Apple AirPods stand out as top-tier true wireless earbuds. While pairing them with an iPhone is seamless, the process differs slightly for Macs. Below, discover how to connect AirPods to your MacBook or Mac device effortlessly.
- AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later is required.
- AirPods 1st Generation: macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later is required.
- AirPods 3rd Generation: macOS Monterey or later is required.
Connecting Your AirPods to Mac or MacBook
Connect AirPods or AirPods Pro to your Mac to enhance your audio experience while working, listening to music, or engaging in video calls. Here’s how:
1. Put both AirPods in the charging case and keep the lid open.
2. Press and hold the setup button at the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white.
3. Open Bluetooth settings on your Mac from System Settings/System Preferences.
4. Locate your AirPods under Nearby Devices in the Bluetooth settings, and click Connect.
That’s it. AirPods are now connected to your MacBook or Mac. While here, learn how to reset Apple AirPods.
Connecting AirPods to Mac After iPhone Connection
In the Apple ecosystem, AirPods seamlessly integrate. Apple ensures this by design, enabling automatic connection to a Mac when already in use with an iPhone linked to the same Apple ID. Here’s the process:
- Open your AirPods case.
- On your MacBook or Mac, click the Volume Control icon in the menu bar.
- Locate and select your AirPods under “Output” in the drop-down menu.
Disabling AirPods Auto-Switching on iPhone & Mac
Thanks to the Apple ecosystem, AirPods (2nd and 3rd Gen) automatically switch between your iPhone and Mac when signed in with the same Apple ID. While convenient, this feature can be troublesome if you don’t want your AirPods to switch to your Mac from your iPhone. Here’s how to turn off AirPods auto-switching to Mac:
Turn off AirPods Auto-Switching on Mac
1. Place the AirPods connected to your Macbook in your ear.
2. Go to Bluetooth settings on your MacBook or Mac.
3. Click the “i” (information icon) next to your AirPods under the “My Devices” section.
4. Choose “Last Connected to this Mac” under Connect to this Mac and click Done.
Disable AirPods Auto-Switching on iPhone
1. Connect AirPods to iPhone and wear them.
2. Open Settings on iPhone and tap AirPods name.
3. Scroll down to “Connect to This iPhone” and tap.
4. Choose “When Last Connected to This iPhone”.
This turns off AirPods automatic switching on Mac and iPhone. For any doubts about connecting AirPods to MacBook, comment below.
Why won’t AirPods connect to MacBook?
There can be several reasons why your AirPods can’t connect to your Mac, including –
1. Bluetooth turned off on your Mac.
2. Missing compatible macOS installed.
3. AirPods connected to another Apple device.
How to transfer AirPods from iPhone to MacBook?
If both your Mac and iPhone use the same Apple ID, you won’t need to manually switch AirPods, except for 1st generation.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
