AirPods can connect to a Mac either as a new Bluetooth device or through the same Apple ID used on your iPhone or iPad. Once paired, switching them from your Mac’s sound menu is usually quick.
This guide applies to AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max with recent macOS versions such as Sonoma and Sequoia.
Does This Affect You?
Use this when pairing AirPods with a Mac for the first time, switching a pair already used with iPhone, or fixing AirPods that appear but will not stay connected.
Pair AirPods with Your Mac
- Put the AirPods in the case and open the lid. Hold the setup button until the light flashes white. For AirPods Max, hold the noise control button until the light flashes white.
- On the Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Wait for the AirPods to appear in the device list.
- Click Connect.
Reconnect AirPods Already Paired with iPhone or iPad
- Make sure the Mac and AirPods are associated with the same Apple ID/iCloud account.
- Open Control Center from the Mac menu bar.
- Click Sound.
- Choose your AirPods under Output if they appear.
- If they do not appear, take them out of the case near the Mac and wait a few seconds, then check again.
Fix AirPods That Will Not Connect
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Click the info button beside the AirPods and choose Forget This Device.
- Put the AirPods back in the case, close it, and wait about 30 seconds.
- Open the case, hold the setup button until the light flashes white, and pair again.
- If needed, turn Mac Bluetooth off and back on, then retry.
AirPods on Mac Tips
Select the AirPods Microphone
Open Control Center > Sound and choose AirPods under Input if calls or recordings are still using the Mac microphone.
Call Audio May Sound Different
When AirPods handle both microphone and speaker audio, Bluetooth uses a lower-bandwidth profile. Music can sound thinner until the call ends.
Rename Multiple Pairs
Open Bluetooth settings, click the AirPods info button, and rename them. The new name syncs across Apple devices.
Check Battery First
Low AirPods or case battery can make pairing unreliable. Charge them before deeper troubleshooting.
Sources
- Apple Support: Connect AirPods to your Mac
- Apple Support: If your AirPods or Beats headphones are not connecting
- Apple Support: Use Bluetooth accessories with your Mac