I am an iPhone user but I use a PC with a Windows OS, are AirPods still for me? Many think that AirPods can only be used by Apple users. Whilst it may be more convenient for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, AirPods are also easy to pair with any laptop or PC, even if it is not an Apple product - it is easy to connect AirPods to any wireless device.
How to Connect AirPods to Windows Laptop
Here are the steps on how to connect your AirPods to a laptop with a Windows OS which is pretty similar to all Windows OS laptops or desktops:
Begin by placing your AirPods in their charging case (and make sure there is enough battery for them to work).
On your laptop, find the gear icon (this brings you to your Settings menu). Alternatively, type Settings on the search bar.
Select Devices then proceed to Bluetooth & Other Devices.
Click on Add Bluetooth or Other Devices.
Select Bluetooth.
Now, simply open your charging case.
Press and hold the circle button on the back of the case for several seconds, until the status light on the front of the case starts blinking white.
Find Your Name AirPods on your laptop and click on it.
Once it successfully connects, click Done on your laptop’s devices window.
How to Connect AirPods to HP Laptop
Connecting your AirPods to an HP laptop is pretty similar to laptops with Windows OS. However, there are just certain terms that may lead to confusion. Let us walk you through how to connect AirPods to an HP laptop:
Again, begin with placing your AirPods in their charging case.
On your HP laptop, find and click on the Action Center icon in the bottom-right corner of the Windows taskbar. This will prompt you to open the Windows Action Center.
Select All settings.
Enable Bluetooth if it’s still disabled.
Select Devices then proceed to Bluetooth & other devices.
Likewise, click on Add Bluetooth or other devices.
Select Bluetooth.
Open the lid of your charging case.
Press and hold the circle button on the rear of the AirPods’ charging case. The charging case’s light should change from green to white.
If paired correctly, you should see a message saying that Your device is ready to go!.
Select Done to finish up pairing.
How to Connect AirPods to Dell Laptop
You can connect your AirPods to your Dell laptop in a similar way as with an HP laptop, as follows:
Enable Bluetooth by going to Bluetooth & other devices.
Select Bluetooth from the Add Bluetooth or other device window.
Open the lid of your charging case.
Press and hold the circle button of the AirPods’ charging case.
If paired correctly, you should see a message saying that Your device is ready to go!.
Select Done to finish up pairing.
In some cases, this may not work because your AirPods cannot provide the sound playback function. In this case, you may need to install individual Bluetooth drivers. Post-installation, repeat and try to connect your AirPods again.
How to Connect to AirPods Once Already Paired
Just like any wireless device powered by Bluetooth, your laptop and the AirPods already remember their prior connectivity. Therefore, if you want to use your AirPods for your laptop again, all you need to do is make sure your laptop’s Bluetooth function is on. After this, open the lid of your charging case and it will connect to your laptop automatically.
How to Connect AirPods to PC
You can also use your AirPods with your PC. It connects in the same way as you connect your AirPods with your laptop. Your PC will recognize the AirPods as they would any other wireless Bluetooth device. Likewise, you must:
Enable Bluetooth by going to Bluetooth & other devices.
Select Bluetooth from the Add Bluetooth or other device window.
Open the lid of your charging case.
Press and hold the circle button of the AirPods’ charging case.
If paired correctly, you should see a message saying that Your device is ready to go!
Select Done to finish up pairing.
Your AirPods should connect seamlessly to laptops and PCs carrying Windows 7 or higher.
How to Disconnect AirPods
To disconnect your AirPods:
Click on Windows > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Audio > AirPods > Remove device
Click Yes if you have to confirm to remove the device.
Disadvantages of connecting AirPods to non-Apple Devices
The only disadvantages we see on having to connect to a laptop or PC are (1) the touchpad functionality doesn’t work and (2) the charging status of your AirPods won’t show.
We may probably overlook not seeing the charging status but losing the touchpad function simply gives us regular earbuds. Nonetheless, connectivity should be seamless and its sound quality is still on point!
We hope this helps! Let us know any problems you encountered on connecting your AirPods to your laptop or PC in the comments section.
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