Connecting wired audio devices to your HP laptop is extremely easy.
But I know pairing it to Bluetooth models like your AirPods can sometimes be confusing.
Don’t worry, though.
I’ll help you pair your gadgets in under 5 minutes without stress.
Continue reading to find out:
- 9 hassle-free steps to connect your AirPods to an HP laptop.
- How to set your AirPods as your laptop’s default audio output.
- 7 quick solutions for AirPods that won’t connect to your HP laptop.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to connect AirPods to HP Laptop – 9 steps
#1: Charge your AirPods
To ensure a smooth pairing process…
Your audio device should at least have a 50% battery.
That said, put both of your AirPods in their charging case.
And let them sit there for 10 minutes before you proceed to…
#2: Open your HP laptop’s Window Settings
At the bottom-left corner of your device’s screen, tap the Windows icon.
And on the pop-up window, select Settings or the gear icon.
Note: If your laptop runs on Windows 11, you’ll find this in the middle of the taskbar.
#3: Tap Devices
This option has an icon composed of a speaker and a keyboard.
#4: Turn ON your HP laptop’s Bluetooth
On the new window, you’ll see a small toggle under the heading, “Bluetooth.”
So, just ensure that this is turned ON, then…
#5: Click the + icon on your screen
You’ll find this on the left of the text “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
#6: Select Bluetooth
These 3 choices will appear on your screen:
- Bluetooth.
- Wireless display or dock.
- Everything else.
Now, audio devices like your AirPods fall under the Bluetooth category.
So simply select the first option on your laptop.
Then, let your screen remain on this window until step 8.
#7: Put your audio device in pairing mode
Here’s all you need to do:
- Put both of your AirPods inside their charging case.
- Open the lid of the casing.
- Bring your audio device close to your HP laptop.
- Press and hold the setup/pairing button at the back of the unit.
- Wait for the LED light on the charging case to turn white.
Note: The status light will be in front of the case for wireless and MagSafe charging cases. But for wired models, you’ll see this inside, between the charging spots of the AirPods.
You might also want to know: AirPods Not Turning On: 5 Causes & Fixes (Guide)
#8: Select your AirPods on your screen
After a few seconds, you’ll see your AirPods’ name appear on your HP laptop.
That said, simply click your audio device on this window, then…
#9: Wait for your AirPods and HP laptop to pair
Note: This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
“How do I know if I’ve successfully paired my devices?”
The heading of the window on your screen will turn to:
“You’re device is ready to go!”
And you’ll also find a Disconnect button on the right side of your audio device’s name.
You might also be interested: How Many Years Do AirPods Last? 5 Vital Tips (Guide)
Why won’t my AirPods connect to my HP laptop? 7 causes & fixes
#1: You’re not using the right audio output settings
Your AirPods and HP laptop may already be connected. But you’re not using the correct audio settings. So, you can’t hear anything from your audio device.
That’s why before you try any formal fixes, you should…
Set your AirPods as your HP laptop’s default audio output
Step 1: Launch your device’s Sound Settings
- Tap the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen (Windows 10 and earlier).
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
Note: Click the back arrow at the window’s top-left corner if you’re not on the Window Settings page.
- Select System from the choices.
- Choose Sound from the left side of the window.
Step 2: Choose your AirPods as your laptop’s sound output
Click the drop-down menu you see under the heading Output.
And from the list, select your AirPods.
Step 3: Increase the Master Volume
You’ll find the Master volume slider just below the drop-down menu.
Now, if this is set to zero, you won’t hear anything from your AirPods.
So, increase your laptop’s volume to at least 70%.
Then, check if your AirPods are now projecting your HP device’s audio.
Further reading: (13 Fixes) AirPods Connected But No Sound [Updated]
#2: The laptop’s Bluetooth is disabled
If your Acer device’s Bluetooth connection is OFF…
It won’t be able to pair to any wireless gadget, no matter how long you wait.
So now, ensure that your laptop’s Bluetooth is ON:
- Simultaneously press the Windows + A keys on your keyboard.
- Find the Bluetooth tile at the bottom of the window that appears.
- Right-click this tile and select Go to Settings.
- Ensure that the toggle under Bluetooth is ON.
After doing this, follow steps 5-9 above to pair your AirPods with your laptop again.
#3: Your devices are glitching
Your HP laptop and AirPods are prone to glitches and bugs like any other gadget.
So if your devices won’t pair…
Most of the time, a simple connection restart will be enough to fix the problem.
Don’t worry. This solution is nothing too fancy.
So, just follow the steps below to…
Restart the connection between your HP laptop and AirPods
Step 1: Turn your AirPods OFF
Return both of them to their case, then close the lid so they can completely shut down.
If you have an iOS device…
I also recommend resetting your Airpods by following the steps done in this video:
Step 2: Disable your laptop’s Bluetooth
- Press the keys Windows + A on your keyboard at the same time.
- Click the Bluetooth tile at the bottom.
- Ensure that the tile says OFF.
After that…
Step 3: Restart your HP laptop
- Tap the Windows logo on your laptop’s taskbar.
- Select the Power icon.
- From the list, tap Restart.
Now, wait for your laptop to turn OFF and ON again, then…
Step 4: Turn ON your HP laptop’s Bluetooth
Press Windows + A on your keyboard simultaneously once more.
Then, click the Bluetooth icon at the bottom of the window to reactivate it.
Step 5: Pair your AirPods with your laptop
Follow steps 5-9 above again to connect your HP laptop to your audio device.
#4: Audio device is too far from your laptop
Your AirPods’ optimal reception range is within 30 feet.
But during the pairing process…
Your audio device shouldn’t be farther than 5 feet from your laptop.
That’s because the closer your wireless devices are…
The stronger and better their connection will be.
With that said, during the pairing process…
Put your AirPods as close to your HP laptop as possible.
#5: Your AirPods are trying to connect to other gadgets
AirPods are loyal audio devices.
And I say that because they’ll always try to connect to the last gadget they paired with.
Now, this feature is helpful in many cases. For example:
You won’t need to do the entire pairing process whenever you want to use your AirPods.
But it can also cause a headache when connecting your audio device to another gadget.
Fortunately, though, fixing this issue is no biggie.
All you have to do is turn OFF surrounding gadgets except your HP laptop, like your:
- Smart TVs.
- Computers.
- Mobile devices.
Then, when your laptop’s the only device ON within 30 feet of your AirPods…
Try pairing your devices again.
#6: Outdated Bluetooth driver
This is a program that lets your laptop connect to wireless devices.
And like all pieces of software, you also need to update it to work efficiently.
That said, if you’re still struggling with pairing your devices, you should…
Update your HP laptop’s Bluetooth driver
Step 1: Go to HP’s official Support Center
Wait for the page to load completely, then…
Step 2: Click Laptop
You’ll find 4 product categories on your screen, namely:
- Other.
- Printer.
- Laptop.
- Desktop.
So, simply select the 2nd circle from the left to choose Laptop.
Step 3: Input your HP device’s serial number
You can find this number on the back of your laptop.
But if you want a shortcut for this step…
Just tap the “Let HP detect your product” button on your screen.
And the website will automatically input your laptop’s model for you.
Step 4: Select the right operating system and version of your laptop
“I don’t know my laptop’s operating system.”
In that case, follow these steps:
- Tap the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your laptop.
- Select Settings.
- Tap System from the available choices.
- Click About. You’ll find this at the very bottom of the left side of the window.
Take note of your laptop’s system type. Then, input this information on the HP website.
After doing so, tap Submit, then…
Step 5: Choose “Detect my Drivers”
Note: This is the green button on your screen.
After clicking this option…
Simply wait for the website to detect the laptop drivers available for you.
Then, tap the Download option beside the Bluetooth driver.
Step 6: Launch the file you downloaded
Simultaneously press Windows + F on your laptop’s keyboard.
And once you’re on your device’s File Explorer, follow these steps:
- Click Downloads on the left side of the window.
- Ensure that you see the Today heading at the top of the list.
Note: Click the Date modified text at the middle-top part of the window if you don’t.
- Double-click the Bluetooth driver you downloaded.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
After updating your laptop’s Bluetooth driver, try pairing your AirPods with it again.
Now, if this solution still doesn’t solve the issue, you probably have a…
#7: Faulty device
1 of your gadgets most likely has connection issues that only professionals can fix.
So, it’s time to figure out which of your devices is causing this problem.
And that’s by connecting your AirPods to a different gadget. Preferably one that you’ve never paired with your audio device before.
With that said, if your AirPods successfully pair with another gadget, such as a:
- PC.
- Phone.
- Smart TV.
Then, your HP laptop is causing this connection issue.
So, you should contact HP’s support team. And ask them for additional instructions to solve this problem.
However, if your AirPods also refuse to connect with a different gadget…
That means your audio device is the problem.
So, contact Apple support instead by calling 800-275-2273. Or by visiting 1 of the brand’s offline stores.