Skip to Content

Can you connect AirPods to Windows and iPhone at the same time?

As someone who loves the convenience of AirPods, I was frustrated when I realized I couldn’t connect them to both my Windows PC and iPhone at the same time. After doing some research, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about connecting AirPods to both Windows and iPhone devices. In this blog post, I’ll cover the steps to take to connect your AirPods to both Windows and iPhone, and also share other solutions I discovered along the way. So, let’s get started!

Tips:
AirPods can be paired with both Windows and iPhone without needing to forget them from the previous device.
You can only listen to the audio coming from one device at a time.
Automatic switching only works between Apple devices.
To switch between your Windows PC and iPhone, use the music control panel in the Control Center on your iPhone.
To connect your AirPods to your Windows device, select them in the Bluetooth and other devices menu in the Settings menu.
Un-pair and re-pair your AirPods if you experience a glitch with the connection.
Try toggling the Bluetooth setting on either your iPhone or Windows device off and back on.

Can you connect AirPods to Windows and iPhone at the same time?

AirPods can be paired with both Windows and iPhone without needing to forget your AirPods from the previous device before connecting to the next one.

However, you can only listen to the audio coming from a single device at the same time.

Also, automatic switching only works between Apple devices. You cannot automatically switch between iPhone and Windows. Instead, you will need to manually click to connect to the AirPods when you want to switch between the devices.

AirPods
AirPods

How can I connect AirPod to a Windows PC and iPhone at the same time? 

While most AirPods, especially AirPod Pro devices, are able to switch seamlessly between iDevices, things work a bit differently when switching between an iDevice and a Windows device.

AirPods automatically connect to one device, usually your iPhone, and if you wish to connect to a second device, then you’ll need to do it manually. 

To Switch between your Windows PC and iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1

Make sure you’ve paired your iPhone with your AirPods. 

Step 2

Pair your Airpods with your Windows device. 

Step 3

If you’re connected to your PC and now want to listen to your AirPods through your iPhone:

  • Take the AirPods out of their case.
  • Select the control center option on your iPhone.
  • Then select the music control panel.
  • And finally, select your AirPods.

Step 4

If you wish to switch over from using your AirPods on your iPhone to your Windows device, use the following steps:

  • Take your AirPods out of their case.
  • On your PC, go to the taskbar.
  • Right-Click the audio notification icon.
  • Bring up the list of audio devices.
  • Select playback devices.
  • Select the AirPods.
  • Press Apply.

Read more: Why do my AirPods disconnect on Facetime?

How to Connect AirPods to a Windows Device

Connecting your AirPods to your Windows device is relatively simple. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1

From the system start menu, click on Settings.

Step 2

In the Settings menu, you’ll see several options. Click on “Devices,” to bring up a full list of devices. 

Step 3

On the next screen, scroll down until you see “Bluetooth and other devices.” Then, select the plus sign right next to this option. 

Step 4

Place your AirPods in their case, leaving the lid open. Press the back button on the AirPod case for about 15 seconds until you see the indicator light start blinking white. 

Step 5

You should see the AirPods appear as a connectable device in the “Bluetooth and other devices” menu in a few moments. Select them to connect your AirPods to your Windows device.

Read more: Can I use an iPhone charger for AirPods?

Troubleshooting

Occasionally, you may experience a glitch in your Bluetooth connection, making it more difficult to establish a successful connection between your Windows device and your AirPods. Should this happen, try the following. 

Un-Pair the AirPods from the Windows device, then re-pair 

Step 1

Click on the Windows icon.

Step 2

Click on the Settings icon.

Step 3

Click on the Devices icon.

Step 4

Click on “Bluetooth and other devices.” 

Step 5

Select your AirPods.

Step 6

Click on “Remove” to un-pair your AirPods.

Now, repeat the steps to connect them to your Windows device, and hopefully, this clears up the glitch.

Other Fixes

Try toggling the Bluetooth setting on either your iPhone or Windows device off, then back on. Sometimes this can clear the issue.

There are also times when the glitch is caused by devices previously connected to your AirPods. They may not allow your AirPods to pair with your Windows device. You’ll need to disable the Bluetooth on these devices or forget them on your iPhone to fix this. Then your PC should pair with your Windows device.

Connecting AirPods to Windows and iPhone at the same time: Conclusion

Your AirPods plays very well with Non-Apple devices and is among some of the highest-quality earbuds in the world. Connecting your AirPods to any Windows device is pretty simple, and most users don’t experience issues that can’t be fixed using the above-mentioned suggestions. 

Pros

  • Easy to set up and connect.
  • Can be connected to both Windows and iPhone without needing to forget them from the previous device.
  • Automatic switching works between Apple devices.
  • Can be used with both Windows and iPhone devices.

Cons

  • Can only listen to the audio coming from one device at a time.
  • Automatic switching only works between Apple devices.
  • To switch between your Windows PC and iPhone, use the music control panel in the Control Center on your iPhone.
  • Glitches in the Bluetooth connection can be difficult to troubleshoot.