While it’s true that AirPods work best with Apple products, such as a Macbook or an iPhone, it will have no problem working with a Windows laptop. If you’re familiar with how Bluetooth worlds, you’ll have no problem connecting your AirPods with your Dell laptop. Simply turn on Bluetooth functionality on your laptop, and put your AirPods into pairing mode. If your Dell laptop doesn’t recognize your AirPods, switch audio input to Headphones instead of Speakers. Connecting your AirPods with your Dell laptop will automatically connect the two devices the next time that Bluetooth and Pairing mode is set up. However, you can still manually connect and disconnect your AirPods from your Dell laptop. This article will discuss AirPods and Dell laptop compatibility. We’ll also give you a detailed guide on how to connect AirPods to your Dell laptop. We also included some helpful troubleshooting tips for your convenience. Let’s get started.
Can you connect AirPods to a Dell Laptop?
AirPods work best with Apple products. However, if you have a Windows laptop instead of a Macbook, that won’t be a problem. AirPods work with any device that has Bluetooth functionality. Thankfully, all modern Dell laptops support Bluetooth. If, for some reason, your Dell laptop doesn’t support Bluetooth, attach a Bluetooth dongle to your USB port to get the connection. You can also learn how to connect Powerbeats Pro.
How to Pair AirPods to Dell Laptop
Connecting your AirPods to your Dell laptop works the same way as connecting any type of Bluetooth headphones or earphones. All you have to do is toggle on Bluetooth settings on your Dell laptop and enable AirPods pairing mode. Pair the AirPods and your Dell laptop to establish a connection. You should hear a light beeping sound. For more detailed instructions on how to connect your AirPods with a Dell laptop, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Charge your AirPods and Charging Case.
Fully charge your AirPods to get a stable Bluetooth connection. Failing to fully charge your AirPods will result in stuttering or no connection at all. If the batteries aren’t full, place your AirPods in the charging case for up to 20 minutes until the batteries are full. Note: It takes AirPods charging cases about an hour to fully charge. Fully-charged AirPods cases can charge up to 3 or 4 AirPods.
Step 2: Enable Bluetooth Settings in Action Center.
Open the Action center menu by pressing Windows + A on your keyboard. Right-click on Bluetooth and select Go to Settings. You can also enable Bluetooth by pressing Windows + I on your Keyboard. This will open Windows Settings. Navigate to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Toggle on Bluetooth on your Dell laptop. A notification will appear “Now Discoverable as (your laptop name”).
Step 3: Enable Pairing Mode on your AirPods.
When your AirPods are fully charged, take them out of the charging case. Place the AirPods in your ears. Find the button on the back of your AirPods charging case. Press the button until the light on your charging case starts flashing white. Your AirPods are now in Pairing Mode.
Step 4: Connect your AirPods with your Dell laptop.
Go back to your Dell laptop screen. Select the Add Bluetooth & other devices on the Bluetooth & other devices menu page. This is located next to a (+) sign above the Bluetooth toggle. All available Bluetooth devices within range should appear in the list, including your AirPods. Select the AirPods from the list of available Bluetooth devices then click Pair. You should hear a light ding or beeping sound when your AirPods connect with your Dell laptop.
Step 5: Adjust Audio Input Settings.
If your audio continues to play from your speakers after pairing with your AirPods, you need to adjust the audio input settings. Navigate to your Windows taskbar to adjust the input settings:
Click the speaker icon on your taskbar to launch the Sound Control Panel In the dropdown menu, select Headphones instead of Speakers. Choose AirPods as the default audio device.
We have articles on other Dell products, such as what to do if your Dell monitor is stuck in power save mode. If you still can’t connect your AirPods to your Dell laptop after following the instructions above, apply these troubleshooting steps:
Why can’t I pair my AirPods with my Dell Laptop?
If your devices fail to connect, you need to fix the Bluetooth function on your laptop or AirPods, or both devices.
Outdated drivers: Bluetooth connection can become unstable if your drivers are outdated. Visit the Dell Support page to download the latest drivers. Malfunctioning Bluetooth connection: Turning Bluetooth on and off on your laptop usually solves this issue. Try disabling and enabling Pairing mode as well to fix a failed Bluetooth connection.
Why does the sound keep dropping out?
This is actually a common problem, and doesn’t just affect connections with Dell laptops. We have an entire article devoted to when Airpods keep cutting out and losing connection.
Why don’t my AirPods appear on the list of available Bluetooth devices?
If your Dell laptop doesn’t detect your AirPods, you may need to refresh the Bluetooth function on both devices: Following these instructions usually solves the issue. However, if it doesn’t work, test the Bluetooth function on both devices by connecting them to another device (e.g. Dell laptop with a Bluetooth mouse and your AirPods with your mobile phone). If either your Dell laptop or AirPods can’t pair with any other Bluetooth device, you may need to have them repaired or replaced.
Conclusion
On your Dell laptop, navigate to the Action Center > Settings menu and select Bluetooth & other devices. Toggle on Bluetooth on your Dell laptop. Once your AirPods are fully charged, take them out of the charging case. Apply a long press on the charging case button to enable Pairing mode. On your Dell laptop, click Add Bluetooth & other devices. Select AirPods from the list of Available devices. Your AirPods are now paired with your Dell laptop. If audio still comes from the Dell speakers, switch audio input from Speakers to Headphones (AirPod stereo) in the Sound Control Panel.
