- Understand how to connect AirPods to your Chromebook
- Diagnose connection issues between your AirPods and Chromebook
- Check out our guide on finding your lost AirPods!
If you have a pair of AirPods, there’s a good chance you also have an Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad.
Naturally, you might assume that AirPods are only compatible with other Apple products, but you can actually use your AirPods to connect to other devices, such as a Chromebook.
It’s a straightforward process but a little more complicated than connecting to your iPhone or iPad. If you’re wondering how to do this, read on for our step-by-step guide.
How Do AirPods Connect To None Apple Devices?
While AirPods aren’t ‘generic’ earbuds in the same way as TOZO or JLab earbuds, they operate similarly.
They have been designed with Apple devices in mind, so naturally, that process is a little easier than pairing them with a non-Apple unit.
But because AirPods operate on a Bluetooth connection, you can listen to music regardless of your device.
For example, Android devices are compatible with AirPods.
Think of it this way, while AirPods aren’t a ‘generic’ device, their connection method (Bluetooth) is.
How Do I Connect My AirPods To My Chromebook?
If you’ve got your AirPods to hand and are ready to connect them, then you can do this in just a few seconds.
To connect your AirPods to your Chromebook, just follow these steps:
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and open the lid
- Click on the ‘Network’ icon at the bottom right of your Chromebook screen. This will open Quick Settings
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled (this can be toggled on and off in this menu)
- Press and hold the ‘Setup’ button on the AirPods case until the LED begins flashing
- You should see your AirPods appear on the ‘Unpaired Devices’ list on your Chromebook
- Click on your AirPods and wait a few seconds for a message confirming they are paired
Once this is done, your AirPods should be fully connected to your Chromebook, and you can listen to its audio via your AirPods.
Check out our guide here if you’re wondering whether you can pair your AirPods with a different case.
Are All Chromebooks Bluetooth Compatible?
No, not all Chromebooks have Bluetooth in-built, meaning some won’t be able to connect to your AirPods (or other earbuds and headphones that require a Bluetooth connection).
Generally, older Chromebooks don’t have a Bluetooth function, so if you own a recent model, you’ll likely have no problem connecting to AirPods.
Enter the quick settings menu to tell if your Chromebook is Bluetooth compatible. You know your Chromebook isn’t set up for this if there isn’t a Bluetooth option.
Do your AirPods keep falling out? Here’s what to do about it.
Does Spatial Audio Work On Chromebook With AirPods?
Currently, no. You won’t be able to enjoy spatial or Dolby Atmos audio on your AirPods if you use them with your Chromebook.
That said, Google is constantly working on improving the functionality of their Chromebooks, so spatial audio will be available in the not-too-distant future.
What Problems Might I Encounter Using AirPods With My Chromebook?
While connecting your AirPods to your Chromebook is pretty straightforward, running them can often be inconsistent and unreliable.
The same goes for other Bluetooth peripherals where users have reported mouse and keyboard connectivity issues. More specifically, with AirPods, you might find problems with volume control and connectivity consistency.
Google is actively working on improving and fixing these problems, so keep this in mind if you find your AirPods are inconsistent with your Chromebook.
FAQs
Why Can’t My Chromebook Locate My AirPods?
If you’ve got your Chromebook open and are struggling to get it to locate your AirPods, there may be a few reasons why:
AirPods Aren’t In Pairing Mode
It may not be the Chromebook that is the culprit. Rather your AirPods might not be in pairing mode. To ensure your AirPods are in pairing mode, just follow these steps:
- Place your AirPods into the charging case
- Open the case lid and hold down the setup button
- When the LED flashes, your AirPods are in pairing mode
By the way – if your AirPods are flashing orange, here’s why and what to do about it.
Your AirPods Aren’t In Range
If your AirPods are in pairing mode but not showing up on your Chromebook, they could not be close enough. Depending on which model of AirPods you have, the range will typically be between 20 and 50 feet.
So if they are in another room or quite far from your Chromebook, bring them closer. Ensure they are ready to pair; you should see them appear on your Chromebook menu.
Your AirPods Aren’t Charged
If your AirPods are low on charge or have a flat battery, they will struggle to connect to your Chromebook. Always ensure there is an adequate charge before trying to pair them.
Reset Your AirPods
Sometimes performing a reset of your AirPods will be enough to allow them to be found by your Chromebook and pair successfully (like many electrical devices, a mysterious gremlin can show up randomly that requires a reset to get rid of!).
A reset is a pretty easy process to carry out. If you’re unsure of how to do this, then check out our full guide here.
Your AirPods Are Already Connected To Another Device
Your AirPods are already connected to a separate device. If this is the case, they might not be able to pair successfully with your Chromebook.
This can be rectified by going into your iPhone’s (or whichever unit your AirPods are connected to) settings and removing your AirPods from the device list. Try doing this and then reconnecting to your Chromebook.
Alternatively, try switching off Bluetooth altogether on the linked device, which will cause the AirPods to disconnect.
Interestingly you can connect two pairs of AirPods to one device. If you want to know how then read up on our guide here.
Can I Use Siri When My AirPods Are Connected To Chromebook?
Siri is an Apple function that utilizes the AirPods’ microphone to perform certain voice commands. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it when you’re AirPods are connected to your Chromebook.
Similarly, AirPods offer additional functions such as increasing and decreasing volume and track skipping. This won’t work with your Chromebook either when your AirPods are connected.
How Do I Switch Between My AirPods And Chromebook Speakers?
Toggling between your AirPods and your Chromebook speakers is easy. Unlike your iPhone, you won’t need to physically disconnect your AirPods or turn Bluetooth off to make the switch.
If you want to use your Chromebook speakers over your AirPods, just follow these steps:
- Open your audio settings on your Chromebook
- Select ‘Output’
- Choose between your AirPods or Chromebook speakers
How Do I Disconnect My AirPods From My Chromebook?
While you can toggle between output devices on your Chromebook, you might want to completely disconnect your AirPods, whether that’s because the Chromebook isn’t yours or maybe you want to use them on your iPhone.
To remove and disconnect your AirPods from your Chromebook, just follow these steps:
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your Chromebook
- Locate your AirPods on your list of devices
- Select ‘Disconnect’
This will remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth device list. Alternatively, you can turn off Bluetooth on your Chromebook, which will result in the AirPods being disconnected.
Wondering how to track your AirPods? Here’s how!
Can I Use My AirPods With Other Devices Once Connected To Chromebook?
Yes, you can. However, to do this, you would need to disconnect your AirPods from your Chromebook first.
Follow our instructions above to be able to do this, and then carry out the normal pairing process for your second device.
My AirPods Sound Muffled On Chromebook
Although uncommon, AirPods can produce a muffled sound occasionally. Luckily this is not usually a physical fault with the earbuds and can often be rectified with a few steps, such as checking the Bluetooth connection or performing a full reset.
If you are experiencing a muffled sound on your AirPods, check out our guide on diagnosing and fixing the issue here.
Similarly, if you find your AirPods buzzing, there are steps you can take to rectify the problem. Just follow our walkthrough here.
My AirPods Sound Quiet On My Chromebook
Overly quiet AirPods can be quite an annoyance regardless of the device you are using!
Thankfully it isn’t usually a fault of the Chromebook or the AirPods themselves, and it can often be fixed quickly and easily.
Up next, don’t forget to check out: