How to Connect AirPods to Windows 11

How to Connect AirPods to Windows 11

AirPods pair seamlessly with Apple products. But what about Windows? Thankfully, because AirPods are Bluetooth headphones, they’ll work with any Bluetooth-compatible device.

That means you can use your AirPods with any Windows 11 computer, as long as it has Bluetooth connectivity.

If you’re looking to connect your AirPods to your Windows 11 PC, keep reading.

We’ll cover everything from how to get them connected to troubleshooting them if you can’t seem to get them working.

Turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11

First things firstin order to connect your AirPods to your Windows 11 PC, you’ll need to turn on your Bluetooth. There are a few ways to turn on Bluetooth, but to pair your AirPods to your PC, you’ll need to go into Settings.

Start by going to the Start menu and clicking on Settings. Now, click on the Bluetooth & devices tab on the left.

Bluetooth & devices

Near the top of the window, make sure that you’ve got your Bluetooth toggled to the On position.

Toggle Bluetooth On

Pair Your AirPods With Your Windows 11 PC

Once you’ve turned on Bluetooth on your PC, it’s time to pair your AirPods. Start by clicking on Add device.

Add device

Make sure that your AirPods are on and in pairing mode. If they’re already connected to another device, then you’ll need to unpair them.

Now, with your AirPods in pairing mode, on your PC, click on Bluetooth from the Add a device window.

Add a bluetooth device

Your computer will now scan for available Bluetooth devices. Wait for your AirPods to show up on the list.

Choose your AirPods

Once you see your AirPods on the list of Bluetooth devices, click on it and the computer will start pairing them. Once this is finished, you can click Done at the bottom of the window, and you’re set.

Troubleshooting AirPods Not Working in Windows 11

If you’re having trouble with getting your AirPods working on your Windows 11 PC, then you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. Below are a few things you can try.

1. Restart Your Computer

Have you tried turning it off and then on again? It might be one of the most cliché pieces of advice in computer technology, but a simple restart can often fix strange issues with devices. If restarting your computer doesn’t get your AirPods working, then try restarting your computer after trying the other fixes outlined below if you’re still having issues.

2. Set Your AirPods as the Default Device

Unless your AirPods are the only audio device you have connected to your computer, then you may need to set your AirPods as the default audio device for them to work properly.

Start by going down to the taskbar tray at the bottom right of your screen, and right-click on the volume icon. In the context menu that comes up, click on Sound Settings.

Sound Settings

Under the Output heading, choose your AirPods from the list.

Choose where to play sound

3. Re-pair Your AirPods to Your Computer

If your AirPods still aren’t working, then you may need to re-pair them. First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I, and then click on the Bluetooth & devices tab on the left.

Bluetooth & devices

At the top of the window, find your AirPods and click the three dots in the top-right corner. Then select Remove device.

Remove device

Once they’re removed, click on Add device and pair your AirPods, following the same steps as before.

4. Run the Windows 11 Bluetooth Troubleshooter

If you’re still having issues, the Bluetooth troubleshooter might be able to help. To start, open the Settings app, go to the System tab, and click on Troubleshoot halfway down the page.

Click on Other troubleshooters. Under Other, you’ll find the Bluetooth troubleshooter. Click on Run and follow the steps in the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

5. Disable Wireless iAP Service

If the above steps don’t work for you, then you might have to disable a feature specific to AirPods, called the Wireless iAP service. This service is the iPod Accessory Protocol, and it seems this issue is specific to Windows 11.

To start, go to the Settings app, then go to Bluetooth & devices. Next, click on Devices.

Devices

On the Devices page, scroll down and click on Devices and printers, which will open the Devices and Printers page in the Control Panel.

Devices and printers

On the Control Panel, find your AirPods and right-click on them. Then click on Properties.

Properties

On the Properties window, go to the Services tab at the top. From the list of services, uncheck the Wireless iAP service, then click Apply and OK.

Cody Brown

Cody is a gamer, writer, and computer programmer who's always looking to optimize and automate everyday tasks. When he's not immersed in prose and code, he's busy tinkering with computers, automating his home, and spending time with his wife and kids.

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