Like almost all Apple products, AirPods are also, in principle, designed to connect and work with other devices from the brand. The big question is: Can AirPods be used on Windows too? This is what we are going to try to explain in this post.
Those who regularly use AirPods know that they can be easily connected in a matter of seconds, as long as they are Apple devices, thanks to the famous chip H1. However, this is not an Apple-specific type of connection or anything like that, but rather a bluetooth connection normal. That means that, from the outset, we will be able to connect them with other devices that do not have to belong to the Apple family.
There are currently three different AirPods models on the market: the AirPods3, which are the basic version of these popular wireless headphones and which incorporates the aforementioned chip; the AirPods Pro, waterproof and noise canceling; and the AirPods Max, which, in addition to offering superior sound quality, incorporate a comfortable headband.
All of them can be connected to a Windows computer. Not in the automatic and fast way that it is when it comes to another Apple device, but without experiencing compatibility problems. The method is as explained below:
How to connect AirPods to a Windows PC
Image: Apple.com
The method that we are going to explain is valid for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is important, before starting it, that we make sure that our AirPods are fully charged, with both headphones inside the case and the lid closed correctly. At the same time, we must check that our PC is capable of running Bluetooth devices.
Step 1: Activate the pairing mode of the AirPods
First of all, we must go to the case where the AirPods are housed. For now, you have to leave them there, in the correct position. Then we have to open the lid and look on the back of the case for a small button located near the hinge. We press that button for several seconds until a white light starts blinking. That is the signal that the device has entered pairing mode.
Step 2: Activate the Bluetooth of the PC
Now we go to the Windows PC to which we want to connect the AirPods. We enter the menu "Settings" and we go to the section "Devices". On this screen, at the top, we click on the button with the "+" sign next to which you can read "Add Bluetooth or other device".
Doing this will display several options. The one we must choose is the first one: Bluetooth (mice, keyboards, pencils, or audio and other Bluetooth devices).
Step 3: Select and pair
The screen that appears below shows all the devices that are within the range of the Bluetooth receiver of your equipment. If we have our AirPods nearby, we should also be able to see them in the list, with the name with which they have been previously configured from our iPhone. For example, "My AirPods".
To pair them, you just have to click on them, which will establish the connection. In this way we can use Apple headphones on our device, even if it does not belong to this brand.
Connect AirPods with an Android phone
We have already seen how you can use AirPods in Windows, but Is it also possible to connect them to an Android phone or tablet? It certainly is. Actually, the process to follow is practically identical to the previous one. We summarize it below:
- First, we open the case of our AirPods and, without having to remove them, we press the pairing button.
- Then we go to the Android settings of our phone or tablet.
- We enter “Bluetooth Settings” and press the option to add a new device.
- In a few seconds, the list of available devices will appear on the screen, in which we will click on the one we want to connect.
As simple as that. With this simple method, our Apple headphones will be connected to our phone or tablet. From then on, handling will be as easy as any other model of wireless headphones.
Will it work the same as on an Apple device?
This is another of the questions that worries those who want to use AirPods in Windows: are we going to experience any difficulties? Is everything going to work out okay?
In principle, the answer is yes, although it must be clear that we are going to run into an inconvenience: It is very likely that certain features and functionality that we have when connecting with an iPhone, iPad or Mac will not be available on a Windows PC. These are not essential functions, although it is a pity not to be able to enjoy them. For example, in the Pro model, the sound test to find out which type of pad is best for us.