Let’s get it out there: you’ve got your hands on Apple AirPods and are struggling to connect them to your Lenovo laptop.
So, really, how to connect AirPods to a Lenovo laptop?
That we’ll find out today in this guide.
For instance, this article will walk you through easy steps on connecting AirPods to a Lenovo laptop. We’ll also explore if you can pair up these devices if your laptop lacks Bluetooth.
With that out of the way, let’s dive in.
How to Connect AirPods to a Lenovo Laptop
Follow these steps to link your AirPods to a Lenovo laptop:
Step #1: Prepare AirPods for Pairing
Get your AirPods ready for pairing before connecting them to your Lenovo laptop. Please do so by ensuring they’re fully charged.
To check if your AirPods are charged, open their case’s lid and look for an indicator on the case. A green light indicates your AirPods are fully charged.
But if you see an amber light, the AirPods are not fully charged. In such a case, it’s preferable to put your AirPods in the case and let them charge.
It’s a quick process and usually takes only 20 minutes. The charging case takes around an hour to fully charge, though.
Step #2: Turn on Bluetooth on Your Lenovo Laptop
Once you’ve ensured your AirPods are fully charged, it’s time to toggle Bluetooth to On on your Lenovo laptop.
The easiest way to do so is by using the shortcut Windows + A. It opens the Action Center, containing the Bluetooth feature. Press Bluetooth and toggle it to the right. That’s it; Bluetooth will be enabled on your laptop.
You can also enable Bluetooth by accessing the Settings app. Use the shortcut Windows + I to open Settings and go to Devices > Bluetooth > Other Devices. Click Add Bluetooth to see a list of available Bluetooth devices.
Step #3: Switch on the Pairing Mode of AirPods
AirPods only scan for new Bluetooth devices when you enable their pairing mode. So, you’ll need to put your AirPods into pairing mode to connect to your laptop.
Do so by pressing the small button on the back of your AirPods case.
Once your AirPods go into pairing mode, the case will show a blinking white light. That’s it; the pairing mode is enabled on your AirPods.
Step #4: Connect the AirPods to the Lenovo Laptop
Following the above steps, your AirPods and the Lenovo laptop can scan for new Bluetooth connections.
On your laptop, click Add Bluetooth to see a list of available Bluetooth networks. Select AirPods from the list usually termed [Your Username]’s AirPods. As you do that, AirPods will be connected to your laptop.
Once both devices are connected, you’ll hear a slight beep sound on your AirPods, indicating a successful connection.
Step #5: Select AirPods as the Default Audio Output Device
Sometimes, the laptop automatically sets your AirPods as the preferred audio output device. But sometimes, you’re required to do so manually, or audio is played through your laptop’s speaker.
To set your AirPods as the default output device, open Action Center (use the shortcut Windows + A).
Now, select Sounds and choose AirPods from the list. That’s it; AirPods will be selected as your laptop’s default audio output device.
Is It Even Possible to Connect AirPods to a Lenovo Laptop?
Many people wonder if AirPods are compatible with Windows laptops, such as those from Lenovo.
Though AirPods and Windows are products of competitor brands (Apple and Microsoft, respectively), it doesn’t mean you cannot pair them up.
In fact, you CAN connect AirPods to a Lenovo laptop (or any other Windows-based device) as long as it has Bluetooth.
Even if your Lenovo laptop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can use an external Bluetooth dongle to connect it to AirPods.
As you do that, you can use AirPods as the audio output source of your laptop.
What to Do If AirPods Are Not Pairing With Your Lenovo Laptop?
If your AirPods don’t connect to your Lenovo laptop despite following the above steps, here are some effective fixes you can try.
Select Them as the Default Sound Device
Many users connect their AirPods to their laptops but forget to make them the default sound device.
If your laptop has multiple sound outputs, such as built-in speakers, it may use another audio output device instead of your AirPods.
Try setting your AirPods as the default sound device in such a case. You can do so by navigating the Action Center and accessing Sound settings.
Raise the Volume
Perhaps your AirPods are connected to the Lenovo laptop, but you don’t know yet because of the low volume.
So, before concluding your AirPods or laptop are faulty, try raising your laptop’s volume to see if AirPods and laptop are connected.
Update Your Laptop’s Bluetooth Drivers
Your laptop’s Bluetooth will only function properly if the correct Bluetooth drivers are installed.
If your laptop is not running a compatible version of Bluetooth drivers, it’s worth updating them before connecting it to AirPods.
To do so, open Device Manager on your laptop and click Bluetooth. Now, select Drivers and click Update Drivers.
Following these steps, your laptop will automatically search for compatible Bluetooth drivers and install them. Once their installation is complete, try connecting AirPods to your laptop again.
Ensure Your AirPods Work Properly
You may wonder if your laptop’s Bluetooth is misbehaving but have you ensured your AirPods are functioning well?
If your AirPods and laptop are not connecting, try pairing up your AirPods with a smartphone to see if they work fine. If they are faulty, check their warranty and claim it if available.
What if Your Lenovo Laptop Lacks Bluetooth?
If your laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth (or its Bluetooth is faulty), it doesn’t mean you cannot connect AirPods to it. If your laptop has Bluetooth, it’s preferable to get it fixed.
Otherwise, using a Bluetooth USB dongle is the best solution. A Bluetooth USB dongle is a small device with a USB interface.
It connects to your laptop and emits Bluetooth signals to connect to other Bluetooth devices like AirPods. In simple words, it adds Bluetooth to your laptop, regardless of whether it had it before.
If you choose a USB Bluetooth device, get a newer Bluetooth version, such as Bluetooth 5.
The Bluetooth devices packing the latest Bluetooth versions offer higher bandwidths for smoother Bluetooth connections with other devices.
Your USB Bluetooth dongle may or may not require installing its drivers on your laptop to use it. Anyway, note that these devices generally come with driver CDs. Or, you can find their drivers on the Internet, if needed.
Wrapping It Up
It’s possible to connect AirPods to a Lenovo laptop. It’s a simple process that involves turning on Bluetooth on both devices and connecting them.
But users often struggle connecting AirPods to a Lenovo laptop as they miss out on an important step.
In this guide, we’ve laid down detailed steps on pairing up AirPods with a Lenovo laptop for your help.
We’ve also explored many fixes to try if AirPods still don’t connect to your Lenovo laptop. Until next time, cheers!