How to Connect AirPods to a Lenovo Laptop

This article explains how to connect AirPods to a Lenovo laptop. Instructions apply to all Lenovo models running Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How Do I Connect My AirPods to My Lenovo Laptop?

The steps are a little different depending on which version of Windows your Lenovo 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.

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. On your Lenovo laptop, select the Bluetooth icon in the system tray.
   

   You may need to select the arrow next to the system tray to reveal the icon.

2. Select Add a Bluetooth device.
   

3. Select Add Bluetooth or other device.
   

4. Wait for the laptop to detect the AirPods. 
   

   If the AirPods don't display on the list, hold the Setup/Pair button on the back of your AirPods until the light on them turns white.

5. Select AirPods.
   

6. The device is now paired with your Lenovo laptop. 
   

How to Switch Sound Output on a Lenovo Laptop

If you want to use your AirPods to listen to music or videos, you’ll need to switch audio outputs. This may happen automatically the first time your AirPods connect, but you can also do it manually if audio isn't coming from the AirPods.

Windows 11

Here’s how to change the audio output on a Windows 11 Lenovo:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

2. Select the Speaker icon on the taskbar.

3. Select the arrow (>) 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 change the audio output on a Windows 10 Lenovo:

1. Take your AirPods out of the case.

2. Select the Speaker icon on your taskbar.

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

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

How to Disconnect Apple AirPods From a Lenovo Laptop

To disconnect your AirPods from your Lenovo laptop, either turn off the Lenovo Bluetooth connection or press and hold the Pair button on the back of the AirPods case. You can have your AirPods connected to your laptop and iPhone at the same time and switch between the two.

Do AirPods Work With Lenovo?

Yes, AirPods work with all laptops and devices with a Bluetooth connection including Lenovo laptops. AirPods are quicker to pair with Apple-based devices such as iPads or MacBooks, but for anything else, it's possible to pair them in the same way as you would add any other Bluetooth device to your system. 

Why Won’t My Lenovo Laptop Recognize My Airpods? 

If your AirPods won't connect to your Lenovo laptop, there are a few possible reasons. Here's a look at some of the most effective fixes.

• Turn it off and back on again. Try switching your Lenovo laptop off and back on again. This often fixes the simplest of problems including pairing issues.
• Check your AirPods are in pairing mode. Check your AirPods are in pairing mode and you are holding down the setup/pairing button correctly. Try opening the lid of the charging case.
• Enable Bluetooth. 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.
• Update your Bluetooth driver. If your Bluetooth driver isn’t up to date, you may have problems connecting to AirPods. Update your drivers, and try again.
• Troubleshoot Bluetooth: Check to see if any other Bluetooth headphones work. If they don’t, then Bluetooth probably isn’t working on your laptop. Fix your Bluetooth problem, and then try again.
• Unpair and repair the AirPods. If your AirPods worked previously and are still listed under your Bluetooth devices on your Lenovo laptop, try unpairing them and repairing them. 
• Keep other devices away. Sometimes, having your previously paired devices nearby can interrupt the connection. This can be particularly the case with Apple devices. Keep them physically apart to ensure it works. 
• Update your AirPods. If your AirPods won't pair with your Lenovo laptop, try updating your AirPods via your iPhone or iPad. A firmware update often fixes issues.