Connect AirPods Pro 3 to a PC in Four Steps

AirPods Pro 3 connect to a PC the same way they connect to any other device: through Bluetooth. On Windows, you'll open Settings and add a new Bluetooth device. On Mac, you'll use System Settings. The process takes about two minutes, and once paired, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever they're in range and turned on.

Your PC must have Bluetooth built in or connected via a USB adapter. Most modern laptops have Bluetooth; most desktop computers do not. If your desktop doesn't have Bluetooth, you can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $15 to $30 and plug it into any USB port.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods Pro 3 in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device and select your AirPods from the list.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click the plus button, then select your AirPods.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will reconnect to your PC automatically when you turn them on and they're in Bluetooth range.
  • If your desktop PC has no Bluetooth, a USB adapter costs $15 to $30 and works with both Windows and Mac.

Put Your AirPods Pro 3 in Pairing Mode

Before your PC can see your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. Open the AirPods case and look at the small light on the front. Hold down the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The light will flash amber, then white. When it flashes white, your AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect.

Pairing mode lasts about 15 minutes, so you have time to move to your PC and start the connection process. If the light goes out or turns green, your AirPods have exited pairing mode and you'll need to hold the button again.

Pair on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Bluetooth settings" into the search box, then press Enter. This opens the Bluetooth & devices page. Click the button labeled "Add device" near the top. A window will pop up asking what kind of device you want to add—select "Bluetooth."

Your PC will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Your AirPods Pro 3 should appear in the list with that exact name. Click on them. Windows will pair automatically and show a "Connection successful" message. Your AirPods are now connected to your PC.

Pair on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "Bluetooth." You'll see a list of available devices. Your AirPods Pro 3 should appear in that list. Click the "Connect" button next to them.

Mac will pair automatically and show "Connected" next to your AirPods. Once connected, you can close System Settings. Your AirPods will now appear in the audio output menu whenever you want to switch to them for sound or video calls.

What to Do If Your PC Doesn't Have Bluetooth

Desktop computers rarely come with Bluetooth built in. If your PC doesn't show any Bluetooth settings or devices, you need a USB Bluetooth adapter. These are small dongles that plug into any USB port and add Bluetooth to your computer. They cost between $15 and $30 and work with both Windows and Mac.

Once you plug in the adapter, Windows or Mac will install drivers automatically (usually within a minute). Then follow the pairing steps above—your PC will now see your AirPods. The adapter stays plugged in and handles all your Bluetooth connections.

Reconnect Your AirPods After the First Time

After you've paired your AirPods Pro 3 to your PC once, they'll reconnect automatically. Take your AirPods out of the case and put them in your ears. Within a few seconds, they'll connect to your PC if it's nearby and Bluetooth is turned on.

If your AirPods don't reconnect, open Bluetooth settings on your PC and click "Connect" next to them. If they don't appear in the list at all, put them back in the case, hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes white, and pair them again as if it were the first time.

Troubleshoot Connection Problems

If your AirPods won't show up during pairing, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your PC's settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth to "On." On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it's enabled. Also check that your AirPods are actually in pairing mode—the light on the case should be flashing white, not amber or green.

If your AirPods connect but then disconnect, they may be trying to connect to another device at the same time (like your phone or tablet). Put your phone in airplane mode or turn off Bluetooth on other devices, then try reconnecting to your PC. If one AirPod works but the other doesn't, put both back in the case for 30 seconds, take them out, and try pairing again.

Switch Between Your PC and Other Devices

Once your AirPods Pro 3 are paired to multiple devices, they'll connect to whichever one you use them with. If you're using them with your phone and then open a video on your PC, they may not automatically switch. You'll need to manually disconnect them from your phone and reconnect them to your PC through Bluetooth settings.

On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods, then select "Disconnect." On your PC, open Bluetooth settings and click "Connect" next to your AirPods. They'll now play audio from your PC. This switching process takes about 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my AirPods Pro 3 to my PC every time I use them?

No. Once you pair them the first time, they stay paired. You just need to turn them on and they'll reconnect automatically. You only pair them once, unless you reset them or want to pair them to a different PC.

Can I use AirPods Pro 3 with both a Windows PC and a Mac?

Yes. You can pair them to both devices separately. They'll remember both connections. When you want to use them with one or the other, just make sure Bluetooth is on and they'll connect to whichever device you're actively using.

What if my AirPods Pro 3 are already paired to my iPhone?

They can be paired to your iPhone and your PC at the same time. To use them with your PC, put your iPhone in airplane mode or turn off Bluetooth on it, then they'll connect to your PC instead. When you're done, turn Bluetooth back on your phone.

Will the microphone on my AirPods Pro 3 work for video calls on my PC?

Yes. Once connected, your AirPods will work for both audio and microphone input. In video call apps like Zoom or Teams, your AirPods should appear in the audio settings. Select them as both your speaker and microphone.

How do I know if my PC's Bluetooth is working?

On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices. If you see a Bluetooth toggle and it's on, your PC has working Bluetooth. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top. If it shows "Bluetooth: On," you're ready to pair. If you don't see these options, your PC likely needs a USB adapter.