How to Pair AirPods to Literally Any Device? iPhone, MacBook, Chromebook, Windows

AirPods have become a staple for many tech enthusiasts, offering seamless wireless audio experiences across Apple devices. 

But did you know you can also connect AirPods to a wide range of non-Apple devices? 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of pairing your AirPods with various devices, from iPhones and MacBooks to Windows laptops, Android smartphones, Samsung TVs, gaming consoles, and more. 

Whether you’re a seasoned AirPods user or a newcomer to the world of wireless audio, get ready to unlock the full potential of your AirPods and enjoy unmatched audio quality on every device you own. Let’s dive in!

How to connect AirPods to an iPhone? 

To connect your AirPods to an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your iPhone has the latest version of iOS installed.
2. With your AirPods in the charging case, open the case next to your iPhone.
3. A setup animation will appear on your iPhone.
4. Tap “Connect” to pair your AirPods with your iPhone.

If you have AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) or AirPods (3rd generation), you may need to set up “Hey Siri” during the process.

How to Pair AirPods with a MacBook?

To connect AirPods to a MacBook…

Put them in their charging case and open the lid. Then, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.

• Once the status light flashes white, your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth list on your MacBook. Click on your AirPods and select “Connect”.

• Your AirPods will now be connected to your MacBook and you can start using them.

Here are the steps in detail:

1. Put your AirPods in their charging case.
2. Open the lid of the case.
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. Your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth list on your MacBook.
5. Click on your AirPods and select “Connect”.

How to connect your AirPods on a Windows 11 Dell Laptop?

1. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on your laptop. You can check this in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Bluetooth.
2. Put your AirPods in the case and open the lid.
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. On your laptop, open the Settings app and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
5. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth” from the list of options.
6. Your AirPods should appear in the list of devices. Select them and click on “Connect”.
7. Once your AirPods are connected, you should be able to hear audio from them.

How to connect AirPods to an Android? 

1. Put your AirPods in their charging case.
2. Open the lid of the case.
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. Your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth list on your Android device.
5. Click on your AirPods and select “Connect”.

How to Pair AirPods to a Sony PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5? 

To pair AirPods with a Sony PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you cannot do it natively as these consoles do not support Bluetooth headphones.

However, you can use a compatible Bluetooth adapter to connect your AirPods to the PS4 or PS5. Plug the Bluetooth adapter into the console’s USB port, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and then connect them to the adapter.

How to Pair AirPods with Nintendo Switch?

1. Put your AirPods into pairing mode.
2. Turn on your Nintendo Switch.
3. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device.
4. Find your AirPods on the list of available devices and select them to pair with the Switch.

How to Connect AirPods to Samsung TV?

1. Ensure your Samsung TV has Bluetooth support.
2. Open the Bluetooth speakers’ menu under Settings > Sound Output > Bluetooth speaker list (menu may vary depending on TV model).
3. Put your AirPods into pairing mode.
4. Select your AirPods from the list of Bluetooth devices on your Samsung TV.
5. Choose “Pair and connect” to finish the syncing process.

How do I connect Earbuds to Apple TV? 

1. Pop your earbuds into their case and ensure they are not connected to any other device.
2. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
3. Open the lid of the AirPods case and press the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. Your earbuds should appear in the “Other Devices” section on the Apple TV.
5. Select your AirPods with the Apple Remote, and they will move into the “My Devices” section, indicating they are now connected.
6. Put the AirPods in your ears, and you should hear the familiar connection chime.

Please note that if your Apple TV is associated with the same Apple ID as your AirPods, they should connect automatically.

How to Pair AirPods with Roku TV?

You cannot directly pair AirPods with a Roku TV. However, there is a workaround…

1. Connect your AirPods to your smartphone (iPhone or Android).
2. Download and install the Roku app on your phone.
3. Open the Roku app, tap Remote, then tap Devices and wait for the Roku TV or streaming device to connect.
4. Tap the remote icon, then tap the headphones icon to enable Private Listening.
5. Verify your AirPods are active in the control center.
6. Play a movie or show on your Roku, and you’ll hear the audio through your AirPods

How to Pair AirPods with a Peloton bike? 

To connect AirPods to a Peloton bike, follow these steps:

1. Tap on Settings on your Peloton display.
2. Select Bluetooth Audio.
3. With the AirPods in their charging case, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes.
4. In the list of Bluetooth devices, find the AirPods and tap Connect.

Once connected, your AirPods will be paired with the Peloton, and they will automatically connect when you open the case in the future.

NOTE: Only certain models of AirPods are sweat-resistant, so be mindful of this when pairing them with the Peloton to avoid any potential damage.

How to Reset Your AirPods?

1. Put your AirPods in their charging case.
2. Close the lid of the case.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Open the lid of the case.
5. Hold down the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
6. The status light on the front of the case will flash amber.
7. Once the status light flashes amber, release the button.
8. Your AirPods will be reset.

How to Connect AirPods to Your Windows PC or Laptop

1. Make sure that your PC’s Bluetooth is on. You can check this in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Bluetooth.
2. Put your AirPods in the case and open the lid.
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. On your PC, open the Settings app and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
5. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth” from the list of options.
6. Your AirPods should appear in the list of devices. Select them and click on “Connect”.
7. Once your AirPods are connected, you should be able to hear audio from them.

How to Stop Siri from Reading Messages on AirPods?

To stop AirPods from reading texts:

Go to Settings > Notifications > Announce Messages and turn off the Announce Messages with Siri toggle.

This will prevent Siri from reading your text messages aloud when you receive them.

You can still see the text messages on your phone or watch, but they will not be read aloud.

How do I check my AirPods battery? 

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Bluetooth.
3. Tap on the i icon next to your AirPods.
4. The battery level of your AirPods will be displayed.

On your Mac:

1. Open the System Preferences app.
2. Click on Bluetooth.
3. Your AirPods will be listed in the Devices list.
4. The battery level of your AirPods will be displayed next to their name.

On your Apple Watch:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the My Watch tab.
3. Scroll down and tap on Bluetooth.
4. Your AirPods will be listed in the Devices list.
5. The battery level of your AirPods will be displayed next to their name.

Using the Batteries widget:

1. Add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen or Today View.
2. The battery level of your AirPods will be displayed in the widget.

Via status light on the charging case:

1. Open the charging case.
2. The status light on the front of the case will show the battery level of the case.
3. If the AirPods are in the case, the status light will also show the battery level of the AirPods.

When your AirPods are low on battery, you will hear a low-battery alert. The alert will sound twice when your AirPods are at 20% battery, and three times when they are at 10% battery.

Can I track My AirPods? 

Yes, you can track AirPods using the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To do this, you need to make sure that Find My is turned on on your paired device and that your AirPods are connected to the internet.

Once you’ve turned on Find My, you can open the Find My app and tap on the Devices tab.

Your AirPods will appear in the list of devices. If your AirPods are nearby, you can play a sound to help you find them. If your AirPods are further away, you can see their last known location on a map.

If your AirPods have been lost or stolen, you can mark them as lost. This will allow you to track their location and also send a message to whoever finds them.

However, keep in mind:

• Find My only works if your AirPods are connected to the internet. 
• Find My is not always accurate.
• If your AirPods are reset, they will be removed from Find My. 

Why Are My AirPods Not Connecting to My Laptop?

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on both on your laptop and on your AirPods.
• Your AirPods are not charged. If your AirPods are not charged, they will not be able to connect to your laptop.
• Your AirPods are not updated to the latest firmware.
• Your laptop is not compatible with AirPods. Not all laptops are compatible with AirPods. 
• There is a problem with your AirPods.

How to troubleshoot AirPods not connecting?

• Restart your laptop and your AirPods. This can sometimes fix minor connection problems.
• Forget your AirPods and then reconnect them. This will clear any stored settings that may be causing the problem.
• Update your laptop’s Bluetooth drivers. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause problems with Bluetooth devices.
• Try connecting your AirPods to another device. This will help you to determine if the problem is with your AirPods or with your laptop.

Using Handoff to Connect Your AirPods to a MacBook

To seamlessly connect your AirPods to a MacBook that shares the same Apple ID as your phone, ensure that the Handoff feature is enabled. 

Handoff is a remarkable Apple Continuity feature that allows you to start a task on one device and effortlessly continue it on another nearby device, such as a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

To set up Handoff and ensure it works smoothly between your devices, follow these steps:

1. Verify Apple ID and Device Requirements:

Ensure that all the devices you want to use with Handoff are signed in to iCloud using the same Apple ID. Also, make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on each device, as Handoff relies on these connections.

2. Enabling Handoff on a Mac with macOS Ventura or Later:

• Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select “System Settings.”
• In the sidebar, click on “General.”
• On the right, click on “AirDrop & Handoff.”
• Turn on the toggle for “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”

3. Enabling Handoff on a Mac with Earlier Versions of macOS:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. 
• Select “System Preferences.” 
• Click on “General.”
• Select the option “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”

4. Enabling Handoff on iPhone or iPad:

To enable Handoff on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

• Open the “Settings” app.
• Go to “General.”
• Tap on “AirPlay & Handoff.”
• Turn on the toggle for “Handoff.”

5. Enabling Handoff on Apple Watch:

For Apple Watch users, enable Handoff through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone:

• Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
• Tap on “General.”
• Turn on the toggle for “Enable Handoff.”

Once Handoff is enabled on all your devices, you can now take advantage of this convenient feature. When using apps that support Handoff, such as Safari, Mail, Maps, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and many third-party apps, you can easily switch between devices to continue your tasks seamlessly.

For example, if you start writing an email on your iPhone, you can pick up right where you left off on your Mac using the Mail app. To switch to your Mac, look for the Handoff icon in the Dock and click on the app’s icon to continue your task.

On the flip side, when moving from your Mac to an iOS or iPadOS device, you’ll find the Handoff icon at the bottom of the app switcher on your iPhone or at the end of the Dock on your iPad or iPod touch.

Introducing the New AirPods Pro 2nd Generation

Unparalleled Noise-Cancelling Headphones from Apple… 

Unmatched Noise-Cancellation Technology

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation boasts state-of-the-art noise-cancellation capabilities that will revolutionize your listening experience. With advancements in engineering and software, Apple claims that noise cancellation is twice as effective as its previous generation. This means that you can immerse yourself fully in your music, podcasts, or calls without any unwanted external noise interfering.

Convenient Pre-Order and Availability

You can secure your very own pair of AirPods Pro 2nd Generation by pre-ordering on September 9. These coveted headphones will officially hit the shelves on September 23, and they come with a price tag of $249. Don’t miss out on the chance to be one of the first to experience this audio marvel.

Intuitive Swipe Volume Control

Apple understands the importance of user-friendly features. The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation is equipped with intuitive swipe volume control, allowing you to adjust the volume effortlessly with just a swipe on the earbud. This convenience enhances your overall listening experience and puts you in control of your audio preferences.

Extended Listening Time

We know that battery life is a significant concern for any wireless headphone user. With the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, you’ll enjoy up to 30 hours of listening time with periodic recharging. The charging case plays a crucial role in extending the usage time, and you can now charge the case using an Apple Watch charger for added convenience.

Smart Features for Enhanced Usability

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation is packed with smart features that cater to your needs. The newly added speaker in the case acts as a helpful indicator, alerting you when the AirPods are lost or running low on battery. 

Essential Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

Our commitment to providing a comprehensive guide continues with troubleshooting tips and maintenance advice. We’ll walk you through canceling Apple TV+ and other subscriptions, changing your Apple ID password, and managing your AirPods’ battery life effectively.

Maximizing Battery Lifespan

We understand that you want your AirPods Pro 2nd Generation to last as long as possible. By following some best practices, such as overnight charging and periodic maintenance, you can expect your AirPods to serve you well for two to three years.

The World of Apple Ecosystem

As part of the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation integrates seamlessly with various other Apple products and services. You’ll find information on using Apple Pay, navigating Apple TV, and managing your Apple Music subscriptions conveniently provided in our guide.

“Find My” Feature for Added Security

Losing your AirPods can be a worrisome experience. However, with Apple’s “Find My” feature, tracking them down becomes a breeze. We’ll show you how to use this feature effectively, ensuring that you can locate your AirPods effortlessly if they go missing.

FAQs Related to Apple AirPods

How to connect AirPods to a Chromebook? 

To connect AirPods to a Chromebook, open the case and hold the button on the back until the status light flashes white. Then, select your AirPods from the Bluetooth list on your Chromebook.

How to Pair AirPods to Xbox? 

You cannot connect AirPods directly to an Xbox console due to the lack of Bluetooth support. However, you can use a Bluetooth adapter or the Xbox app on your smartphone to use AirPods with Xbox for chat or streaming.