AirPods work with Windows, but the process is different from pairing with an iPhone

Your AirPods will connect to a Windows computer through Bluetooth, the same wireless standard they use with Apple devices. Windows handles the pairing differently than macOS or iOS does — you'll need to put your AirPods in pairing mode and then tell Windows to find them. Once connected, they work for audio playback and video calls, though some Apple-specific features (like automatic switching between your devices) won't function on Windows.

The connection process takes about five minutes the first time. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and you open the case near your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods pair with Windows through Bluetooth, which you access in Settings under Bluetooth & devices.
  • You must put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
  • Windows will show your AirPods in the list of available devices — select them to complete the pairing.
  • After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when Bluetooth is enabled and the case is opened nearby.
  • If your AirPods don't appear in the list, reset them by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then try again.

Turn on Bluetooth on your Windows computer

Before your AirPods can find your computer, Windows needs to have Bluetooth turned on. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app from the results.

In Settings, click Bluetooth & devices on the left side. You'll see a toggle for Bluetooth at the top of the page. If it shows "Off," click the toggle to turn it on. The toggle will turn blue and say "On." Leave this window open — you'll need it in the next step.

Put your AirPods in pairing mode

Your AirPods need to be in pairing mode before Windows can see them. Open the case (but don't put the AirPods in your ears yet). Look at the back of the case — you'll see a small circular button. Press and hold that button for about three seconds. The light on the front of the case will flash white, which means the AirPods are now in pairing mode and broadcasting their presence to nearby devices.

Keep the case open and near your computer. Pairing mode lasts about 15 seconds, so move quickly to the next step. If the light stops flashing and turns off, press the button again.

Select your AirPods from the Bluetooth list

Go back to the Settings window you left open (the Bluetooth & devices page). Look for a section that says "Available devices" or scroll down if you don't see it when ready. Your AirPods should appear in this list as "AirPods" or "AirPods [Your Name]" within a few seconds. Click on that entry.

Windows will show a "Pairing" message while it connects. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Once the pairing is complete, the AirPods entry will move to a section labeled "Your devices" or "Connected devices," and it will show a status of "Connected."

Test the connection and adjust volume

Put one AirPod in your ear and play a short audio clip — a YouTube video or a music streaming app works well. You should hear the sound through the AirPod. If you hear nothing, check that the AirPod volume isn't muted. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select "Open Volume mixer." Find your AirPods in the list and make sure the volume slider isn't all the way down.

If you want to use both AirPods, put the second one in your ear now. They'll connect automatically. You can adjust the overall volume using the volume keys on your keyboard or the volume mixer in Windows.

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

If you don't see your AirPods in the available devices list after 15 seconds, the pairing mode may have timed out. Close the case, wait a few seconds, then open it again and press the back button for three seconds until the light flashes white. Return to the Settings window and look for them again.

If they still don't appear, reset your AirPods completely. Open the case, press and hold the back button for 15 seconds. The light will flash amber and white alternately, which means the AirPods have been reset to factory settings. Now repeat the pairing process from the beginning — put them in pairing mode (the light should flash white again) and select them from the Windows list.

Reconnecting your AirPods after the first time

Once you've paired your AirPods with your Windows computer, you don't need to repeat the pairing process. The next time you want to use them, straightforward open the case near your computer. If Bluetooth is turned on in Windows Settings, your AirPods will connect automatically within a few seconds. You'll see a notification in the bottom-right corner of your screen saying "AirPods connected."

If your AirPods don't reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is still on in Settings. You can also click on the Bluetooth icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select your AirPods from the list of connected devices to reconnect them manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with both my iPhone and Windows computer at the same time?

AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to switch from your iPhone to your Windows computer, open the case near the computer and they'll disconnect from your phone and connect to Windows. To switch back, open the case near your iPhone. You can't use them on both devices simultaneously.

Why does my Windows computer show my AirPods as connected but I hear no sound?

Windows may have a different audio output device set as the default. Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner and select "Open Volume mixer." Look for your AirPods in the list and check that the volume slider isn't at zero. If your AirPods are listed but not set as the default, click on them and select "Set as default device."

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

No. Your AirPods can be paired with multiple devices at once — they just can't be actively connected to more than one at a time. You can keep them paired with your iPhone, iPad, and Windows computer, and they'll switch between them as needed.

What features don't work when AirPods are connected to Windows?

Automatic device switching (where AirPods jump between your devices) only works within Apple's ecosystem. On Windows, you'll need to manually reconnect them if you switch devices. Siri voice commands also won't work on Windows. Standard audio playback and microphone input for calls function normally.

Can I use the AirPods microphone for video calls on Windows?

Yes. Once your AirPods are connected, they'll work as a microphone for Zoom, Teams, Discord, and other video call apps. You may need to select your AirPods as the input device in the app's audio settings, but most apps detect them automatically.