How to Connect AirPods to Chromebook

Use Bluetooth technology to sync your wireless Apple headphones

Chromebook

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

by Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh has been a tech writer and product reviewer since 2011. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
Updated August 31, 2019

Apple's AirPods are traditionally meant to only pair with other Apple products. However, other devices, such as Chromebooks, can pair with AirPods via a Bluetooth connection, and it's surprisingly easy to set up and learn how to connect AirPods to a Chromebook.

How to Connect Apple AirPods to a Chromebook

Close any music or videos apps on your iPhone or other Apple products before attempting to connect your AirPods to a Chromebook. Being mid playback while connected to an Apple device may cause problems when trying to pair the AirPods with your Chromebook.

  1. Select the Menu option on your Chromebook screen. This will likely be the tab showing the time, Wi-Fi icon, and battery life icon at the bottom right corner of your screen.

  2. Select Bluetooth when the menu pops up, and turn on your Bluetooth connection if it's off.

  3. Get your AirPods and charging case and open it, with AirPods inside.

    Keep the charging case nearby to recharge the AirPods; Bluetooth connections can significantly drain the battery of any wireless device. AirPods have about five hours of battery life, and the case can add an up to 24 hours of additional battery life.

  4. Press and hold the Pair button on the back of the AirPods case. This will allow your AirPods to be detected by the Bluetooth connection on your Chromebook. Once the LED light on your AirPods case is white it should be available to pair to any nearby Bluetooth connection.

    Airpods set up button

    Try to stay within 20 feet of your Chromebook to maintain your AirPods Bluetooth connection.

  5. Select your AirPods from the Bluetooth available devices list on your Chromebook. Confirm any prompts that appear on your Chromebook.

    Once connected, the LED light on your AirPods case should turn green and the status in your Chromebook Bluetooth settings should say "connected."

  6. To disconnect your AirPods from your Chromebook, turning off your Chromebook's Bluetooth connection or by press and hold the Pair button on the back of the AirPods case.

At this point, your AirPods will likely reconnect to the closest Apple device. To reconnect your AirPods to your Chromebook, you'll have to repeat the steps above.