Resolving AirPods Connectivity Problems on Windows 10
Having problems getting your AirPods to connect properly to your Windows 10 PC? You’re not alone. Many Windows users report frustrating issues with getting their AirPods paired and connected. The good news is that with a few troubleshooting steps, you can get your AirPods working smoothly with your Windows machine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the top fixes to resolve AirPods connection problems on Windows 10.
1. Update Your Windows 10 Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers are one of the most common culprits behind AirPods refusing to connect or stay connected to your Windows PC. Keeping your drivers updated ensures maximum compatibility and performance between your AirPods and Windows 10.
Here’s how to update your Windows 10 Bluetooth drivers:
- Type "Device Manager" in the search bar and open it.
- Expand the "Bluetooth" section.
- Right click on your Bluetooth adapter and select "Update driver."
- Choose to automatically search for updated drivers online.
- Restart your PC once the update completes.
With the latest drivers installed, try re-pairing your AirPods to see if connectivity improves. Updating drivers is one of the simplest fixes for stubborn AirPods connection issues.
Why is my Bluetooth not working on my AirPods?
If you need the Bluetooth on those devices to be ‘On’, try forgetting your AirPods from them or simply resetting your AirPods. Windows’ troubleshooter is a built-in feature that can help you detect potential causes of your Bluetooth connectivity issues.
How to connect AirPods to Windows 10 PC using Bluetooth?
Select your AirPods. If your AirPods aren’t showing up, open the lid of the charging case. Once the pairing process begins, press the setup button on the charging case until the process completes. This article explains how to connect AirPods to a Windows 10 PC using Bluetooth .
2. Reset Your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods can clear up minor software glitches that may be interfering with Bluetooth connections. To reset AirPods:
- Place both AirPods in their case.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The status light will flash amber, indicating the reset.
- Unpair the AirPods from your Windows PC’s Bluetooth settings.
- Re-pair the AirPods and test connectivity.
Resetting gives the AirPods firmware a fresh start, often resolving wireless connection problems.
3. Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case
Dirt and debris buildup on the AirPods can obstruct the Bluetooth signal between your AirPods and Windows machine. Give both AirPods and their charging case a thorough cleaning to restore connectivity strength.
Use a dry cotton swab or soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clear any dust or dirt from the microphone meshes, speaker grills, and contact points. Avoid moisture and liquids which could damage the earbuds. A quick cleaning can get your AirPods connecting like new again.
4. Forget and Re-Pair Your AirPods
If your AirPods appear paired in Windows but won’t connect, forgetting the device and re-pairing from scratch is worth a try. Here’s how:
How do I Fix my AirPods not connecting to my PC?
If there’s a minor Bluetooth glitch causing your AirPods not to connect to your PC, try unpairing your AirPods from your PC and then re-pairing them. This should fix most connection-related issues with your devices. Click Devices on the Settings window. In Devices, click Bluetooth & other devices in the left sidebar.
How do I uninstall AirPods from Windows 10?
Double-click on Bluetooth, then check for any greyed-out entries related to AirPods. “Bluetooth” highlighted. Right-click on each greyed-out entry, then select Uninstall device . Uninstall device. Click Uninstall to confirm removal of older AirPods-related devices from your system. Click Uninstall to confirm.
Can AirPods connect to Windows 11 if case is open?
As you might have noticed, Airpods now efficiently reconnect to Windows 11 whenever the case is opened, however, this is only until you connect Airpods to another device. Once connected, Airpods will no longer connect with your Windows 11 device even if you have the case open and try to connect manually.
- Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth and other devices > Bluetooth.
- Under "My devices" find your AirPods and select "Remove device."
- Open the AirPods case near your PC and hold down the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. This puts them in pairing mode.
- On your Windows PC, select "Add Bluetooth or other device" and choose your AirPods when they appear in the list.
After re-pairing, your connection issues may be resolved. Re-pairing ensures a clean slate for your AirPods with your Windows machine.
5. Toggle Bluetooth On Your Windows PC
A quick Bluetooth toggle can get things back on track if your AirPods suddenly stop connecting mid-use.
- Open Settings and go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Toggle the Bluetooth switch off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
- On your AirPods, press and hold the setup button to put them in pairing mode again.
- In Windows, choose your AirPods from the list of available devices to re-pair them.
This Bluetooth reset often resolves transient connection problems with AirPods and other wireless headphones.
Why is my AirPods not sounding in Windows 11?
If you have the AirPods connected in Windows 11 but there’s no sound, it could be likely that the playback device selection is misconfigured. Setting your AirPods as the default device should fix the issue. How we test, review and rate?
Do AirPods work with Windows PC?
To connect AirPods and a Windows computer, you need only some AirPods and a PC. Apple’s AirPods are perhaps best paired with iOS devices, or at least other Apple computers. However, because they use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to tech gear, they work well with Windows PCs, Android phones, and other mobile devices, too.
6. Update to the Latest Windows 10 Version
Staying updated with the latest Windows 10 version ensures you have all the newest fixes and compatibility improvements for AirPods and other Bluetooth devices.
To update Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Select "Check for updates." Install any available updates.
- Restart your PC once updates complete.
Updating Windows 10 can resolve not just AirPods issues, but also problems with a wide range of peripherals and devices. Keep your system updated for maximum hardware compatibility.
Prevent Future AirPods Connection Problems
Once you’ve resolved your AirPods connectivity challenges, a few proactive steps can prevent issues from cropping up again:
- Set your AirPods as the Default Device in Windows Sound Settings. This makes Windows prioritize the connection.
- Avoid using your AirPods near other active Bluetooth devices which can cause interference.
- Whenever possible, keep your paired AirPods within 30 feet of your Windows PC for optimal Bluetooth range.
- Check for Windows and AirPods firmware updates regularly.
With the fixes above and some preventive care, you can enjoy seamless AirPods connectivity with your Windows 10 PC. Share any other tips that worked for you in the comments!
How to remove AirPods from Windows 10?
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result. Double-click on the Bluetooth entry to expand and view the devices under it. Locate all the devices that start with AirPods, right-click on them, and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
