Whether you want to dive into your immersive Spotify playlist, catch up on the latest Netflix series, or simply FaceTime your friend, using AirPods with a MacBook takes your auditory experience to the next level. And guess what? You can easily learn how to connect AirPods to MacBook in a few simple steps.
Turn on Bluetooth on your PC. Open the charging case lid with both AirPods inside it. Long-press the setup button on the back of the case for 5 seconds or until the status light starts blinking white. Select your AirPods from the list of available devices on your MacBook.
Still not able to connect, or bumped into some pairing issues? Read on, as this article is all about connecting AirPods with your MacBook.
Let’s get started.
Table Of Contents
- 1 AirPods Compatibility with MacBook Pro & Air Models
- 2 How to Connect AirPods to MacBook Pro?
- 3 How Do I Make My AirPods Discoverable on My Computer?
- 4 Why Aren’t My AirPods Connecting to My MacBook?
- 5 How Do I Transfer AirPods From iPhone to MacBook?
- 6 Do AirPods Sound Better on Mac?
- 7 How to Connect AirPods to MacBook: FAQs
- 8 Conclusion
AirPods Compatibility with MacBook Pro & Air Models
Before I get into the steps, you must know if your MacBook is compatible with the AirPods.
AirPods 1st Generation
Required macOS: Sierra or later
MacBook Pro Models
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012–Mid 2015)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012–2020)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012–2019)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, four ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
- MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
MacBook Air Models
- MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012–2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018–2020)
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
AirPods 2nd Generation
Required macOS: Mojave 10.14.4 or later
MacBook Pro Models
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Retina, Late 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (Retina, Mid 2012–Mid 2015)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Mid 2012–2020)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (Mid 2012–2019)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, four ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
- MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
MacBook Air Models
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2012–2017)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Retina, 2018–2020)
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
AirPods 3rd Generation
Required macOS: Monterey or later
MacBook Pro Models
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Retina, Late 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (Retina, Mid 2012–Mid 2015)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Mid 2012–2020)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (Mid 2012–2019)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, four ports)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2020)
- MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
MacBook Air Models
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2012–Early 2015)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2012–2017)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Retina 2018–2020)
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Note: Most AirPods features work with MacBook Pro and Air, except for spatial audio. It requires Apple Silicon and macOS Monterey or later to function.
Related: Are AirPods Waterproof? All You Need to Know
How to Connect AirPods to MacBook Pro?
Below are the steps to connect AirPods (all models) to MacBook Pro. You can follow these steps for the MacBook Air too.
- Click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of the screen to open the Apple menu.
- Select System Preferences.
- Under System Preferences, find and select Bluetooth. This will open the Bluetooth Preferences screen.
- Hit the Turn Bluetooth On option on the left and open this window.
- Now, open the lid of your AirPods case and long-press the round setup button on its back.
- Wait until the status light inside the case turns white. Your AirPods should now appear on the Bluetooth Preferences screen.
- Click Connect.
Wait for the connection to complete, which shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.
Congratulations, your AirPods are now connected to Mac.
Related: How to Connect Two AirPods to One Phone?
How Do I Make My AirPods Discoverable on My Computer?
To make AirPods discoverable on your computer, all you must do is turn ON the pairing mode.
Wondering how?
Below are the steps:
- Charge up your AirPods charging case if you still need to.
- Flip open the lid.
- Next, long-press the setup button on the back of the case for around 5 to 15 seconds.
- Watch the status light. It should start to blink white.
That’s all. Your AirPods are now discoverable to all nearby devices, including Mac, PC, iPhone, etc. Enable Bluetooth on these devices and enjoy your music.
Related: How to Connect AirPods to Chromebook – A Step-By-Step Illustrated Guide
Why Aren’t My AirPods Connecting to My MacBook?
There may be situations when your AirPods won’t connect to the MacBook. Check out the reasons and quick troubleshooting tips below.
Your AirPods Aren’t Charged
First things first, check if your AirPods are charged. If not, place them in the charging case and close the lid. Wait for the status light to turn green, meaning the AirPods are fully charged. Try connecting them to the Mac again.
Tip: If your AirPods still refuse to connect, reset them.
The Bluetooth is OFF
Is Bluetooth OFF on your MacBook? If yes, the AirPods won’t connect to it. Please turn it ON.
Now, if it’s still showing disabled, here are some possible reasons:
- Your Mac has a software update pending
- A nearby Bluetooth device is interfering with your Mac’s Bluetooth signal
- Your Mac’s Bluetooth module has developed a fault
Resolve the above issues and try again.
Your AirPods Are Out of Range
The AirPods must be within 30 feet of your Mac for the connection to be complete.
AirPods Are Connected to Another Device
This is the most common reason your AirPods cannot connect to the Mac. Check if the former is paired to another device, such as an iPhone or iPad.
If yes, disconnect the AirPods from the other device, and it should now connect to your MacBook.
Note: If the problem persists, update your MacBook to the latest version and reset the AirPods.
How Do I Transfer AirPods From iPhone to MacBook?
If the AirPods are currently connected to your iPhone, but you want them with your MacBook, follow these steps.
- Turn on the pairing mode on your AirPods and keep them near the Mac.
- Go to System Preferences on the Macbook from the Apple Menu.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Click the + icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose your AirPods from the devices list.
- Select Connect.
Do AirPods Sound Better on Mac?
No, AirPods don’t sound better on Mac. There can be many reasons for this.
Here’s why:
- Mac uses the default SBC codec for Bluetooth audio that’s subpar to the AAC codec.
- Your Mac (if older than 2021) doesn’t have a built-in hardware digital-to-analog converter.
- Bluetooth bandwidth limitations also lower the audio quality.
- There’s a software bug in either of the two devices.
Note: Check this list of Macs with a built-in DAC converter.
To fix these issues, below are some tips.
- Switch to a better Bluetooth codec, like AAC.
- Close other apps using your AirPods microphone.
- Update both AirPods and Mac to the latest versions.
- Reset your AirPods.
If your AirPods still sound weird on your Mac, contact Apple Support.
Can AirPods Connect to Multiple Devices?
AirPods can connect to multiple (in fact, unlimited) devices, but not simultaneously. It’s because they use a single-point connection.
This is unlike a multipoint connection that lets you connect one device to multiple others simultaneously. Some wireless earbuds based on it are:
Note: AirPods offer seamless device switching (manual & automatic) to ensure you don’t need to disconnect and reconnect them manually. Make sure to connect them with your Apple Account.
Steps to Switch Between Multiple Devices to Use AirPods
Follow these steps to switch between multiple paired devices to use AirPods with them.
Manually
- Open the Control Center on the device you want to switch to.
- On the upper-right corner of this Control Center, you’ll find the audio card. Touch and hold it.
- Tap AirPods.
- Select the device you want to use with your AirPods.
This process is quite time-consuming. Isn’t it? That’s why I prefer switching between paired devices automatically.
Automatically
- Ensure all devices are signed into the same Apple ID.
- On the device you want to switch to (let’s say, iPhone), go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Select the i icon next to AirPods.
- Turn on the Connect to This iPhone When Last Connected to It option.
Now, the AirPods will automatically switch between the devices as soon as you open their case.
Related: AirPods Pro Vs AirPods 3 – A Detailed Comparison
How to Connect AirPods to MacBook: FAQs
Q: Why Won’t My AirPods Show Up on Bluetooth?
A: Your AirPods won’t show up on Bluetooth due to the following reasons:
- AirPods aren’t turned ON or in pairing mode
- Bluetooth isn’t enabled on the Mac
- AirPods are out of the Bluetooth range
- There are some issues with the Bluetooth or AirPods
Q: Where Is the Pairing Mode Button on AirPods?
A: You can find the pairing mode button on the back of the AirPods’ charging case.
Q: How Do I Put My AirPods in Pairing Mode Without the Button?
A: Put your AirPods in pairing mode without the button by following these steps:
- Open the AirPods case and hold it near the MacBook Pro or Air.
- A setup animation will appear on the display.
- Click Connect to pair.
Q: Can You Listen to a MacBook With AirPods?
A: You can listen to a Macbook with AirPods and enjoy wireless freedom, fine sound quality, and all-around Siri integration.
Q: Can you Connect AirPods to a MacBook Pro and Air?
A: You can connect AirPods to a MacBook Pro and Air. Follow this guide for the detailed steps.Â
Related: How to Connect Airpods to PS5: 3 Easy Workaround Tricks
Conclusion
That’s how you free yourself from the headache of tangled wires and limited mobility, and enjoy the world of crystal-clear audio wirelessly on your MacBook.
Even if it’s your first time connecting the AirPods to the Mac, I bet you won’t get stuck at any step. Just go through the above sections or, if required, watch the video tutorial.
Are you enjoying your AirPods with the MacBook?
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