How to Connect AirPods to a Laptop or Computer 

So you’re having trouble to connect AirPods to laptop or computer. Things happen! It’s fine; the problem is simple enough to solve.

We’ve got a quick rundown for you, but Apple also has a page that can point you in the right direction for any model of computer.

First and foremost, depending on the type of computer you use, this process may appear differently. Let’s start with a Mac.

To begin to connect AirPods to laptop, make sure that your Mac’s operating system is current. To do so, go to “About this Mac” by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your desktop screen.

A screen will appear, and you can select “Software Update” from there.

Regular, 2nd generation AirPods require macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, while AirPods Pro require Catalina 10.15.1 or later, according to Apple.

Follow these simple steps to connect your AirPods once you’ve made sure your Mac is up to date with the latest software.

1. 1. Go to the System Preferences menu.

If you can’t find it, it’s the gear-shaped icon on your desktop.

Spotlight can also be used to look for System Preferences (the magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner of your desktop.)

2. 2. Turn on Bluetooth.

Because I use a Mac, this is exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve found the icon you’ve been looking for.

In the system preferences, the Bluetooth icon is easy to locate.

In the system preferences, the Bluetooth icon is easy to locate. Screenshot courtesy of Apple / System Preferences

3. 3. Close the case and place both AirPods inside.

It’s that simple.

4. 4. Press and hold the AirPod case’s button.

The light should begin to blink white at this point. You can let go of the button once it has done so.

5. 5. Once your AirPods have appeared on your devices, click Connect.

Presto. That ought to do it. Note: If you don’t see your AirPods after restarting the process, double-check that Bluetooth is turned on.

What if you don’t have access to a Mac? Generally speaking, the procedure should be the same. To a large extent.

The only thing that will actually change is the way you access the Bluetooth page. Here are a few options for getting there:

Open Settings from the Start menu on a PC.

Select devices, then go to Bluetooth and other devices and press the plus sign next to “Add Bluetooth or other device.”

Once your AirPods appear on the screen, open the case lid, hold the button, and select your AirPods.

After the headphones have connected, click “Done.”

Not all PCs, especially desktops, come with Bluetooth. If you have a laptop, however, your computer is likely to have Bluetooth capabilities.

That’s all there is to it, folks. Enjoy your brave new world, in which your AirPods and computer work in unison.