How to Connect AirPods to Your Laptop

Since AirPods are native to Apple's hardware, they'll let you do things like use Siri navigation when connected to a Mac. If your Mac and iPhone are signed into the same Apple ID, then the computer will likely detect the AirPods and connect them to the AirPods in one easy button press in the audio menu. This feature can also be used to automatically switch the audio connection when receiving a phone call.

Otherwise, manually pair them by following the steps as detailed in Apple support.

1. On your Mac, choose System Settings from the Apple devices menu, then click Bluetooth.

2. Make sure that Bluetooth is on.

3. Put both of the AirPods in the charging case and open the lid.

4. Press and hold the circular button (the setup button on the back of the Airpods case, where the status light is) for a few seconds until the status light flashes white.

5. Select your AirPods in the Devices list, then click Connect.

If you're having trouble and can't connect AirPods to your Mac, you may need to update to the latest version of Mac OS. Apple states that the second generation of AirPods Pro requires the latest version of the OS to sync properly with other Apple devices and all Bluetooth device features.

All recent versions of Windows PC support Bluetooth connectivity, and your laptop likely has a compatible antenna as well. PCs are able to connect to your AirPods, but the Windows computer will treat them like any other wireless audio device, and you won't have access to Apple's additional features.

Here's how to pair Bluetooth audio devices and connect Airpods to Windows 10, via Microsoft support:

1. Make sure that your Bluetooth is turned on. Select: Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth. You can likely find a shortcut to your PC's Bluetooth settings in the notification tab on the bottom right of your taskbar.

2. Turn on your Bluetooth audio device and make it discoverable. On AirPods, this means placing them in the charging case and holding the setup button.

3. On your PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. Choose the device and follow any additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.

4. Your AirPods and PC will usually connect automatically anytime the two devices are in range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.

On the newer Windows 11, this process varies slightly:

1. Turn on your Bluetooth device and make it discoverable. Again, press and hold the setup button on your AirPods charging case with the earbuds inside.

2. On your PC, select the Network, Sound or Battery icons next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar.

3. Select Manage Bluetooth devices on the Bluetooth quick setting, then select your device under Not paired.

4. Follow additional instructions on the pairing process if they appear, then select Done.