How to Connect AirPods to a Windows PC or Mac

AirPods connect to a PC the same way they connect to an iPhone, but Windows and Mac handle Bluetooth pairing slightly differently

Your AirPods will pair with a Windows PC or Mac, though the process depends on which operating system you use. On a Mac, AirPods often pair automatically if you are signed into the same Apple account. On Windows, you will need to manually add them through Bluetooth settings. Either way, the connection is stable once paired, and you can switch between devices without re-pairing each time.

The main thing to know upfront: AirPods work best when you are not trying to use them with multiple devices at once. If your AirPods are currently connected to your iPhone, you will need to disconnect them there before pairing with your PC, or use your device settings to manually switch which device they listen to.

Key Takeaways

On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back for three seconds, and select them from the list.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and click "Add device" to find and connect them.
AirPods can only actively connect to one device at a time, so disconnect them from your phone before pairing with your PC if they are already in use.
Once paired, you can switch between devices by opening Bluetooth settings on the device you want to use and selecting your AirPods from the list.
If your AirPods do not appear during pairing, reset them by holding the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and white, then try again.

Pairing AirPods with a Mac

On a Mac, the pairing process is usually the fastest. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your AirPods should appear in the list if they are nearby and in pairing mode.

To put your AirPods in pairing mode, hold the small button on the back of the charging case for about three seconds. You will see the light inside the case flash white, which means they are ready to pair. Select your AirPods from the Bluetooth list on your Mac, and they will connect. The whole process usually takes less than a minute.

If your AirPods are already paired with your iPhone and you are signed into the same Apple account on your Mac, they may pair automatically without you doing anything. You can also see all your devices in System Settings under the AirPods name, and switch which one they are connected to from there.

Pairing AirPods with a Windows PC

Windows requires a few more steps than Mac, but the process is still straightforward. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on by toggling the switch at the top.

Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for three seconds until the light flashes white. On the Bluetooth & devices page, click "Add device" at the top, then select Bluetooth from the popup menu. Windows will search for nearby devices. Your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds. Click on them to connect.

Windows may ask you to confirm the pairing or enter a code, but this usually happens automatically. Once connected, your AirPods will show as "Connected" in the Bluetooth list. You can return to this same page anytime to disconnect them or switch to a different audio device.

Switching AirPods between your PC and other devices

AirPods can only send audio to one device at a time. If they are currently connected to your iPhone, they will not hear audio from your PC until you switch them over. The easiest way to switch is to open Bluetooth settings on the device you want to use and select your AirPods from the list. They will disconnect from the old device and connect to the new one within a few seconds.

On a Mac, you can also hold the Option key and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. This shows all your Bluetooth devices and which one is currently active. You can switch from there without opening System Settings.

If you want to use AirPods with multiple devices regularly, you can pair them with all of them. They will remember each pairing, and you just switch which device they listen to each time you want to change. This is faster than re-pairing from scratch every time.

What to do if your AirPods do not appear during pairing

If your AirPods are not showing up in the Bluetooth list, the first step is to make sure they are actually in pairing mode. The light inside the case should be flashing white. If it is not, hold the button on the back for three seconds and try again. Also check that your PC's Bluetooth is turned on and that you are looking at the right settings page.

If they still do not appear, try resetting your AirPods. Hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The light will flash amber and white, which means the reset is complete. After that, put them back in pairing mode (three-second button hold until white flash) and try adding them again to your PC.

Make sure your AirPods are not currently connected to another device. If they are paired with your iPhone and actively connected, they may not show up as available on your PC. Disconnect them from your phone first by going to Bluetooth settings on the iPhone and clicking the "i" icon next to your AirPods, then selecting "Forget This Device."

Audio quality and microphone use on a PC

AirPods will work for both listening and for microphone input on a Windows PC or Mac. However, the audio quality is slightly lower when you are using the microphone at the same time — this is a limitation of how Bluetooth works, not a problem with AirPods specifically. If you are in a video call or recording, the microphone will automatically set up when you speak.

On Windows, you can choose whether audio comes from your AirPods or another speaker by opening Settings, going to Bluetooth & devices, then Sound. Scroll down to "Advanced" and you will see options for both output (speakers) and input (microphone). You can set AirPods as your default for one or both.

On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Sound, and you will see a dropdown menu at the top that lets you choose your output device. Your AirPods will appear there once they are paired. The microphone input usually switches automatically, but you can also set it manually in the same Sound settings.

Troubleshooting connection drops and lag

AirPods sometimes disconnect or reconnect unexpectedly on a PC. This usually happens if Bluetooth interference is present — keep your PC and AirPods within about 30 feet of each other, and move away from other wireless devices like microwaves or routers if you notice problems. Walls and metal objects can also weaken the signal.

If your AirPods keep dropping the connection, try forgetting them from your PC and re-pairing. On a Mac, go to System Settings, Bluetooth, find your AirPods, click the "i" icon, and select "Forget This Device." On Windows, go to Settings, Bluetooth & devices, find your AirPods, click on them, and select "Remove device." Then pair them again from scratch.

Lag or delay between audio and video is rare with AirPods on a PC, but if you notice it, try closing other apps that use Bluetooth or internet bandwidth. Restarting your PC can also help. If the problem persists, your AirPods may have a hardware issue and you should contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you do not need to unpair them permanently. You can pair your AirPods with both devices at once. However, they can only actively listen to one device at a time, so you will need to switch which device they are connected to in Bluetooth settings each time you want to change.

Can I use AirPods with a Windows PC if I do not have a Mac?

Yes, AirPods work with Windows PCs just as well as they do with Macs. The pairing process is slightly different, but once connected they function the same way. You do not need an Apple device to use AirPods with Windows.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my PC?

Bluetooth interference is the most common cause. Keep your PC and AirPods within 30 feet of each other and away from microwaves, routers, and other wireless devices. If disconnections continue, try forgetting your AirPods from your PC and re-pairing them from scratch.

Can I use both AirPods at the same time on my PC, or just one?

You can use both. When you pair your AirPods case with your PC, both earbuds will connect and work together as a stereo pair. If one earbud is not connecting, make sure both are charged and try resetting them by holding the back button for 15 seconds.

What should I do if my AirPods are paired but producing no sound?

First, check that your AirPods are actually selected as the audio output device in your PC's sound settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound and look for your AirPods in the output dropdown. On a Mac, open System Settings > Sound and select your AirPods. Also make sure the volume is turned up on both your PC and your AirPods themselves.

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