what type of device you're pairing. Select Bluetooth. Windows will then scan for nearby devices. While it's scanning, open your AirPods case and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes white. The AirPods should appear in the Windows list within a few seconds. Click them and select Pair.

Windows will confirm the pairing with a notification. If the AirPods don't appear after 30 seconds, close the case, wait, and repeat the process. Sometimes Windows takes longer to detect Bluetooth devices than Mac does.

What to do if your PC has no Bluetooth

Desktop computers rarely come with Bluetooth built in. If your PC has no Bluetooth option in Settings, you need a USB Bluetooth adapter. These are small dongles that plug into any USB port and add Bluetooth to your computer.

Look for adapters labeled "Bluetooth 5.0" or higher — they're widely available online and in electronics stores for $15 to $40. Plug it in, wait for Windows or Mac to recognize it (usually automatic), then follow the pairing steps above. The adapter will appear as a Bluetooth device in your settings, and you pair the AirPods through it.

Do not buy gaming headset dongles or wireless adapters designed for specific brands — they won't work with AirPods. Stick to standard Bluetooth adapters.

Reconnecting after the first pairing

Once AirPods 4 are paired to your PC, they reconnect automatically when you open the case near the computer, as long as Bluetooth is on. You don't have to repeat the pairing process. Just open the case and they'll connect within a few seconds.

If they don't reconnect, check that Bluetooth is on in your PC's settings. If Bluetooth is on but the AirPods still won't connect, open Settings, find the AirPods in your paired devices list, and click Connect manually. If that doesn't work, remove the pairing and start over from the pairing mode step.

Switching AirPods 4 between devices

AirPods 4 can be paired to multiple devices at once, but they can only connect to one at a time. If you're using them with your phone and want to switch to your PC, straightforward open the case near your PC and they'll switch over automatically — as long as your phone's Bluetooth is off or the AirPods are out of range.

If they don't switch automatically, go to your PC's Bluetooth settings and click Connect next to the AirPods name. This forces them to connect to your PC instead of your phone. When you're done with your PC, open the case near your phone and they'll switch back.

Troubleshooting common pairing problems

If the AirPods won't enter pairing mode, make sure the case battery isn't dead. Charge the case for at least 15 minutes, then try again. The light should flash white when you hold the button — if it doesn't flash at all, the case needs more charge.

If Windows or Mac sees the AirPods but won't connect, try removing the pairing and starting over. On Mac, go to Bluetooth settings, find the AirPods, click the X next to them, and confirm removal. On Windows, go to Bluetooth & devices, find the AirPods, click the three dots, and select Remove device. Then repeat the pairing steps from the beginning.

If your PC has Bluetooth but the AirPods still won't show up, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes Bluetooth needs a fresh start. If that doesn't work, restart the AirPods by placing them in the case, closing it for 10 seconds, and opening it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read anything to pair AirPods 4 to my PC?

No. AirPods 4 pair through your PC's built-in Bluetooth settings — there's no app to read or software to install. Windows and Mac handle everything through the standard Bluetooth menu.

Can I use AirPods 4 with a Windows PC if I've only ever used them with an iPhone?

Yes. AirPods 4 work with any device that has Bluetooth, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones, and tablets. They're not locked to Apple devices. Just put them in pairing mode and follow the Windows or Mac steps above.

Why do my AirPods 4 keep disconnecting from my PC?

Disconnections usually happen when Bluetooth is turned off, when the AirPods move out of range (typically more than 30 feet away), or when they're trying to connect to another device at the same time. Check that Bluetooth is on, keep the AirPods close to your PC, and make sure they're not paired to an active phone nearby.

What's the difference between pairing and connecting?

Pairing is the first-time setup where your PC and AirPods exchange information and remember each other. Connecting is what happens every time you turn on the AirPods near your PC after that. You only pair once; you connect every time you use them.

Can I pair AirPods 4 to multiple PCs at the same time?

Yes, you can pair them to as many PCs as you want. They'll remember each one. However, they can only be connected to one device at a time, so you'll need to manually switch between PCs using the Bluetooth settings if you want to use them with a different computer.