How to Connect AirPods to Surface Pro

One thing that makes AirPods the best earbuds is their compatibility with different devices. While you can use them on your Apple devices, you can connect them to your Android smartphones and Windows devices, including the Microsoft Surface Pro. 

However, your experience won’t be the same on non-Apple devices as on Apple, meaning you’ll have only a few features to enjoy. However, rest assured, you can listen to blasting, clear music on your Surface Pro with AirPods. 

Like any Bluetooth device, you can connect AirPods to Surface Pro from the laptop’s Bluetooth settings. Meanwhile, your AirPods should be in pairing mode. Luckily, the steps are similar on both Windows 10 and 11. 

How to Connect AirPods to Surface Pro with Windows 11

Here is how to pair and connect AirPods to Surface Pro with Windows 11:

Step 1: Open Settings 

First, open the Settings on your Surface Pro by right-clicking the Windows icon from the taskbar. 

Step 2: Select Bluetooth and Devices

Now, select Bluetooth and Devices from the next screen. See if the Bluetooth toggle is turned on. If it isn’t, click on it to enable it.

Step 3: Add Device

Select “+ Add Device” on the next window to put the Surface Pro in discovery mode.

Step 4: Make AirPods Discoverable

Next, put your AirPods back in their case and leave the lid open. To put them in discovery mode, find a small “Setup” button on either the back or the front of the case. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the light flashes white. Now, release the button to make your AirPods discoverable.

Step 5: Search for Bluetooth Devices on Surface Pro

Go back to your Surface Pro and select Bluetooth from the prompt screen. It will then start searching for Bluetooth devices available for pairing. Soon, your AirPods name will appear in the available devices list. 

Step 6: Click Done

Click on your AirPods name and wait for a few seconds to allow the connection to establish. Once both devices connect, select “Done” to complete the process. That’s it; your AirPods are now connected to Surface Pro. You can now enjoy crisp audio from your earbuds.

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

How to Connect AirPods to Surface Pro with Windows 10

Connecting AirPods to Surface Pro on Windows 10 is similar to Windows 11 since we use Bluetooth in both processes. Here is how you can connect AirPods to Surface Pro with Windows 10:

Step 1: Open the Windows 10 Action Center 

The first step is to open the Action Center on your Surface Pro with Windows 10. You can do so in two ways: swiping in from the screen’s right side or selecting the Windows 10 Action Center icon from the taskbar.

Step 2: Click on the Bluetooth Icon

Once the Action Center opens, find the Bluetooth option and see if it’s turned on. If it is disabled, click on the Bluetooth icon to open the Settings window. Then, select “All Settings.”

Step 3: Select Devices

On the next screen, select “Devices” and then click “Add Bluetooth and Other Devices.” Finally, choose Bluetooth. 

Step 4: Put AirPods in Discovery Mode

Now, put your AirPods back in their case and leave the lid open. Find the setup button on the case’s back or inside, then press it for a few seconds. A white light will start flashing on the case, indicating that the AirPods are now in discovery mode. 

Step 5: Select Your AirPods 

On your Surface Pro, open the list of available Bluetooth devices. Your AirPods will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices. Find their name and click on it to connect both devices.

Step 6: Click Done

Wait until the connection is established between your Surface Pro and AirPods. Then, finally, click on “Done” to complete the process. That’s all you have to do to connect AirPods to Surface Pro with Windows 10.

How to Switch Sound Output on Surface Pro

You cannot listen to your favorite music or videos without enabling the sound outputs. It usually happens automatically when both AirPods and Surface Pro are connected. However, you may have to do it manually sometimes, especially when you can’t hear sound from the AirPods. 

Switching sound output on Surface Pro is different between Windows 10 and 11. Worry not; we have listed the steps for both operating systems:

Windows 11

Here is how to switch on sound output on your Surface Pro with Windows 11:

1. First, take your AirPods out of their charging case.
2. Then, find the Speaker icon on your Surface Pro’s taskbar. 
3. Next, click the “>” icon present on the right side of the volume control.
4. Check if Bluetooth is enabled on your Surface Pro. If the Bluetooth button is gray, this means Bluetooth is turned off. Click on the button to turn it on.
5. Now, you’ll have a list of available Bluetooth devices. Find your AirPods name and select them as your audio output.

Once you select your AirPods in this menu, they connect to your device automatically. Not only that, but they also become your default audio source on Windows 11 Surface Pro on their own. You should now be able to listen to audio on your Surface Pro from AirPods.

Windows 10

If you can’t listen to audio from AirPods on your Surface Pro Windows 10, you’ll need to make your AirPods the device’s default audio output. Here is how to do that:

1. First, put your AirPods in discovery mode or take them out of their case. 
2. Then, select the Speaker icon on your Surface Pro’s taskbar.
3. Now, open the drop-down menu to view options.
4. Finally, select your AirPods to connect them to your Surface Pro and set your audio output. 

Like Windows 11, AirPods will automatically set as the default audio output on your Windows 10 once you select them. You will now be able to listen to audio from your AirPods easily.

What Features Are Available When Using AirPods on Surface Pro?

There are many features available when you are using your AirPods on Surface Pro. These include wireless audio playback, auto connection, audio control, Siri integration. These features mean that your AirPods will automatically connect to your Surface Pro when they’re in range , listen to your music without the need for cables, and stop and restart playback by removing or inserting your AirPods in your ears. You can also check the battery status of your AirPods directly from the taskbar when they are connected to Surface Pro.

What Features Are Unavailable When Using AirPods on Surface Pro?

AirPods are widely appreciated for their amazing sound quality and compatibility with various devices. However, these are not the only features they offer. On your Apple devices, you can benefit from in-ear detection, Siri integration, and flawless connectivity with your AirPods.

However, a few of these features are limited to Apple devices only for unknown reasons. Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to use them on non-Apple devices, including Surface Pro. 

AirPods are only designed to work with Siri. This means you can’t use your AirPods to command and manage Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana. 

You may not be able to benefit from the in-ear detection on Surface Pro, meaning your videos won’t pause even after taking the earbuds out of your ears. 

Another bummer when using AirPods with Surface Pro is that the earbuds won’t automatically pair with devices associated with the same Microsoft account. This feature is limited to Apple devices.

Moreover, you can’t find your AirPods if they are lost or misplaced with the Surface Pro. That’s understandable since you can’t use the “Find My” app on Microsoft devices.

If all the above features are your priorities, you can’t have them when using AirPods on Surface Pro or any other Windows device. Regardless, if you only want to listen to music, don’t doubt your decision!

Why Won’t AirPods Connect To Surface Pro?

Even when you follow all the above steps, you may still find difficulty in connecting your AirPods to Surface Pro. Many factors can cause issues when you try to connect AirPods to Surface Pro. Some of them include the following:

• Disabled Bluetooth. The primary reason behind AirPods not connecting to Surface Pro is Bluetooth is disabled on your device. So before you try to connect AirPods to Surface Pro, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled. 
• AirPods Connected to Another Device. If you previously connected your AirPods to another device, they will connect to it again when you put them in discovery mode. Unfortunately, this will prevent the AirPods from connecting to your Surface Pro. So if your AirPods don’t respond during the connection process, check your other devices and disable Bluetooth.
• Surface Pro Connected to Another Audio Output. It could also be possible that your Surface Pro is connected to another steaming audio device, such as a speaker or headphones. If so, disconnect any such device from your Surface Pro.
• AirPods Insufficiently Charged. Another reason might be insufficient battery life on your AirPods. So before connecting AirPods to your Surface Pro, charge them and put them back in their case. This way, the AirPods won’t accidentally turn on and they will stay charged.
• Surface Pro and AirPods Are Invisible to Each Other. Sometimes, your AirPods and Surface Pro won’t be able to see each other. In such a case, ensure both devices are in their discoverable modes. For AirPods, put them in their case and keep their lid open. For Surface Pro, turn on the Bluetooth option.
• Windows Glitches. Although it is rare, sometimes your Surface Pro’s Windows operating system may start to glitch. So if you sense any such thing, restart your device and troubleshoot Windows Bluetooth.

Summary

AirPods can easily connect to your Surface Pro via Bluetooth. All you have to do is put your AirPods in their case, leave the lid open, and press the setup button to send them into the discoverable mode. Similarly, turn on Bluetooth on your Surface Pro to make it discoverable to the AirPods. 

Then, tap on your AirPods’ name in the available Bluetooth devices list on your Surface Pro and both devices will connect. Hopefully, we made it easier for you in this guide.

Key Points

• How to Connect (Pair) AirPods to iPhone — Check out this article to discover how to pair your AirPods with your iPhone.
• How to Connect AirPods to Android — Learn how to connect your AirPods to your Android device.
• How to Make AirPods Discoverable (With Photos) — Check out this step-by-step guide to discover how to make your AirPods discoverable.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Masarik/Shutterstock.com.