How to connect AirPods to your laptop
AirPods connect seamlessly to Apple devices; Listen to podcasts on your iPhone or watch your latest streaming obsession on iPad without disturbing anyone around you. But you’re not limited to gadgets made by Apple; Thanks to the power of Bluetooth, AirPods can be connected to both Android devices and your PC.
Whether you need to drown out your co-workers or keep that Zoom call private, here’s how to connect Apple’s True Wireless earbuds to PCs and Macs, according to Chloe Albanesius on PCMag.com.
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How to connect AirPods to a Windows PC
AirPods connect to your Windows laptop via Bluetooth, so make sure the functionality is enabled. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on the switch for Bluetooth if it’s not already on. It’s also accessible from the taskbar, and Windows 11 has a quick settings option for Bluetooth.
At the top, click Add Bluetooth or other device.
Locate the Bluetooth settings in the general settings or in the system tray.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
Select “Bluetooth” from the menu at the top:
Select Bluetooth to add a new device to pair with.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
Make sure your AirPods are in their case. Unfold it and press the small white button on the back.
Press the white button on the back of the AirPods case to signal Bluetooth pairing.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
Wait for the indicator light to turn white.
Wait for the green light to turn white.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
Your AirPods should appear in the list under Add a device. Select your AirPods.
Select AirPods when it appears in your Bluetooth settings.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
When your AirPods connect to your PC, you’ll see a message that your AirPods are ready to use.
Confirm the pairing of your AirPods.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
Your computer should remember your AirPods. The next time you want to connect, find it in the list of available Bluetooth devices and click to connect if it doesn’t happen automatically.
Your PC should remember your AirPods from now on.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
If your AirPods won’t connect or you want to manually remove them from your PC, click on your AirPods in the Bluetooth & other devices menu and choose Remove Device. To add them again, follow the steps above again.
If your AirPods won’t connect, remove the device and repeat the steps.
Photo credit: PCMag.com/Windows
How to connect AirPods to your MacBook
If you have a Mac laptop and your AirPods are already connected to your iPhone, they will automatically connect via Apple handover. Just open your AirPods case, click the Sound Controls option in the menu bar on Mac and select AirPods.
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Select AirPods from the device list.
Photo Credit: PCMag.com/Apple
Otherwise, open the AirPods lid, press the white button on the back (or the noise canceling button on AirPods Max) until the status light blinks white. On your Mac, click Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth and select your AirPods from the Devices list.