Why won’t my AirPods connect to Windows?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

There could be several reasons why your AirPods are not connecting to your Windows PC. Let’s explore some of the potential issues and troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this problem.

1. Compatibility: First and foremost, ensure that your AirPods are compatible with your Windows PC. AirPods are primarily designed to work with Apple devices, but they can also connect to Windows computers with Bluetooth capabilities. However, some features may not work seamlessly on non-Apple devices.

2. Bluetooth settings: Check if the Bluetooth on your Windows PC is turned on and discoverable. To do this, go to the Settings menu, select Devices, and then click on Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle switch is enabled, and your PC is set to be discoverable.

3. Pairing process: The pairing process for AirPods on Windows is slightly different from that on Apple devices. To pair your AirPods with your PC, follow these steps:
A. Open the Bluetooth settings on your PC.
B. On your AirPods case, press and hold the button on the back until the LED light starts flashing white.
C. Within the Bluetooth settings on your PC, click on Add Bluetooth or other device and select Bluetooth.
D. Your PC should now detect your AirPods. Click on them to initiate the pairing process.

4. Unpair and re-pair: If you have previously connected your AirPods to your PC but are experiencing connection issues, try unpairing and re-pairing them. To do this, go to your PC’s Bluetooth settings, locate your AirPods, and click on the Remove device option. Then, follow the pairing process mentioned above to connect them again.

5. Update Bluetooth drivers: Outdated Bluetooth drivers can sometimes cause connectivity problems. Make sure your Windows PC has the latest Bluetooth drivers installed. You can usually update them through the device manager or by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

6. Restart devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Restart both your AirPods and your Windows PC, and then try pairing them again.

7. Clear Bluetooth cache: If you’re still facing connection problems, clearing the Bluetooth cache on your Windows PC might help. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following command: “Bluetooth isupport services”. Then, restart your PC and try connecting your AirPods again.

8. Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other devices, such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, or other Bluetooth devices. Try moving away from such devices or turning them off temporarily to see if it improves the connection.

Remember, these troubleshooting steps should help resolve most connection-related issues between your AirPods and your Windows PC. If the problem persists, it may be worth contacting Apple support or the manufacturer of your PC for further assistance.