Pairing your AirPods or AirPods Pro with a powerful MacBook is an experience like no other. Not only can you take advantage of features like Apple’s Spatial Audio, but you can also take advantage of multipoint connectivity between your computer and an iPhone or iPad. Of course, there’s also Apple’s intuitive dashboard controls, which you can assess right on your desktop screen. However, to use all of these features, you need to connect your Apple earbuds to your computer.
Fortunately, this is one of the easiest processes in the world of ecosystem devices. We won’t let you down either, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to pair your Apple audio device with your Apple computer.
For AirPods already paired with an iPhone
Using AirPods on a Mac that are already paired with an iPhone is easy. Just make sure that both the iPhone and Mac are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. However, if your iPhone is used by multiple people or you need a different account for your Mac at work, this option may not be possible.
Step 1: Turn on the AirPods and put them in your ears.
Step 2: On your Mac, click control center Menu bar icon – it’s next to the Spotlight search icon on Big Sur or later and next to the Wi-Fi icon on Catalina.
Step 3: Select the AirPods listed in the drop-down menu. They usually appear as [Your Name]’s AirPods. When the AirPods connect, you will hear a beep.
No further setup is required! However, if the AirPods do not appear in the Control Center menu, skip to the next section.
For brand new AirPods on MacOS
If this is your first time connecting to AirPods on your Mac, you may find that the steps require more steps and setup takes a little more time. Still, the steps are easy to follow and relatively foolproof.
Step 1: Open System Preferences by either clicking the gear icon in the Dock or by clicking the Apple logo in the top left and then clicking System Preferences.
Step 2: Click Bluetoothand make sure it is enabled.
Step 3: Go to the AirPods and place them in the charging case. Make sure the lid remains open as shown below.
Apple
Step 4: On the back of the AirPod case you will find the “Setup” button. Select and hold this button until the status LED flashes white. The AirPods are now in pairing mode.
Step 5: On Mac, find the Bluetooth menu. Under Devices, look for the AirPods listed below Devices nearby. Press that Connect Button.
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