How to Connect AirPods to a Non-Apple Laptop

It’s possible to connect your AirPods to a Windows computer or any other non-Apple device, but the process is slightly different than with an Apple device. Do note that you will not be able to use Siri.

But you can use the AirPods to talk and listen. Below, we explain the process for connecting AirPods to a non-Apple computer.

Step 1: Ensure the Laptop Has Bluetooth

Not all laptops feature Bluetooth, and if your laptop doesn’t have it, you won’t be able to connect your AirPods. So, first, check to make sure your laptop is Bluetooth-enabled.

You can do this by going to Device Manager from the Start menu. You should see Bluetooth under Network Connections.

Step 2: Turn Bluetooth On

Turn on Bluetooth by clicking the toggle switch to enable it. Or, you can go to Connections in the Settings menu and turn Bluetooth on from there.

Step 3: Put AirPods in Pairing Mode

If you have AirPods or AirPods Pro, open the lid and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case. Hold it in place for five seconds. The status light will flash orange and then turn white.

Make sure the AirPods are inside the case while you do this. Your AirPods are now in pairing mode.

Step 4: Add Bluetooth Device

Go to the Start menu on your non-Apple laptop and go to Settings. From there, Select Devices and then click on Bluetooth or Other Devices.

You’ll see a + sign. When you click it, the laptop will ask you which of the following you want to add:

• Bluetooth device
• Wireless display or dock
• Everything else

Click on the Bluetooth device. Your laptop will now search for Bluetooth devices.

Step 5: Connect AirPods to a Non-Apple Laptop

Once your laptop finds the AirPods, select them and click Connect. 

Your AirPods will now be connected to your laptop. You can use the sound control options in the laptop’s settings to adjust the volume or other audio settings.

Check out the video below for a detailed walkthrough tutorial:

How to Disconnect AirPods from a Non-Apple Laptop?

If you want to disconnect your AirPods from your laptop, it’s easy. Just go to the Bluetooth settings in your laptop and click the Disconnect button next to the AirPods.

Why Might AirPods Not Connect to a Non-Apple Laptop? Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, AirPods might not connect to your laptop. It could be because of a few reasons. Here are some of them.

A Nearby Apple Device

AirPods do not automatically connect to Windows or non-Apple devices if they’re in range and have already been paired with that device. But they do so with an Apple device.

If you’re trying to pair your AirPods to a Windows laptop and your iPhone or other Apple device is nearby, your AirPods might automatically connect to it as soon as you put them in pairing mode. As a result, they won’t be able to connect to your laptop.

If you encounter this issue, make sure that no other Apple device is nearby or turn off their Bluetooth. But if you want the Bluetooth to be On and also want to keep the Apple device close to you for some reason, you can forget the AirPods in the Bluetooth settings of that device.

Alternatively, you can reset your AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button for about 15 seconds. That will make them forget their pairing with your Apple device.

Low or No Charging

If your AirPods are low on battery, they won’t pair with your laptop. Make sure that your AirPods have enough charge, and then try again.

You can’t check the battery status of your AirPods on a non-Apple device. Instead, you’ll need a Mac, iPod Touch, iPad, or iPhone.

If you’re using your phone, open the charging case’s lid with the AirPods inside. Hold the case close to your phone or iPad. You’ll see the AirPods’ charging status on your phone in a few seconds.

Or, you can go to the Batteries widget on your phone. Do note that this will only work if the AirPods are in the case.

If you don’t have an Apple device nearby, you can check the battery status from the AirPods case. Take the AirPods out of the case and then put them back in. If the status light turns amber, it means the AirPods were not fully charged. The case will start charging them.

Connect the case to a power source. If the status light turns green, that means the battery is fully charged.

Windows Troubleshooter

It’s possible that the Bluetooth driver on your laptop is outdated or corrupted. To fix that, you can use Windows Troubleshooter.

• Go to the Start menu.
• In Settings, go to Update & Security. If you’re using Windows 11, the option will be System.
• Click Troubleshoot.
• Go to Other Troubleshooters and then to Bluetooth.
• Click on the Run button in front of the Run the Troubleshooter option.

Windows will look for any possible issues. Click on Apply Fix if Windows suggests any fix.

Once the troubleshooter finishes, try pairing your AirPods with your laptop again.

Airplane Mode

When you put your device in Airplane Mode, all the wireless connections on that device are temporarily disabled. That includes Bluetooth.

If you want your AirPods to connect to your laptop, make sure that Airplane Mode is turned off. You can check this in the Network & Internet settings of your laptop.

Check With Other Devices

If nothing seems to work, you can try connecting your AirPods to another device. A Mac or iPhone should work fine for this. It will help you determine if the problem is with the AirPods or the laptop.

If your AirPods don’t work fine on other devices, you may need to reset them or get a replacement. Apple support can help you with that.

Up Next

• How to Update AirPod Pros
• How to Stop AirPods from Reading Texts
• How to Check Your AirPods’ Batteries

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Mohd Syis Zulkipli/Shutterstock.com.