Apple AirPods are among the best Bluetooth headsets around. Of course, they are not the cheapest, but the sound quality and characteristics have made them extremely popular even outside the Apple camp. PC owners seem to particularly appreciate them, although some advanced features are not available for them. Stand up and find out how to connect your AirPods to your PC or laptop.
REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS
As expected, Apple’s Airpods work best with Apple devices. However, to remain competitive, Apple has made the popular headsets universally compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. This includes Windows desktop PCs and laptops.
The main requirement for Airpods is Bluetooth generation. Both first and second-generation models are compatible with the fourth generation Bluetooth protocol. If you have a device with one of the latest versions, you’re good to go.
If you have second-generation Pods, you can also use Siri through them. However, you can only use this feature if you pair them with other Apple devices. This means that you won’t be able to summon Siri with a double-tap when you pair the Pods with a PC. Also, you won’t be able to pause music when you remove a headset.
There is no official information on Apple’s website regarding Windows compatibility, but it is safe to assume that currently popular iterations of the operating system can be paired with AirPods. For the purposes of this article, we have used a Windows 10 computer.
Finally, if you have a desktop PC, it is likely that it does not have integrated Bluetooth. In that case, you need to purchase a USB dongle and install it before trying to connect AirPods. If you have a laptop, make sure it has at least version 4.0 as Bluetooth.
SETTING UP
The installation process should be identical for both desktop PCs with a Bluetooth dongle and laptop installed. To pair your Apple AirPods with your PC or laptop, follow these steps.
STEP 1
First, you should go to the Bluetooth settings on your PC or laptop. On Windows 10, you can access it via the Start menu or the taskbar.
If you opt for the first one, click on the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen and look for “Bluetooth and other devices settings”. Click on the result above.
Alternatively, you can click the up arrow on the taskbar and right-click on Bluetooth. Choose the Add a Bluetooth device option.
STEP 2
Both steps will take you to the same place- a Bluetooth menu and other devices. Once the menu is open, you need to click on the Add Bluetooth or other device tab at the top of the menu. This will open another window with the connection options. You can choose between Bluetooth, wireless display or dock and everything else.
STEP 3
Now is the time to put your AirPods into Pairing mode. Go to the protective cover and open it, but don’t remove the AirPods. Then, press the Pairing button on the rear panel. You should hold it down for about three seconds. You will know that your AirPods are ready for connection when the white status light starts flashing.
STEP 4
Now go back to your computer. Since we are connecting Apple AirPods which are a Bluetooth device, you should choose the first option in the connections menu- Bluetooth. If everything is fine and your Bluetooth is working properly, you should see a list of devices that your computer’s Bluetooth has registered.
STEP 5
When the list appears, find your AirPods on it and click on them. Wait for the computer to complete the installation. You should see a notification in the lower right corner of the screen on Windows 10.
STEP 6
When you want to use AirPods, go to the Bluetooth and other devices menu and select them from the main page.
LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND NON-WINDOWS COMPUTERS
If you have a laptop running another type of operating system, like Chrome OS or Linux, the installation process is very similar. You will first have to activate your laptop’s Bluetooth, then activate your AirPods and finalize the pairing from the laptop’s Bluetooth menu.
This also applies to laptops with Windows 8, 8.1, and 7 operating systems. Also, you can connect your AirPods to a Linux desktop computer, in the same way, provided it has Bluetooth 4.0 or newer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If for whatever reason, your AirPods stop playing, you can try different troubleshooting methods. First, you should try to disconnect them from your computer. You can do this from your computer’s Bluetooth menu. After disconnecting them, you need to repeat the pairing process from step 1.
If the problem persists, you may want to reset your computer’s Bluetooth. You can do this from the Bluetooth menu. On Windows 10, there is a slide switch near the top of the main window. Turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Next, pair your devices again.
If your AirPods aren’t still playing music, you should check the battery level. If it is low, you need to unplug them, put them in the case, and load them for a while. For safety, let them fully charge. Once loaded, repeat the entire pairing process.
You may want to restart your computer if your AirPods continue to refuse to cooperate. This simple but often overlooked solution solved much more serious problems than a poor Bluetooth connection.
However, instead of connecting the AirPods, you should try connecting another device. If it connects properly, it’s time to call the cavalry. Your options include bringing your AirPods to the nearest Apple Store or contacting Apple support.
ENJOY A FIRST ORDER SOUND
Regardless of which device they are associated with, Apple AirPods offer exceptional sound. They are also easy to use and have a decent battery life. Most importantly, connecting them to PCs and laptops is a breeze.
Do you use AirPods with your PC or laptop? If so, what is your experience? Let us know in the comments section below.
