Connecting your AirPods to your MacBook Pro or Air is easy and allows you to listen to audio from your laptop wirelessly. Whether you have the original AirPods, AirPods Pro, or the newest AirPods Max, pairing them with your Mac takes just a few steps.
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Compatibility Requirements
Before connecting your AirPods to your MacBook, make sure:
- Your Mac is running macOS Sierra 10.12 or later
- You have the following models or newer:
- MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
Newer versions of AirPods also have additional macOS requirements:
- AirPods Pro require macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later
- AirPods Max require macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later
To check your macOS version go to the Apple menu > About This Mac.
Steps to Connect AirPods to MacBook
Follow these steps to pair your AirPods to a MacBook Pro or Air:
1. Open AirPods Case Near MacBook
Place your AirPods in their case and open the lid. Bring the case close to your MacBook so the AirPods can connect via Bluetooth.
2. Press Setup Button on Case
Press and hold the small setup button on the back of the AirPods case for 5-7 seconds until the status light flashes white. This puts the AirPods in pairing mode.
3. Open Bluetooth Settings on Mac
Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and visible to other devices.
4. Select AirPods
Under the “Devices” list you should see your AirPods appear. Click “Connect” next to them to finish pairing.
5. Test Audio
Put your AirPods in and play audio from your MacBook to test. You may need to select your AirPods in the Sound settings to switch audio output.
Tips for Using AirPods with MacBook
Here are some handy tips for using your AirPods with a MacBook Pro or Air:
Automatically Connect
You can set your AirPods to connect automatically whenever you open the case near your MacBook. This saves having to manually connect each time.
Check Battery
The Bluetooth menu will show battery charge for each AirPod. You can also ask Siri “what is the battery level of my AirPods?” to get a quick update.
Name Your AirPods
If you have multiple sets of AirPods, rename them in Bluetooth settings by clicking the “i” next to your AirPods. This makes it easier to distinguish between them.
Use Siri
With AirPods connected, you can use “Hey Siri” commands to control music, set reminders, find information, and more on your Mac.
Switch Audio Source
If audio plays from your MacBook’s speakers instead of AirPods, go to Sound settings and select your AirPods as the output device.
Update Firmware
Make sure your AirPods are running the latest firmware for full functionality. Connect them to your paired iPhone and install any firmware updates if available.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you can’t get your AirPods to connect to your MacBook, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your MacBook
- Reset your AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button for 15+ seconds
- Update your Mac to the latest version of macOS
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
- Remove any Bluetooth connections for your AirPods from your Mac’s Bluetooth list and reconnect
If issues persist, you may need to contact Apple support for further assistance troubleshooting connectivity problems.
Following these guidelines on how to connect AirPods to a MacBook Pro or Air takes just a few minutes. Once connected, you’ll enjoy stellar sound quality and wireless freedom.
My Experience with AirPods and MacBooks
As a long-time MacBook user, I rely on my AirPods daily to listen to music and podcasts, take calls, and even get directions via Siri while on the go. I currently use AirPods Pro paired seamlessly between my MacBook Pro and iPhone.
The active noise cancellation lets me zone in on my work anywhere, while transparency mode allows me to stay aware of my surroundings when needed. Switching between my MacBook and iPhone is a breeze thanks to iCloud syncing.
I also appreciate the customizable fit and sound profile after taking an ear tip fit test. This ensures optimal audio quality and comfort. While battery life and connectivity range could be better, the convenience of my AirPods can’t be overstated, and they pair perfectly with my Mac.