Yes, AirPods work with Windows and Mac computers
AirPods connect to any computer with Bluetooth — Windows PCs, MacBooks, or any other device that supports standard Bluetooth pairing. Apple does not lock AirPods to iPhones or iPads. Once you pair them with your computer, they work the same way they do on your phone: audio plays through them, the microphone picks up your voice for calls or video meetings, and you can control volume and playback from your keyboard or the AirPods themselves.
The connection process takes about two minutes the first time. After that, your computer remembers the AirPods and reconnects automatically when they are nearby and turned on. You do not need any special software, drivers, or Apple accounts — just Bluetooth and the pairing menu built into your operating system.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods pair with Windows PCs and Mac computers through standard Bluetooth, the same way they pair with phones.
- The first pairing requires you to put 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 both find and connect to AirPods through their Bluetooth settings — no Apple software or account is required.
- After the first pairing, your computer automatically reconnects to AirPods when they are in range and powered on.
- If AirPods do not appear in your Bluetooth list, they may already be paired to another device and need to be reset or disconnected first.
How to pair AirPods with a Mac
On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and go to Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the small button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds — you will see the light inside the case flash white, then amber. Release the button.
Your AirPods should appear in the Bluetooth list within a few seconds. Click "Connect" next to them. The Mac will confirm the pairing and show "Connected" in the Bluetooth menu. That is all you need to do. The next time you turn on your AirPods near your Mac, they will connect automatically.
How to pair AirPods with a Windows PC
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices (or Devices > Bluetooth on older versions). Toggle Bluetooth on. Put your AirPods in pairing mode the same way: hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
Click "Add device" or "Add Bluetooth device" at the top of the Bluetooth menu. Windows will search for nearby devices. When your AirPods appear in the list, click them and select "Pair." Windows will confirm the connection. Like on Mac, your PC will reconnect to them automatically after the first pairing.
What to do if AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list
If you do not see your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu after putting them in pairing mode, they are likely already paired to another device — usually your phone. AirPods can only pair with one device at a time, though they can switch between devices you own if you set them up that way in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
To pair them with your computer instead, disconnect them from your phone first. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find AirPods in the list, and tap "Forget This Device." Then try pairing them with your computer again. If they still do not appear, reset the AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds after they are already in pairing mode — keep holding until the light flashes amber, then white. Release and try pairing again.
Switching AirPods between your phone and computer
Once AirPods are paired with both devices, they will connect to whichever one you use first. If you are listening on your Mac and then pick up your iPhone, the AirPods will disconnect from the Mac and connect to the iPhone within a few seconds. When you put the iPhone down and use the Mac again, they switch back.
You can also manually switch by going to your phone's Bluetooth settings and tapping the AirPods, or by opening the Bluetooth menu on your Mac or PC and selecting them. This switching works because both devices are paired — they are not competing for a connection, but rather the AirPods listen for which device is actively trying to use them.
Using AirPods for calls and video meetings on your computer
Once connected, AirPods work as both speakers and a microphone for video calls in Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or any other process. When you join a call, the audio automatically plays through the AirPods. The microphone in the AirPods picks up your voice — you do not need to adjust any settings in the process itself.
If the audio does not play through the AirPods, check your process's audio settings. In Zoom or Teams, look for an audio or speaker menu and make sure AirPods are selected as the output device. On your computer's system level, you can also set AirPods as the default audio device in Bluetooth settings, which makes them the first choice for all applications.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If your AirPods connect but then disconnect repeatedly, move closer to your computer. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and interference from other wireless devices can reduce that. If you are far from your computer or in a crowded wireless environment, the connection may drop.
If the audio cuts out or sounds choppy, try turning off Wi-Fi on your computer temporarily — sometimes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfere with each other on the same 2.4 GHz frequency. You can also try disconnecting and reconnecting the AirPods from the Bluetooth menu. If problems persist, restart your computer and your AirPods (put them in the case for 10 seconds, then take them out).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple account to connect AirPods to my PC?
No. AirPods pair through standard Bluetooth, which does not require any Apple account or software. You only need your computer's built-in Bluetooth menu and the pairing button on the AirPods case.
Can I use AirPods with both a Mac and a Windows PC at the same time?
AirPods can be paired with both devices, but they only connect to one at a time. You can switch between them manually through Bluetooth settings, or they will switch automatically if one device starts playing audio while the other is in use.
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my computer?
This usually happens if you are too far from your computer, if Bluetooth is turned off, or if the AirPods are still paired to another device that is trying to connect. Try moving closer, checking that Bluetooth is on, and disconnecting them from your phone if they are paired there.
Can I use only one AirPod with my computer?
Yes. If you take one AirPod out of the case and leave the other in, only the one you are wearing will connect and play audio. Both will work together if you take both out, but you can use them individually.
What if my computer does not have Bluetooth?
You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for about $15 to $30. Plug it into a USB port on your computer, and your system will treat it as built-in Bluetooth. Then pair your AirPods the same way you would on any other computer.