How to connect AirPods to MacBook?

Updated: March 28, 2023
6 min read
752 Views
How to connect AirPods to MacBook?
author
by Vitalii Yovko
Tech Expert & Writer
Checked by
Quality Control team

As Howly is a top partner to help you with all tech issues, our specialists will teach how to connect AirPods to Mac, MacBook, etc. Whether it is a Mac computer or laptop, any difficulties may arise in the process.

Before we start

Save your time and let professionals resolve your issue in minutes!
Want to start solving your problem immediately? Experienced Howly troubleshooters can fix your issue ASAP. They’re already waiting for you in the chat!

The benefits you’ll get while troubleshooting your issue with Howly experts:

    • Qualified help with laptops HDD
    • Quick advice right in your device 24/7/365
    • Expert reply within 60 seconds
    • Clear step-by-step guidance
    • Limitless number of follow-up questions
    • Understanding and empathetic help till your laptop HDD issue is fully resolved
    • All answers you need in one place

Defaults

Check your devices meet the following requirements:

  • any MacBook with macOS X 10.14.4 ( aka Mojave) or above;
  • a Mac with macOS X 10.12 (aka Sierra) or above;
  • AirPods MacOS X 10.15.1 (aka Catalina) or above.

How to connect AirPods to Mac

How to connect AirPods to MacBook?

In case your earphones were not hooked up to the iPhone yet, see how to connect AirPods to Mac:

  1. Update your MacOS.
  2. Charge your AirPods to the maximum.
  3. Take them out.
  4. Click System Preferences in the Mac menu.
  5. Pick Bluetooth on the System Preferences and switch it on.
  6. Locate your AirPods in the Bluetooth device's records. Press Connect to link your earphones to the computer.

Remember that there is a different procedure if your earbuds are linked to a phone. To solve that, refer to the next section.

How to connect AirPods to MacBook after your iPhone

banner 3

Suppose you previously linked your AirPods to your iPhone. In that case, they may automatically hook up to your Mac computer when they come within range. If they don't, manually connect them using the methods described above.

How to connect AirPods to MacBook Pro if you haven't used them on an iPhone

How to connect AirPods to MacBook?

If you've never used your AirPods with an iPhone before, the procedure is as follows:

  1. Unlatch the case.
  2. Hit the Setup button waiting for a flashing signal.
  3. Open the Mac menu.
  4. Select Bluetooth from the System Preferences.
  5. If your earbuds are in the inventory of accessible devices, push Connect.

If the connection is successful, the AirPods will be at the top of the list, you may start to use them.

How to switch the audio output channel

How to connect AirPods to MacBook?

The pair of AirPods to Mac has often connected automatically. The same thing is about the computer's audio. If it doesn't work, use these steps to send audio to your earphones:

  1. Go to the System Preferences in the Apple menu.
  2. Select Sound and pick the Output tab.
  3. Pick the Show volume in the menu bar.

How to link AirPods to other devices

banner 6

The scope of connection possibilities is not limited to connecting AirPods to MacBook. The earphones may be used with non-Apple devices as well. Yet, you cannot access Siri, but you may listen and communicate. For this purpose, follow the instructions below:

  1. Switch on the Bluetooth.
  2. Move to Settings > Connectivity > Bluetooth.
  3. Unlatch your earbuds case.
  4. Hold the Setup button until the light goes flashing.
  5. Add your AirPods to the record of the devices.

Voilà, your earphones are connected.

How to automatically switch AirPods to many gadgets

If you connect AirPods to MacBook, Mac, and iPhone, you can put automatic switching among them. It is easy to do so as follows:

  1. Move to the Mac’s System Preferences.
  2. Add your AirPods to the device inventory by clicking on Bluetooth.
  3. Launch Settings.
  4. Pick When Last Connected to This Mac from the menu for every device.

How to rename AirPods

Use these steps to rename your AirPods. Personalization allows for identifying them faster.

  1. Connect AirPods to MacBook.
  2. Go to the System Preferences and then Bluetooth.
  3. Put your AirPods on the device list.
  4. Alter the name to a new one in the Name section.

Troubleshooting

banner 9

Sometimes there are some troubles with the connectivity of the devices. To fight that, check these steps:

  1. Charge your AirPods for 1-2 hours at least.
  2. Update your Mac according to the requirements above.
  3. Reconnect the AirPods to the Mac.
  4. Reset the AirPods for at least 15 seconds. For this purpose, hold the Setup button and wait for the signal to blink).
  5. Reboot your computer or laptop.

With these, you will surely fix all the problems with your earbuds.

F.A.Q.

How to connect my AirPods to my Mac and iPhone at a time?

No, AirPods hook up simultaneously to one device only. If you wish to connect them to a separate MacBook, you must detach them from the first.

I can’t connect my AirPods to my Mac; what should I do?

Put your earphones into the case and push button on the rear until the status light flashes. Also, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth, and hit the "X" next to your AirPods to delete them, and repairing them.

Can I use AirPods with a MacBook that doesn't have Bluetooth?

To connect AirPods, you'll need a MacBook with Bluetooth. If not, link your AirPods with the help of a Bluetooth adapter. However, pay attention to the adapter and the technology types. It may not work.

Resolution

This article describes all issues with connecting AirPods to MacBook and other devices like iPhone or Android phones.

Additionally, it explains how to automatically switch AirPods, rename them, and troubleshoot the issues.

The process is easy; however, rely on the Howly tech team if you face difficulties. We will solve the issues for you as quickly as possible.

Comments

15 comments
LoneyP
Invalid Date
It helped me to resolve some issues I was having with my airpods +
KonnyM
Invalid Date
This article was a lifesaver! I was devastated as my airpods refused to connect(
AnaY
Invalid Date
This article is extremely helpful and informative, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
AnotherW
Invalid Date
I appreciated the article. It worked for me).
Goosebumps
Invalid Date
It helped me a lot! Recommendations!
HenryHarry
Invalid Date
Now, no connectivity problems for me! Grateful..
WalterK
Invalid Date
👍👍👍
GaugeG
Invalid Date
I'm so grateful for this article! I can finally use my AirPods with my MacBook without any issues!!!
WillyR
Invalid Date
Thank you, it worked from the first attempt!
GenderNo
Invalid Date
+++
BoshBosch
Invalid Date
This article saved me from frustration😂 that I would have otherwise spent trying to figure out how to connect my AirPods to my MacBook).
JohnSnow
Invalid Date
I really appreciated the screenshots in this article, as they helped me).
KissyChat
Invalid Date
Wow! It was really clear and easy to follow, even for someone who isn't particularly tech-savvy like me)
OnoraOdora
Invalid Date
I had been struggling with connecting my AirPods to my MacBook for a while, but this article made it super easy to do. Well done!
AnnyLee
Invalid Date
Thanks! It was extremely helpful!

Write a comment

Trusted & Secured

nortondmcagodaddy
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, and analyze site traffic.
More info