How to Pair and Connect AirPods to a Windows 10 PC

What to Know

In the Action Center, select All settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and follow instructions to add your Airpods.
Once the pairing process begins, press the circle button on the charging case until the process completes.

This article explains how to use Bluetooth to connect AirPods to a non-Apple computer plus explains what to do if syncing isn't working.

How to Pair Your AirPods to Windows 10 Computers

Instructions in this article apply to all Apple AirPods and Windows PCs with wireless capabilities. The method for connecting Apple AirPods is the same process as adding any other Bluetooth speaker or headphones to a Windows computer:

Select the Action Center icon in the bottom-right corner of the Windows taskbar to open Windows Action Center.
Select All settings in the Windows Action Center.

While you have the Action Center open, check to make sure Bluetooth is enabled. The Bluetooth tile should be highlighted; if it’s not, select the tile to turn it on.
Select Devices in the Windows Settings.
Select the Bluetooth & other devices tab on the left side, then select Add Bluetooth or other devices.
Select Bluetooth in the Add a device window.
Your Apple AirPods should appear on the list as AirPods. Select AirPods to begin the pairing process.

If your AirPods aren’t showing up, open the lid of their charging case.
Press the circle button on the rear of the Apple AirPod charging case while having the lid open. The charging case’s light should change from green to white.

Continue firmly pressing the sync button until the pairing is complete. If you encounter an error message, press the sync button on the charging case before you select the AirPods on the Bluetooth device list.

Apple
If paired correctly, you should see a "Your device is ready to go!" message. Select Done to close the message.

How Can AirPods Connect to a Windows PC?

Apple AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to any computer, from laptops and traditional desktop computers running modern Windows 10. Once connected, you can use AirPods to listen to audio, input audio via their built-in mic, and control audio volume or pause sound via tap controls.

AirPods are actually compatible with most devices that support Bluetooth including Android tablets and smartphones.

How to Fix Windows 10 Apple AirPod Sync Problems

If your Apple AirPods stop working on your Windows PC, try these fixes:

Disable Bluetooth on other devices. If you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone, it could interfere with the connection to your PC, so try temporarily turning off Bluetooth on other devices.
Open the charging case lid. Apple AirPods connect to devices when the charging case’s cover is open and its light turns green. Try opening it for a few seconds before removing the AirPods and putting them in your ears.

If you're still having problems, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Open an app such as Spotify on your Windows 10 PC and begin playing some music.
Place your Apple AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid, then wait a few seconds.

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Open the Action Center and select All settings.
Select Devices in the Windows Settings.
Make sure your AirPods are on the list of paired devices.
Open the charging case’s lid, remove the AirPods, and place them in each ear.

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Select AirPods in the device list, then select Connect. The AirPods should connect, and the audio should being playing through them.

If your Apple AirPods still won't play sound, open All settings > Devices, then select Remove Device under AirPods and repeat the pairing process.

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