How to Connect Your AirPods to a Chromebook

Anna Middleton Read more July 8, 2021

The AirPods are the world’s most popular wireless earbuds. Even more so since the release of the AirPods Pro, which introduced ear tips, noise cancellation, and other cool extra features. The problem with most Apple products is that they don’t “vibe” with non-apple devices. Apple relies on using its proprietary technology for everything.

How to Connect Your AirPods to a Chromebook

That said, AirPods can connect to other, non-Apple devices. So, if you’re a Chromebook user, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use the AirPods on your non-Apple phone. The same goes for the PC, Kindle Fire, Android, etc. Here’s a bit more about AirPod connectivity.

Don’t They Use Some Special Apple Tech?

Well, no. AirPods are Bluetooth wireless earbuds that use, well, the standard Bluetooth connection that can pair with any Bluetooth-capable device. That means that you can connect the AirPods to Android phones, Windows Phones, PCs, TVs, consoles, and, as seen above, to Chromebook.

Of course, the connection might not be as smooth, and you may experience some small issues in the process, but everything should work out fine. Also, when paired with non-Apple devices, the AirPods might lack some advanced controls and features.

What About the W1?

Ever since iPhone 7, Apple’s phones have been using a special chip called “W1.” It’s a wireless chip from Apple that is available only on iPhones. Apple also decided to remove the typical 3.5mm headphone jack since iPhone 7. That’s why many have thought that AirPods will work solely on Apple devices.

However, this is not the purpose of the W1 chip. iPhones don’t use this chip to communicate with devices. It’s just a feature that makes connections run smoother. That’s why pairing with AirPods is faster and simpler with iPhones. It also provides a better battery life.

As mentioned, AirPods use Bluetooth to connect with other devices. But iPhones offer much better connectivity options, even with non-Apple products. Typically, wireless headphones and earbuds have to enter the pairing mode to connect to a device. It isn’t too complicated, but it can be somewhat of a drag. Sometimes, the connection will fail, forcing you to restart the phone or the buds, and so on.

The AirPods function differently. Thanks to the W1 chip, they can connect to a compatible iPhone within range as soon as you open the case. The W1 chip removes all the annoying and inefficient elements of Bluetooth connectivity. The buds work better with iPhones.

Connecting Your AirPods to Your Chromebook

Chromebooks are Chrome OS-powered laptops that don’t have too many features. As such, they are a perfect example of how broad connectivity the AirPods have.

To connect AirPods to your Chromebook, click on the network icon, located in the bottom-right screen corner.
The Chromebook will then display connectivity options, check whether Bluetooth is marked On. Click the arrow under Bluetooth, if Bluetooth is marked Off, switch it on.
As soon as you turn on Bluetooth on your Chromebook, it will start searching for active wireless devices nearby.
Your AirPods should appear as one of the options. If this doesn’t happen, take your AirPod case and click the Setup button, it’s the small button on its back.
You should see AirPods on the list now, click the AirPods entry, and that’s about it.

Disconnecting AirPods From a Chromebook

Just as simple as connecting AirPods to a Chromebook, let’s now cover how to disconnect them.

Open the Bluetooth menu in your Chromebook and turn it off.
Alternatively, you can press and hold the Pair button on the back of the case.

Yes, it’s that easy when everything is working properly.

AirPods and Non-Apple Devices

There are some other benefits that you get when using AirPods with Apple devices. Features such as iCloud pairing, tap to Siri, and other smart features. Nonetheless, AirPods will work like any other pair of Bluetooth earphones with non-Apple devices. You’ll still get the AirPod sound quality, noise cancellation, and other sound-based benefits.

Have you managed to pair your AirPods to your Chromebook? How satisfied are you with their performance? Feel free to jump to the comment section below and join in on the discussion.