Connect AirPods to Windows or Mac in three steps
AirPods connect to a desktop the same way they connect to a phone — through Bluetooth. On a Mac, you open System Settings and add them from the Bluetooth menu. On Windows, you go to Settings, then Devices, then add them there. The process takes about two minutes and you only have to do it once; after that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your computer.
The one thing that trips people up: your AirPods need to be in pairing mode the first time. This means holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white. After that first pairing, you never touch that button again — just open the case near your computer and they connect on their own.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods pair through Bluetooth, which is built into every modern desktop computer, so you do not need any extra hardware or cables.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, then hold the AirPods case button for 15 seconds until the light flashes white, then select your AirPods from the list.
- On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Add Device, then put your AirPods in pairing mode the same way and select them from the list.
- Once paired, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you open the case near your computer — you do not need to repeat the pairing process.
How to pair AirPods with a Mac
Start with your AirPods in their case, closed. On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then click System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click Bluetooth. You should see a list of devices already connected or available. Leave this window open.
Now hold the small button on the back of your AirPods case for about 15 seconds. You will see the light on the front of the case start flashing white. This means the AirPods are in pairing mode and looking for a device to connect to. Within a few seconds, your AirPods should appear in the Bluetooth list on your Mac with a button that says "Connect" next to them. Click that button.
Your Mac will confirm the connection and the AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth list with a checkmark. You can now close System Settings. Open your AirPods case near your Mac and they will connect automatically from now on.
How to pair AirPods with a Windows PC
On Windows, the process is similar but the menu names are different. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner and type "Settings" into the search box, then click Settings when it appears. In the Settings window, click Bluetooth & Devices on the left side.
You will see a section called "Bluetooth" with a toggle switch. Make sure the toggle is turned on (it should be blue). Below that, click the button that says "Add Device" or the plus icon next to "Devices." A small window will pop up asking what kind of device you want to add — click Bluetooth.
Now hold the button on the back of your AirPods case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white. Your AirPods should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds. Click on them to connect. Windows will confirm the connection and your AirPods are now paired. Close the Settings window and your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you open the case near your PC.
What to do if your AirPods do not appear in the pairing list
If you hold the button for 15 seconds and the light does not flash white, the case battery might be too low. Put the case in a charger for 15 minutes and try again. The light should flash white when you hold the button on a charged case.
If the light flashes white but your AirPods still do not show up in the Bluetooth list, make sure Bluetooth is actually turned on. On Mac, look at the top-right corner of the screen — you should see a Bluetooth icon. On Windows, check that the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices is blue and switched on. If Bluetooth is off, turn it on and try pairing again.
If you have paired your AirPods with other devices recently (like a phone or tablet), they might be trying to connect to those instead. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone or move it to another room, then try pairing with your desktop again. Once your AirPods are paired with your desktop, they will remember it and you can turn your phone's Bluetooth back on.
How to reconnect AirPods after they disconnect
After the first pairing, your AirPods should reconnect automatically. straightforward open the case near your computer and they will connect within a few seconds. You will hear a chime in your AirPods when they connect.
If they do not reconnect automatically, open your AirPods case near your computer and wait 10 seconds. If that does not work, go back to your Bluetooth settings (System Settings > Bluetooth on Mac, or Settings > Bluetooth & Devices on Windows) and look for your AirPods in the list. Click them or click a "Connect" button if one appears. They should connect when ready.
If your AirPods are paired but you want to use them with a different device, you do not need to unpair them from your desktop. Just turn off Bluetooth on your desktop or move the AirPods far away, then use them with your phone or another device. When you bring them back near your desktop and open the case, they will reconnect to the desktop automatically.
Using AirPods with video calls and audio apps
Once your AirPods are paired, most apps will use them automatically for sound. If you are in a video call on Zoom, Teams, or another app, check the audio settings in that app to make sure your AirPods are selected as the output device. Usually there is a small speaker icon or audio settings button in the app itself.
If you have multiple audio devices connected (like speakers and AirPods), your desktop might default to one of them. To change which device plays sound, go to your system settings. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and look for an "Output" section where you can select your AirPods. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound and scroll down to "Advanced" to find the output device selector.
For video calls, you may also need to select your AirPods as the microphone input. In most video call apps, there is a settings menu where you can choose which microphone to use. Select your AirPods from that list. The built-in microphone in AirPods works well for calls, though it may not pick up sound as clearly as a dedicated desktop microphone would.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use them?
No. After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you open the case near your computer. You only pair them once. If they disconnect and do not reconnect on their own, you can manually reconnect them from your Bluetooth settings, but you do not need to repeat the full pairing process.
Can I use the same AirPods with my desktop and my phone at the same time?
Not simultaneously, but you can switch between them. Your AirPods will remember both devices. When you bring them near your phone, they will connect to your phone. When you bring them near your desktop, they will connect to your desktop. You do not need to unpair them from one device to use them with the other.
What if my desktop does not have Bluetooth?
Most modern desktops have Bluetooth built in, but older computers sometimes do not. If your desktop does not have Bluetooth, you can buy a small USB Bluetooth adapter (sometimes called a Bluetooth dongle) for about $15 to $30. Plug it into a USB port on your desktop and your computer will be able to pair with AirPods the same way.
Will my AirPods work with Windows if they are designed for Apple?
Yes. AirPods use standard Bluetooth, which works with any device that has Bluetooth, including Windows PCs, Android phones, and non-Apple computers. They work best with Apple devices, but they will pair and function with Windows without any problems.
How do I know if my AirPods are actually connected to my desktop?
On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth and look for your AirPods in the list — if they are connected, they will have a checkmark or say "Connected" next to them. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices and look for your AirPods in the list of paired devices. You will also hear a chime in your AirPods when they connect to your desktop.