How to Connect AirPods to a Windows or Mac Computer

Yes, AirPods connect to PCs through Bluetooth, but the process and limitations differ from iPhones

AirPods work with Windows PCs and Mac computers over Bluetooth, though they pair differently than they do with Apple phones. On a Mac, the connection is straightforward — AirPods appear in your Bluetooth menu and pair like any other headset. On Windows, the process is similar but requires you to manually put AirPods into pairing mode first, and some features like automatic switching between devices work only on Apple hardware.

The main trade-off is that AirPods on a PC lack some conveniences you get on an iPhone or iPad. You lose automatic device switching, which means if you're listening on your Mac and pick up your iPhone, the audio won't automatically jump to the phone. You also won't see battery percentage in Windows, though it shows on Mac. Despite these limitations, AirPods remain a functional choice for PC users who want wireless audio without buying a second headset.

Key Takeaways

AirPods pair with both Windows and Mac computers through Bluetooth, but you must manually put them in pairing mode on Windows.
Mac shows AirPods battery percentage and supports some automatic features; Windows shows neither and requires manual switching between devices.
Once paired, AirPods work for video calls, music, and system audio on both operating systems without additional software.
If AirPods stop connecting, forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pairing usually fixes the problem.

How to pair AirPods with a Mac

On a Mac, AirPods pair through the standard Bluetooth menu. Open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is on. Then open the AirPods case (keep the AirPods inside) and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 10 seconds until the light inside flashes white. Your AirPods should appear in the Bluetooth list on your Mac — click "Connect" next to them.

Once connected, you can switch between your Mac and other Apple devices by opening Control Center on your Mac, clicking the Sound icon, and selecting your AirPods from the output menu. Your Mac will also display the battery percentage of your AirPods in the menu bar and in System Settings under Bluetooth, so you know when they need charging.

How to pair AirPods with a Windows PC

Windows requires a manual pairing step that Mac skips. Open your AirPods case and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds — longer than on Mac — until the light flashes white. Then go to Settings on your Windows PC, select Bluetooth & devices, and turn Bluetooth on. Your AirPods should appear in the list; click on them and select "Pair."

After pairing, your AirPods will appear in the Sound settings under "Output devices." If you have multiple Bluetooth headsets, you'll need to manually switch between them in Settings each time you want to change which device is active. Windows does not show battery percentage for AirPods, so you won't have a built-in way to check how much charge remains.

What features work and what doesn't on a PC

AirPods handle basic audio on both Windows and Mac — music, video calls, system sounds, and video playback all work without issues. The microphone works for calls and voice recording. Siri does not work on Windows or Mac, so you cannot use voice commands. On Mac, you can use Siri to control playback, but on Windows you have no voice control option.

Automatic device switching — where audio jumps from your Mac to your iPhone when you start playing something on the phone — only works between Apple devices. On Windows, you must manually switch AirPods to the PC in Bluetooth settings if you want to use them there. Spatial audio and adaptive audio features also require Apple devices and do not function on Windows or Mac.

Troubleshooting when AirPods won't connect to your PC

If AirPods fail to appear in Bluetooth settings or keep disconnecting, the fastest fix is to forget the device and re-pair. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods, click the X next to them, and confirm removal. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, find your AirPods, click the three dots, and select "Remove device." Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

If AirPods still don't show up, restart your computer and try again. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and that you're holding the setup button long enough — Windows requires about 15 seconds, which is longer than most users expect. If your AirPods are already paired to an iPhone or iPad, disconnect them there first, as they may refuse to connect to a second device while actively paired to the first.

When AirPods might not be the best choice for your PC

If you need battery percentage display on Windows, automatic device switching, or voice control, AirPods are not the best fit. Many Windows-focused headsets like the Microsoft Surface Headphones or Beats Studio Pro (which support Windows natively) offer these features. If you use Windows primarily and only occasionally use Apple devices, a headset designed for Windows will give you a smoother experience.

AirPods also lack some audio customization options on Windows that they have on Mac. You cannot adjust EQ settings or enable features like conversation awareness through Windows settings. If audio tuning matters to you, check whether your PC headset offers an app or control panel for these adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to re-pair AirPods every time I use them on my PC?

No. Once you pair AirPods to your PC, they stay paired. When you turn on your AirPods and they're in range, they'll reconnect automatically. You only need to re-pair if you forget the device in Bluetooth settings or if the connection becomes corrupted.

Can I use AirPods on my Windows PC and iPhone at the same time?

Not simultaneously. AirPods can only play audio from one device at a time. You must manually switch them between your PC and iPhone in Bluetooth settings. If you want audio from both devices at once, you'd need two separate headsets.

Why doesn't Windows show my AirPods battery percentage?

Windows does not have built-in support for reading AirPods battery data. Mac does because both are Apple products. On Windows, you can check battery by opening your iPhone or iPad nearby and looking at the battery widget, but the PC itself won't display it.

Will AirPods work for video calls on my PC?

Yes. The microphone and speaker both work for Zoom, Teams, Discord, and other video call software. The microphone quality is the same as on an iPhone, so call clarity should be acceptable for most uses.

What's the difference between pairing and connecting?

Pairing is the one-time setup where your PC learns about your AirPods and stores that information. Connecting is what happens each time you turn on your AirPods and they link to your PC. You pair once; you connect every time you use them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.