AirPods connect to a PC the same way they connect to an iPhone — through Bluetooth. On Windows, you'll go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device. On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, then put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Both systems will then show your AirPods in the list of available devices, and you click to connect.
The process takes about two minutes the first time. After that, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever they're near your PC and turned on — you won't have to pair them again unless you deliberately unpair them or reset the AirPods themselves.
One thing to know upfront: AirPods work best when you're using only one device at a time. If your AirPods are connected to your iPhone and you want to use them with your PC, you'll need to manually switch them over. They don't seamlessly jump between devices the way they do within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac). This matters if you're someone who moves between devices throughout the day.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device, then select your AirPods from the list.
- On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the back button until the light flashes white, then click Connect.
- After the first connection, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever they're nearby and powered on.
- AirPods connected to your iPhone won't automatically switch to your PC — you'll need to manually disconnect them from one device before connecting to the other.
Putting Your AirPods in Pairing Mode
Before your PC can see your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. This tells them to broadcast their Bluetooth signal so nearby devices can find them. On any model of AirPods, hold down the small button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds. You'll see the LED light on the front of the case start flashing white — that's your signal that pairing mode is active.
Keep the case open while you're pairing. If you close it, the AirPods go back to sleep and stop broadcasting. The pairing mode stays active for about 15 minutes, so you have time to get to your PC's Bluetooth settings without rushing.
Connecting on Windows 10 or Windows 11
Open the Windows Settings app (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Click on Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar. At the top of the main panel, you'll see a button that says Add device — click it.
A window will pop up asking what type of device you want to add. Select Bluetooth. Windows will then scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. Your AirPods should appear in the list within a few seconds, usually labeled just as "AirPods" or with a model number like "AirPods Pro" or "AirPods Max". Click on them to connect.
Windows may ask you to confirm the pairing. If it does, just click Done or Connect. Your AirPods should now show as "Connected" in the Bluetooth settings, and you should hear audio through them when you play something on your PC.
Connecting on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS). In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Make sure your AirPods are in pairing mode — the LED on the back of the case should be flashing white.
Your AirPods should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds. Click the Connect button next to them. On some versions of macOS, you may see a prompt asking you to confirm — just click Connect again. Once connected, your AirPods will show as "Connected" in the Bluetooth menu.
Switching AirPods Between Devices
If your AirPods are currently connected to your iPhone or another device, they won't connect to your PC at the same time. You'll need to disconnect them from the first device before pairing with your PC. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, tap the info icon next to them, and select Forget This Device. Then put them back in pairing mode and connect them to your PC.
Once you've paired your AirPods with your PC, you can switch between them more quickly. Just disconnect from your PC's Bluetooth settings, then open Bluetooth on your iPhone and reconnect. You don't have to forget them and pair from scratch every time — the devices remember each other after the first pairing.
Troubleshooting When AirPods Won't Connect
If your AirPods don't show up in your PC's Bluetooth list, first check that they're actually in pairing mode. The LED should be flashing white, not amber or off. If it's not flashing, hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds again.
Next, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for your PC. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and toggle Bluetooth to On. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and make sure it says "Bluetooth: On". If Bluetooth is off, your PC won't see any devices.
If your AirPods still don't appear, try restarting your PC's Bluetooth. On Windows, toggle Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it back on. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, hold Option, and click Reset the Bluetooth module. Then put your AirPods back in pairing mode and try again.
If you've already paired your AirPods with your PC before and they're not connecting now, they may have been forgotten or unpaired. Put them in pairing mode again and go through the full pairing process as if it's the first time. This usually fixes the problem.
Using Your AirPods Once They're Connected
Once your AirPods are connected, they'll work like any other Bluetooth headphones on your PC. Audio from videos, music, calls, and games will play through them automatically. You can adjust the volume using your PC's volume controls or the volume buttons on your AirPods if your model has them.
On Windows, you can also set your AirPods as the default audio device. Go to Settings > Sound > Volume and device preferences, scroll down to Advanced, and click App volume and device preferences. From there, you can choose which app sends audio to your AirPods and which sends it to your speakers.
On Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar, hold Option, and you'll see a list of available audio outputs. Select your AirPods to make them the default, or switch back to your Mac's speakers whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pair my AirPods every time I use them on my PC?
No. After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever they're turned on and near your PC. You only pair once. If they don't reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for your PC and that your AirPods are powered on and in range.
Can I use AirPods on my PC and iPhone at the same time?
No. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If they're connected to your iPhone, you'll need to disconnect them there before they can connect to your PC. You can switch between devices, but not use them simultaneously.
Why is the sound cutting out or crackling?
Bluetooth interference is usually the cause. Move your PC and AirPods closer together, away from other wireless devices like routers or microwaves. If the problem persists, try forgetting your AirPods and pairing them again. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, click your AirPods, and select Remove device. On Mac, click the info icon next to your AirPods in Bluetooth settings and select Forget.
Will my AirPods microphone work on my PC for calls or recording?
Yes, but you may need to set them as your default input device. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound > Volume and device preferences > App volume and device preferences, find the app you're using, and select your AirPods as the input. On Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar, hold Option, and look for input options.
What if I have multiple AirPods cases or models?
Each case and model pairs separately. If you have AirPods Pro and regular AirPods, they'll show up as different devices in your PC's Bluetooth list. You can pair both, but only use one at a time. To switch, just disconnect one and connect the other through your Bluetooth settings.