how do i connect my airpods

Question

I can't seem to connect my airpods to my pc. What do i need to do to connect them?

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your question.I understand how confusing it can feel when your AirPods work normally with other devices but won’t show up or connect properly on Windows. This usually happens when Bluetooth is not enabled, when the AirPods are not placed in pairing mode, or when Windows is trying to connect to them as an audio device before the AirPods are ready.

To resolve this, you can make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Windows, place your AirPods in their case with the lid open, and press the setup button on the back of the case until the white light begins to flash, which puts them into pairing mode. When you open Windows Bluetooth settings and select “Add a device,” your AirPods should appear and connect as both a headset and audio output. If they fail to connect, resetting the AirPods by holding the button until the amber and then white light appears can help Windows recognize them correctly. Updating your Bluetooth drivers or disconnecting the AirPods from nearby Apple devices may also prevent them from automatically pairing elsewhere instead of your PC.

Before we go further, may I ask whether your PC detects the AirPods at all when you try to add a new Bluetooth device, or do they never appear in the Bluetooth list? I’m here to continue helping, so please feel free to follow up with what you see and I can guide you through the next steps.”

 

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Noel

Answer 2

Follow these steps to connect AirPods (or other Bluetooth earbuds/headphones) to a Windows 11 PC:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
   • On Windows 11, select the Network icon on the right side of the taskbar.
   • Make sure the Bluetooth quick setting is turned on. If it was already on, turn it off and back on.
2. Put the AirPods in pairing mode
   • Put both AirPods in the charging case and open the lid.
   • Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED starts flashing white. This means they are in pairing mode and discoverable.
3. Add the AirPods in Bluetooth settings
   • Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
   • Select Add device and choose Bluetooth.
   • When the AirPods appear in the list, select them to pair.
4. If they won’t connect
   • Make sure no other device (like a phone or tablet) is currently connected to the AirPods; disconnect or turn off Bluetooth on those devices.
   • Update Bluetooth drivers on the PC from Device Manager under Bluetooth.
   • Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth > Run.

Once paired, AirPods should appear under Audio in Bluetooth devices and can be connected from there whenever needed.

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References:

• Fix problems with setting up your Surface Headphones
• earbuds wont pair - Microsoft Q&A