How to connect airpods to macbook pro

AirPods are some of the best wireless earbuds out there and are a sensible purchase if you’re within Apple’s product ecosystem, especially if you’re working on a Mac.

Connecting them up to a Mac is relatively easy, and we’re here to walk you through every step of the process, whether you’re using a Mac Mini, a MacBook or an iMac.

So, without further ado, here’s how to connect AirPods to your Mac.

Hardware Used

• MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)
• macOS Big Sur
• AirPods (2nd Gen)

The Short Version

• Open the lid of your AirPods case
• Hold the setup button on the back
• Go into ‘Bluetooth’ within the macOS ‘System Preferences’
• Select your AirPods within the devices list

1. Step
   1

   Open the lid of your AirPods case

   

   Firstly, open the lid of your AirPods case, which will turn them on from standby.

   

2. Step
   2

   Hold the setup button on the back

   

   Now, press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case until the status light on your AirPods case turns white.

   

3. Step
   3

   Go into ‘Bluetooth’ within the macOS ‘System Preferences’

   

   Open up ‘System Preferences’ and then head into ‘Bluetooth’.
   
   You’ll find it about halfway down on the third row, sandwiched between ‘Network’ and ‘Sound’.
   
   

   

4. Step
   4

   Select your AirPods within the devices list

   

   Make sure Bluetooth is actually activated. It should let you know in bold writing directly below the big, blue Bluetooth icon.
   
   Click on your AirPods from the devices list – they should be labelled as ‘Your Name’s AirPods’, with your actual name instead of the placeholder.
   
   Your AirPods should now sync up with your Mac, allowing you to listen to music without disturbing your colleagues.
   

   

FAQs

Why won’t my AirPods connect?

If this process does not work, double check your Mac’s Bluetooth is activated and ensure your AirPods have enough battery life.

If they’re still not working, try resetting your Mac and AirPods. Unpairing your AirPods and starting a new connection can sometimes work too.

Why do my AirPods say Paired but not connected?

If this occurs, it likely means the firmware is out of date for at least one of your devices.

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How to connect AirPods to an iPhone

Gemma Ryles 9 months ago

There's no reason to keep your AirPods locked to your iPhone; like any Bluetooth earbuds, you can connect them to many other devices, including your Mac.

There are two ways to connect your AirPods to a Mac, depending upon how you're already using the AirPods.

How to connect your AirPods to a Mac if you don't use them on an iPhone

If your AirPods aren't already connected to your iPhone, you can connect them directly to your Mac.

1. With the AirPods in their charging case, open the lid and keep the AirPods inside.

2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light starts to flash.

3. On your Mac, click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top to open the Apple menu. 

4. Click System Preferences.

5. In the System Preferences window, click Bluetooth.

6. In the list of devices, find the AirPods you want to pair the Mac with, and click Connect.

7. After the connection is complete, the AirPods will appear at the top of the Devices list, ready to be used.

How to connect your AirPods to your Mac if you already use them on your iPhone

Your AirPods are designed to connect to your Mac automatically if you are using the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone.

1. Open your AirPods case.

2. On your Mac, click the Volume icon – it looks like a speaker – in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

3. In the Output Device section of this menu, select your AirPods.  

If this doesn't work, there are a couple of settings you need to ensure are enabled. Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar, and System Preferences.

• Make sure your Mac is logged into the same Apple ID as your iPhone. In the System Preferences window click Apple ID to make sure you're signed in and using the same ID.
• Make sure Handoff is turned on. In the System Preferences window, click General, and make sure there is a check mark next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
• Make sure you can see the volume icon in the menu bar. If you don't see it, you need to turn it on. In the System Preferences window, click Sound and then click the checkbox next to Show volume in menu bar.

Quick tip: If you're trying to connect other types of Bluetooth headsets to your Mac, please read our guide on how to connect any Bluetooth headphone to your Mac computer.

Troubleshooting AirPods That Won't Connect

If you are having trouble connecting your AirPods to a Mac, there are a few things you can do:

• Make sure your Airpods are charged. Place the AirPods in their case, plug a USB cable that's connected to power into the case, and charge them for 1-2 hours.
• Make sure your Mac is up to date. You need macOS Sierra or later to install the first-generation AirPods, and macOS 10.14.4 or later for second-generation AirPods.
• Re-pair the AirPods to the Mac. Find the AirPods in the Bluetooth list on your Mac and click the X button on the right. Then, repeat the pairing process.
• Reset your AirPods. Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for at least 15 seconds. Let go of the button when the status light starts to flash amber.
• Restart your Mac computer. If your Mac's Bluetooth connection has run into a problem, restarting your Mac can reset it and hopefully get it working properly again.

Quick tip: If your AirPods connect but won't remain connected, please read our guide on how to fix AirPods that keep disconnecting.