How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop

How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop

AirPods connect using Bluetooth, so connecting AirPods to an HP laptop is a matter of turning on Bluetooth, placing the AirPods into pairing mode, and then connecting them. Once set up, your AirPods will reconnect any time they’re in range. You can also manually connect and disconnect them.

The steps are a little different depending on which version of Windows your HP laptop is running.

Windows 11

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to a Windows 11 laptop:

1. Right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar.

2. Select Settings.

3. Select Bluetooth & devices.

4. Select the Bluetooth toggle if it isn’t already on.

5. Select + Add device.

6. Place the AirPods in their case, and then open the case.

7. Press and hold the button on your AirPods case.

8. When the light flashes white, release the button.

   The light may be inside your case or on the front of the case.

9. On your Windows 11 PC, select Bluetooth.

10. Wait for your PC to search for devices, then choose your AirPods when they appear in the list.

11. Wait for the connection to be established, then select Done.

Windows 10

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to a Windows 10 laptop:

1. Select the Action Center button on your taskbar, or press Windows Key+A to open the Action Center.

2. Right-click Bluetooth.

3. Select Go to Settings.

4. If the Bluetooth toggle is off, select it to turn it On.

5. Select + Add Bluetooth or other device.

6. Select Bluetooth.

7. Open your AirPods case.

8. Press and hold the button on your AirPods case.

9. When the light flashes white, release the button.

   The light may be inside your case or on the front of the case.

10. Select your AirPods in the list of discovered devices.

    The AirPods will show up as headphones first, and then display the name you assigned when you set them up.

11. Wait for the AirPods to pair, then select Done.

How to Use AirPods With an HP Laptop

Connecting AirPods to an HP laptop isn’t the same as actually using the AirPods with the laptop. If you want to use your AirPods to listen to music or videos, or video chat, or anything else, you’ll need to switch audio outputs after you have connected the AirPods. This may happen automatically the first time your AirPods connect, but you can also do it manually if you have an issue where audio isn't coming from the AirPods.

Your laptop may have multiple audio options if you’ve connected a variety of devices in the past, but an HP laptop will show Speaker / Headphone (Realtek(R) Audio) at a minimum. Switching from that output to your AirPods will allow you to use your AirPods with your laptop.

Windows 11

Here’s how to use AirPods with a Windows 11 laptop:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

   If your laptop automatically switches audio outputs and your AirPods work at this point, you don’t need to perform the rest of the steps. This process is only necessary if another device prevents the audio output from switching automatically.

2. Select the Speaker icon on the taskbar.
   

3. Select the > icon to the right of the volume control.

   If the Bluetooth button is grayed out, it means Bluetooth has been turned off. Select the Bluetooth button to turn it on.

4. Select Headphones (AirPods) in the list of devices.

5. When your AirPods are selected in this menu, it means they’re connected, ready to use, and set as the default audio source on your Windows 11 PC.

Windows 10

Here’s how to use AirPods with a Windows 10 laptop:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

   If your laptop automatically switches audio outputs and your AirPods work at this point, you don’t need to perform the rest of the steps. This process is only necessary if another device prevents the audio output from switching automatically.

2. Select the speaker icon on your taskbar.

3. Select the dropdown menu.

4. Select Headphones (AirPods Stereo). You can now use your AirPods with your laptop.

Do AirPods Work With Laptops?

AirPods work with any device designed to connect to an audio output or input device via Bluetooth. That means AirPods can work with laptops, but only if the laptop supports Bluetooth. If the laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth, then you will need to add a Bluetooth dongle before you can connect your AirPods.

Since all modern HP laptops come equipped with Bluetooth, you can use AirPods with an HP laptop the same way you would use any other Bluetooth earbuds, headphones, or headset.

Why Can’t I Connect My AirPods to My HP Laptop?

If your AirPods won’t connect, it could be an issue with Bluetooth on your laptop or a problem with your Airpods. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Bluetooth not enabled: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your laptop. Try turning Bluetooth off and then enabling it again with your AirPods shut in their case. Then open the case, remove the AirPods, and see if they connect.
• Bluetooth driver out of date: If your Bluetooth driver isn’t up to date, you may have problems connecting to AirPods. Update your drivers, and try again.
• Bluetooth not working: Check to see if any other Bluetooth headphones work. If they don’t, then it may be Bluetooth isn’t working on your laptop. Fix your Bluetooth problem, and then try again.
• AirPods not in pairing mode: The white light on your AirPods case needs to be flashing, or you won’t be able to make the initial connection. There are a number of steps you can take to fix AirPods that won’t connect. Once your AirPods are in pairing mode, try again.
• AirPods connected but not enabled: Your AirPods may be connected, but not selected as the audio output device. If the instructions above didn’t work, try opening the Sound Control Panel and setting Headphones (AirPods Pro Stereo) to the default audio device.