The basic process works the same on Mac and Windows

To connect AirPods to a laptop, you put the AirPods in pairing mode, then select them from your computer's Bluetooth settings. On a Mac, this takes about 30 seconds. On Windows, the process is nearly identical but the menu locations differ slightly. Both methods work whether your AirPods are brand new or already paired to another device.

The key difference between the two systems is where you find the Bluetooth menu — Mac groups it in System Settings under Bluetooth, while Windows puts it in Settings under Devices. Once you know where to look, the steps are straightforward and the same every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, wait for your AirPods to appear, and click Connect.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click Add device, select Bluetooth, and choose your AirPods from the list.
  • Once connected, your AirPods will automatically reconnect to that laptop whenever they are in range and Bluetooth is on.
  • If your AirPods are already paired to your phone, you may need to disconnect them there first or forget the device on your laptop before pairing will work.

How to put AirPods in pairing mode

Before your laptop can see your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. Open the AirPods case and look at the small light on the front — this light tells you the pairing status. If the light is off or amber, the AirPods are not in pairing mode yet.

Hold down the small button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds. You will see the light start flashing white, which means the AirPods are now in pairing mode and ready to connect. The light will continue flashing white for about two minutes, so you have time to get to your laptop's Bluetooth settings. If the light turns amber again, the AirPods have exited pairing mode and you will need to press the button again.

Connecting AirPods on a Mac

On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Your Mac will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.

When your AirPods appear in the list, you will see their name (usually "Your Name's AirPods") with a Connect button next to them. Click Connect. The AirPods will pair with your Mac, and you should see a confirmation message. The light on the AirPods case will stop flashing and turn solid white, indicating the pairing is complete.

After this first connection, your AirPods will automatically reconnect to your Mac whenever both are turned on and within range. You do not need to repeat the pairing process unless you reset the AirPods or pair them to a different device.

Connecting AirPods on Windows

On your Windows laptop, click the Start menu and open Settings. In the left sidebar, click Bluetooth & devices. At the top of the page, make sure Bluetooth is turned on — the toggle should be blue.

Click the button that says Add device. A window will open asking what type of device you want to add. Select Bluetooth. Your Windows laptop will begin scanning for nearby devices, and your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds.

Click your AirPods in the list. Windows will pair them with your laptop and show a confirmation message. The light on the AirPods case will stop flashing, and you will see your AirPods listed under "Bluetooth" in the Settings menu. Like on Mac, they will reconnect automatically from now on whenever Bluetooth is on.

What to do if your AirPods do not appear

If your AirPods are not showing up in the Bluetooth list, the most common reason is that they are already connected to another device — usually your phone or tablet. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time, so you need to disconnect them from the other device first.

On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and tap the info icon next to them. Select Forget This Device. Once you have done this, go back to your laptop and try the pairing process again. Your AirPods should now appear in the Bluetooth list.

If they still do not appear, make sure the AirPods case is fully charged and that the AirPods themselves are inside the case. Also check that your laptop's Bluetooth is turned on — it is easy to miss this step on Windows. If you have tried all of this and your AirPods still will not pair, try resetting them by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds after they are already in pairing mode, then release and hold again for another 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and white.

Using your AirPods after they are connected

Once your AirPods are paired to your laptop, they will work as your default audio output whenever they are in range and connected. Audio from videos, music, calls, and notifications will play through the AirPods automatically. You can still change the audio output manually by going to your laptop's sound settings if you want to switch to speakers or headphones.

On a Mac, click the volume icon in the top-right corner and select your AirPods from the list. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound and scroll down to Advanced, then choose your AirPods under Output devices. Your AirPods will stay connected until you manually disconnect them, turn off Bluetooth on your laptop, or move far enough away that the connection drops.

Reconnecting AirPods to your laptop after they have been paired

After the first pairing, you do not need to go through the full setup process again. Simply make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your laptop, and your AirPods will reconnect automatically when they come within range. This usually happens within a few seconds.

If your AirPods do not reconnect automatically, open your Bluetooth settings and look for them in the list. On Mac, click Connect next to their name. On Windows, click them in the Bluetooth list. If they still will not connect, try putting them back in the case for a few seconds, then taking them out again. This often resets the connection and allows them to pair immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my AirPods to my laptop and phone at the same time?

No, AirPods can only be actively connected to one device at a time. However, they can be paired to multiple devices, and you can switch between them. To switch, disconnect the AirPods from your phone by going to Bluetooth settings and tapping Forget This Device, then reconnect them to your laptop. Alternatively, some AirPods models support automatic switching if you have an Apple account, but this only works between Apple devices.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my laptop?

AirPods disconnect when they move out of Bluetooth range (usually 30 to 100 feet depending on obstacles), when Bluetooth is turned off on your laptop, or when they connect to another device. If they disconnect frequently while you are close to your laptop, try forgetting the device and pairing again. Also check that your laptop's Bluetooth drivers are up to date — on Windows, go to Device Manager and look for Bluetooth under Network adapters.

Do I need to charge my AirPods before pairing them to my laptop?

Your AirPods do not need to be fully charged to pair, but they do need enough battery to enter pairing mode and stay connected. If the case is completely dead, charge it for at least 15 minutes before attempting to pair. You can check the battery level on a Mac by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, and on Windows by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and looking for your AirPods in the list.

What if I forgot which laptop I paired my AirPods to?

Your AirPods will automatically try to reconnect to the last device they were paired with. If you want to pair them to a different laptop instead, put them in pairing mode again by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. Then follow the pairing steps for your new laptop. The AirPods will now prioritize connecting to this device.

Can I use AirPods with a Windows laptop if I have a Mac at home?

Yes, AirPods work with Windows laptops just as well as they work with Macs. The pairing process is slightly different because the menu locations are different, but the technology is the same. You can pair your AirPods to both devices and switch between them by disconnecting from one and reconnecting to the other through Bluetooth settings.