Apple AirPods are some of the best Bluetooth headsets around. Sure, they're not the cheapest, but the sound quality and features have made them hugely popular even outside the Apple camp. PC owners seem to particularly like them, although some advanced features are not available to them. Stand up and learn how to connect your AirPods to your PC or laptop.
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REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS
As expected, Apple's Airpods work best with Apple devices. However, to remain competitive, Apple has made the popular earbuds universally compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. This includes Windows desktop PCs and laptops.
The main requirement for the Airpods is the Bluetooth generation. Both the first and second generation models are compatible with the fourth generation Bluetooth protocol. If you have a device with one of the newer versions, you are good to go.
If you have XNUMXnd generation Pods, you can also use Siri through them. However, you can only use this feature if you pair them with other Apple devices. This means you won't be able to double-tap to summon Siri when pairing the Pods with a PC. Also, you won't be able to pause the music when you take out a headset.
There is no official information on Apple's site regarding Windows compatibility, but it's safe to assume that currently popular iterations of the operating system can be paired with AirPods. For the purposes of this article, we used a Windows 10 computer.
Finally, if you have a desktop PC, chances are it doesn't have built-in Bluetooth. If so, you need to buy a USB dongle and install it before trying to connect the AirPods. If you have a laptop, make sure it has at least version 4.0 as its Bluetooth.
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SETTING UP
The installation process should be identical for both desktop PCs with a Bluetooth dongle installed and laptops. To pair your Apple AirPods with your PC or laptop, follow these steps.
1 STEP
First, you should go to the Bluetooth settings on your PC or laptop. On Windows 10, you can access it via the Start menu or the taskbar.
If you opt for the former, click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen and search for “Bluetooth and other devices settings”. Click on the result above.
Alternatively, you can click the up arrow in the taskbar and right-click on Bluetooth. Choose the option Add a Bluetooth device.
2 STEP
Both steps will lead you to the same place: Bluetooth menu and other devices. Once the menu opens, you need to click on the Add Bluetooth or Other Device tab at the top of the menu. This will open another window with connection options. You can choose between Bluetooth, wireless display or dock and everything in between.
STEP 3
Now it's time to get your AirPods into Pairing mode. Go to the protective cover and open it, but don't remove the AirPods. Then, press the Pairing button on the rear panel. You should hold it for about three seconds. You'll know your AirPods are ready to connect when the white status light starts blinking.
STEP 4
Now go back to your computer. Since we are connecting the Apple AirPods which are a Bluetooth device, you should choose the first option in the connections menu: Bluetooth. If everything is fine and your Bluetooth is working fine, you should see a list of devices that your computer's Bluetooth has registered.
STEP 5
When the list appears, find your AirPods on it and click on them. Wait for the computer to complete the installation. You should see a notification in the lower right corner of the screen on Windows 10.
STEP 6
When you want to use the AirPods, go to the Bluetooth and other devices menu and select them from the main page.
LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND NON-WINDOWS COMPUTERS
If you have a laptop running another type of operating system, such as Chrome OS or Linux, the installation process is very similar. You'll need to turn on your laptop's Bluetooth first, then turn on your AirPods and finalize the pairing from the laptop's Bluetooth menu.
This also applies to laptops running Windows 8, 8.1, and 7. Also, you can connect your AirPods to a Linux desktop computer the same way, as long as it has Bluetooth 4.0 or newer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If, for any reason, your AirPods stop playing, you can try several troubleshooting methods. First, you should try disconnecting them from your computer. You can do this from your computer's Bluetooth menu. After disconnecting them, you need to repeat the pairing process from step 1.
If the problem persists, you may want to reset your computer's Bluetooth. You can do this from the Bluetooth menu. On Windows 10, there is a slide switch near the top of the main window. Turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. After that, pair your devices again.
If your AirPods still aren't playing music, you should check the battery level. If it is low, you need to unplug them, put them in the case and charge them for a while. To be safe, let them fully charge. Once uploaded, repeat the entire pairing process.
You may want to restart your computer if your AirPods keep refusing to cooperate. This simple but often overlooked solution solved far more serious problems than a poor Bluetooth connection.
However, instead of connecting the AirPods, you should try connecting another device. If he connects correctly, it's time to call the cavalry. Your options include taking your AirPods to the nearest Apple Store or contacting Apple Support.
ENJOY A FIRST-CLASS SOUND
Regardless of the device they're paired with, Apple AirPods deliver great sound. They are also easy to use and have decent battery life. Most importantly, connecting them to PCs and laptops is child's play.
Do you use AirPods with your PC or laptop? If so, what is your experience? Let us know in the comments section below.
