How Do I Connect AirPods On A Windows PC?

Apple headphones don’t just work on Macs and iPhones. Learn how to connect them to your PC to use them on Windows.

If you own AirPods, chances are you use them with an iPhone or Mac. Apple has done well since its headsets, which are automatically recognized by the brand’s devices, also automatically (or almost) connect. But when it comes to using AirPods with other devices, it’s not the same.

Apple has such a reputation for wanting to lock down its devices and ecosystem that many people think AirPods can’t be used with an iPhone or Mac. What is wrong. While Apple’s headphones benefit from a quick-connect system and are admittedly only compatible with the brand’s devices, they’re still basic Bluetooth headphones. They can therefore be perfectly connected to a Windows PC (or an Android smartphone) to be used like any Bluetooth headset. Be careful though, if they work perfectly you still won’t be able to access the many options and settings available on macOS and iOS.

1. Activate Bluetooth on your PC

Before you want to connect your AirPods to your PC, first make sure that the Bluetooth connection is active in Windows. To do this, click Access quick settings of Windows 11 at the bottom right of the screen. Then click on the icon Bluetooth to activate the connection on your device.

2. Pair AirPods

Now click on the arrow displayed next to the Bluetooth icon to start searching for new nearby devices. Then open the case cover of your AirPods and wait a moment until your AirPods are detected and appear in the list.

However, if your headphones aren’t recognized by your PC, press and hold the button on the back of your AirPods case for a few seconds until it starts blinking white. Your AirPods should then show the list of available devices that aren’t paired. Click your AirPods to connect to your PC and place them in your ears.

3. Use your AirPods

While using your AirPods on a Windows PC doesn’t give you access to the many settings available on iOS and macOS, you can still use them in the same way.

Thus, with one click on one of the branches of your AirPods, you can manage the play/pause of the music. In the same way, you can switch from noise reduction mode to transparency mode with a long press on one of the branches of your headphones.