How to connect apple airpods with mac

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AirPods are made to move, but what if you just need a soundtrack to keep you focused at the work desk? Ironically, it’s been harder to connect and play music from your Mac than it is from your iPhone.

Not anymore. AirBuddy does all the legwork of pairing your AirPods to the music library on your Mac device, all without having to open your settings. After the initial setup, you can just crack open your AirPod case and have it be recognized on your screen. From there, you can start playing music or podcasts with a simple click.

And that’s not all: It provides a single hub for all your connected devices, including your Magic Mouse, keyboard, and trackpad. You can see battery usage for all these peripherals easily and create shortcuts for your preferred settings, all without interrupting your workflow or having to connect to two devices at once.

Try it out for yourself, AirPod users: Macworld readers can now get lifetime access to AirBuddy for $8.99, down $10 from the original MSRP.

AirBuddy: Connect AirPods to Your Mac – $8.99

AirPods work seamlessly with the iPhone and iPad. But the process on the Mac is not at all transparent. Wondering how to connect and use your earbuds on your Mac with ease? We’ve got you covered.

If this is the first time you’re using your brand new earbuds, you’ll have to pair them with your Mac first. Once paired, Apple will sync the details with all of the devices on your iCloud account. This means you only have to pair your AirPods or AirPods Pro once.

If you’ve already paired your headphone with your iPhone or iPad, they will show up in your Mac’s Volume Control and Bluetooth menus (as long as you’re using the same Apple ID on your Mac, and you have Handoff enabled). You can also use your AirPods with Android and Windows computers.

Simply open the charging case near your Mac (with your computer’s Bluetooth setting enabled), and click on the “Bluetooth” icon from the menu bar. Here, select your “AirPods,” and click on the “Connect” button to connect them to your Mac.

But this process doesn’t always work. If you don’t see your AirPods in this menu, or if they’re not connecting, you’ll have to manually pair them to your Mac.

To do this, click on the “Apple” logo from the menu bar and then select the “System Preferences” option.

Here, go to the Bluetooth menu and make sure that Bluetooth is enabled.

Flip open the charging case near your Mac.

Now, press and hold the physical “Setup” button at the back of the device’s case (it’s the small circular button) until the status light flashes white. This means the AirPods are in pairing mode.

Apple

In just a second or two, you should see the AirPods in the Devices list on your Mac. Here, click on the “Connect” button next to the device’s name.

If your device support the Hey Siri functionality, you’ll be asked if you want to enable it. Click on the “Enable” button if you want to turn it on.

And that’s it. Your AirPods or AirPods Pro are now connected to your Mac. Click on the “Options” button next to the headphone listing to change the settings any time your headphones are connected to your computer.

Here, you can configure the double-tap actions, disable Automatic Ear Detection, noise cancellation settings for AirPods Pro, and choose which microphone to use.

Now that your AirPods are connected, just take the earbuds out of the case and put them in your ears. You’ll hear the familiar connection chime that will tell you that your Mac has switched the audio output to your headphones.

If your AirPods are paired but not connected, you can click on the “Volume Control” button from the menu bar and choose your earbuds to switch to them.

You can monitor your AirPods battery and connection status from the Bluetooth menu in the menu bar. Here, click on the “Disconnect” button if you want to stop using AirPods on your Mac, or if you want to switch to a different device.

Once you start using your AirPods periodically with your Mac, you’ll realize that the connection process isn’t as smooth as it could be. If you want it to be closer to what it is on the iPhone or iPad (you usually don’t even need to tap a button), you can use a third-party app to get an iPhone-like AirPods experience on the Mac.

Using AirBuddy ($5.00), you’ll be able to see the connection status of your headphones by opening the device’s charging case near your Mac. You’ll also be able to connect your AirPods with a single click.

You can also use the ToothFairy app ($4.99) to connect to your AirPods with just a click from the menu bar (or using a keyboard shortcut).

Learn how to set up your AirPods with your Mac, Android device, or another Bluetooth device to listen to music, take phone calls, and more.

Use AirPods with your Mac

If you’re using AirPods (2nd generation), make sure that your Mac has macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later. AirPods Pro require macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later.

If you set up your AirPods with your iPhone and your Mac is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID, your AirPods might be ready to use with your Mac. Place your AirPods in your ears and click either the Bluetooth menu or the volume control in the menu bar on your Mac. 1 Then choose AirPods from the list.

If you don’t see your AirPods in the Bluetooth or volume control menu, 2 pair your AirPods with your Mac:

1. On your Mac, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu (), then click Bluetooth .
2. Make sure that Bluetooth is on.
3. Put both AirPods in the charging case and open the lid.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
5. Select your AirPods in the Devices list, then click Connect.

If sound still plays from your Mac speakers, click either the Bluetooth menu or the volume control in the menu bar and make sure that your AirPods are selected as the output device. 1

Use AirPods with a non-Apple device

You can use AirPods as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device. You can’t use Siri, but you can listen and talk. To set up your AirPods with an Android phone or other non-Apple device, 3 follow these steps:

1. On your non-Apple device, go to the settings for Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is on. 4 If you have an Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.
2. With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until you see the status light flash white.
4. When your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.

Switch devices automatically

Your AirPods (2nd generation) or AirPods Pro can automatically switch between your Mac with macOS Big Sur, iPhone with iOS 14, and iPad with iPadOS 14 or later. Your devices need to be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. For example, while listening to music on your Mac, you answer a call on your iPhone. Your AirPods automatically switch from the music on your Mac to the phone call on your iPhone.

In some situations, you’ll see a notification about your AirPods on the screen of your Mac. When you hold the pointer over the notification, a Connect button appears. Click Connect to confirm that you want your AirPods to switch to—or stay with—your Mac.

If you want to turn automatic switching off for your Mac, open Bluetooth preferences on your Mac with your AirPods in your ears. Click the Options button next to your AirPods in the list of devices. Click Connect to This Mac, and then choose When Last Connected to This Mac. To turn this feature on again, choose Automatically.

Sound should not automatically switch from one device to another if you’re in a conversation, like a phone call, a FaceTime call, or a video conference.

Learn more

• Set up and use AirPods with your iPhone.
• Learn what to do if you can’t set up or use your AirPods.

1. If you don’t see the volume control in the menu bar, learn how to add it.
2. Your AirPods Pro can connect automatically with your Mac that uses macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later. Your AirPods (2nd generation) can connect automatically with your Mac that uses macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later. Your AirPods (1st generation) can connect automatically with your Mac that uses macOS Sierra or later.
3. The features of your AirPods might be limited, depending on the Bluetooth device that they’re connected to.
4. If you can’t find the Bluetooth settings for your device, check the user guide.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Если AirPods находятся рядом с компьютером Mac и готовы к работе, Вы можете надеть их и слушать музыку, пользоваться функцией Siri или управлять телефонными вызовами.

Если AirPods подключены к iPhone

Если Вы уже подключили AirPods к iPhone, значит, они готовы к работе и с Mac (Ваш Mac должен поддерживать Handoff, а Вы должны войти в iCloud, используя один и тот же Apple ID).

Откройте футляр AirPods.

Нажмите регулятор громкости в строке меню на Mac, затем выберите AirPods.

Подключение AirPods к компьютеру Mac

Если AirPods не подключены к iPhone, Вы можете подключить их напрямую к компьютеру Mac.

Откройте крышку чехла, не вынимая из него AirPods.

Нажмите и держите кнопку настройки на задней панели чехла, пока индикатор статуса не замигает белым.

На Mac выберите меню Apple

> «Системные настройки», затем нажмите Bluetooth.

Выберите AirPods в списке устройств.

Если наушники AirPods поддерживают такую возможность, нажмите «Включить», чтобы можно было сказать «Привет, Siri» для начала использования Siri с AirPods.

Если появится вопрос, хотите ли Вы улучшить Siri и Диктовку, выполните одно из следующих действий.

Вы хотите делиться аудиозаписями. Нажмите «Поделиться аудиозаписями», чтобы разрешить компании Apple сохранять аудиозаписи того, как Вы взаимодействуете с Siri и используете диктовку на этом компьютере Mac. Apple может прослушивать образцы сохраненных аудиозаписей.

Вы не хотите делиться аудиозаписями. Нажмите «Не сейчас».

Если позднее Вы передумаете и захотите поделиться или перестать делиться аудиозаписями, установите или снимите флажок «Улучшить Siri и Диктовку» в разделе «Аналитика и улучшения» в настройках конфиденциальности. См. раздел Изменение настроек конфиденциальности.

Примечание. Вы в любой момент можете удалить аудиозаписи с серверов Apple — см. раздел Удаление истории Siri и Диктовки.

Чтобы воспользоваться функцией Siri или управлять телефонными звонками, коснитесь дважды одного из наушников AirPods (достаточно надеть только один наушник). Дополнительную информацию см. на веб-сайте, содержащем сведения о поддержке AirPods.

Совет. Если Ваши AirPods поддерживают эту функцию, скажите «Привет, Siri». Если Siri не отвечает, откройте настройки Siri и убедитесь, что параметр «Слушать “Привет, Siri”, используя AirPods» включен. См. раздел Изменение настроек Siri.

Connecting Apple AirPods to a MacBook, PC or another Bluetooth device isn’t quite as straightforward as pairing them to an iPhone or iPad.

While the smart earbuds hit it off instantly with an iOS deice when taken out of the charging case, there are a couple more hurdles to jump over when pairing to a the likes of a Mac.

Thankfully for you, we’re here to help. Below, we’ll be guiding you through every step on how to connect AirPods to your army of devices.

How to connect AirPods to MacBook

Whether you’ve got a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or just a regular Mac, the process for connecting AirPods is the same. And if you’ve already set up the earbuds with your iPhone and your Mac device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID, they might already be ready to pair.

To check, click the Apple logo > System Preferences >Bluetooth and hit ‘Connect’ if you see a device named AirPods.

If you can’t see your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu, follow these steps:

• Hit the Apple logo in the top left corner, go to System Preferences and click through to the Bluetooth section.
• Ensure that Bluetooth on your Mac is turned on.
• Make sure the AirPods are in their charging case and open the lid.
• Hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light begins to flash white.
• You should then see the AirPods in the Devices list of the Bluetooth menu.

How to connect AirPods to PC

Maybe it’s your work laptop, maybe you’ve got an old computer collecting dust or maybe you want to pair AirPods to your shiny Windows 10 device – well, like connecting to an Apple Mac, the process is simple:

• Open the Settings app and choose Devices from the menu.
• Go to the Bluetooth & Other Devices page and choose ‘Add Bluetooth or other device’.
• On the next window, hit Bluetooth.
• Make sure the AirPods are in their charging case and open the lid.
• Hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light begins to flash white.
• You should then see the AirPods in the ‘Add a device’ list of the Bluetooth menu – click to pair.

You won’t have to repeat this step every single time you want to pair your AirPods to your PC. However, you will have to manually go the list of Bluetooth devices associated with the computer and click to connect. Also, be aware that you won’t be able to use Siri when paired.

How to connect AirPods to Android

You might not know it, but the AirPods can connect to your non-Apple smartphone or tablet. So, for those of you running on Android, you can harness the earbuds’ Bluetooth capabilities and cheat on Apple. Like with connecting to a PC, you won’t be able to speak to Siri, but that’s probably not where your priorities sit.

Things may vary slightly depending which version and device you’re working from, but follow the steps below to connect AirPods to an Android device:

• Go to the settings or connections section of your device and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
• With the AirPods sitting in the charging case, open the lid.
• From there, press and hold the setup button on the back until you see the light begin to flash white.
• When the AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.

Again, as when connecting to a PC, you won’t have to repeat this step every time you want to pair your AirPods to an Android phone or tablet. However, you will have to manually go to the list of Bluetooth devices associated with the device and click Connect.

AirPods, the new wireless headphones from Apple, use the W1 chipset to pair automagically with your iPhone. From there, the pairing is mirrored on your Apple Watch, if you have one. What’s more, iCloud will sync the pairing to your iPad and Mac, if you have them too, so you can use your AirPods on all your Apple devices!

How to pair your AirPods with your iPhone

Apple has made AirPods ridiculously easy to pair with any iPhone running iOS 10 or later. Still, seeing the steps written out might help!

Open the AirPods case right in front of your iPhone.

Tap the Connect button on the AirPods Control Center card.

That’s it! You’re paired!

How to pair your AirPods with a different iPhone

If you’ve already paired your AirPods with another iPhone, you’ll need an extra step before you can pair them with your new iPhone.

1. Pick up your AirPods charging case and open it.
2. Tap on Connect

Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the case.

How to pair your AirPods with your Apple Watch

Once you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone, they’ll automatically be paired with your Apple Watch running watchOS 3 or later.

How to use pair AirPods with your iPad

When you pair your AirPods with your iPhone, iCloud will sync the pairing to any iPad you have and logged into the same iCloud account.

How to unpair your AirPods from your iPhone or iPad

If you don’t want to use your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad any more, you can unpair them. Unpairing from your iPhone automatically unpairs them from your iPad (and Apple Watch and Mac), but unpairing from your iPad only unpairs them from your iPad. You can also re-pair them again at any time.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Tap the information button beside your AirPods.

Tap Forget this Device.

Tap Forget Device to confirm.

On iPhone, tap Forget Device again to confirm iCloud removal on other devices.

How to unpair your AirPods from Apple Watch

If you unpair your AirPods from your iPhone (see above), they’re automatically unpaired from your Apple Watch.

How to pair your AirPods with your Mac

Pairing your AirPods with your iPhone also pairs them with your Mac. That’s because iCloud will sync the pairing to any Mac, too.

How to unpair your AirPods from you Mac

If you decide you don’t want to use your AirPods with your Mac anymore, you can unpair it just like any Bluetooth device. Unpairing from your iPhone automatically unpairs from your Mac, but unpairing from your Mac only unpairs from your Mac. You can repair at any time.

1. Hold down the Alt key and click on the Bluetooth icon in your Mac menubar.
2. Click on your AirPods in the Bluetooth device section.
3. Click on Remove.

Click on Remove to confirm.

How to pair your AirPods with Apple TV and other devices

Because it’s a multi-person rather than single person device, iCloud doesn’t (yet?) sync AirPods to Apple TV. You can still pair your AirPods to your Apple TV using standard Bluetooth headphone procedures. What’s more, you can pair your AirPods to any Bluetooth device the same way, including Android phones and tablets, and Windows PC and tablets.

Any AirPod pairing questions?

Have questions about using your AirPods with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac? Drop them in the comments!

Apple AirPods wireless headset is one of the best marketable, as the headphones are practical and user-friendly, compared to their analogues. They’ve got the best sound quality and work seamlessly with Apple devices, but they can also be connected to Android devices. To connect AirPods to a computer is very easy. They will perfectly work with a PC based on Windows operating system, if it is equipped with a Bluetooth modem.

1. To connect AirPods to a PC you need
2. Instructions on connecting AirPods to a computer or laptop on Windows 7, 8, 10
3. Drawbacks of connecting to a PC
4. What other devices can be connected to AirPods
5. What to do if you experience sudden problems

To connect AirPods to a PC you need

1. Bluetooth modem.
2. Appropriate drivers on your device.
3. Your PC or laptop should support the wireless headset connection.

Instructions on connecting AirPods to a computer or laptop on Windows 7, 8, 10

1. Turn on the Bluetooth function on your device.
2. Then pair the headphones with the device.
3. Press the button and hold it for a couple of seconds on the case and the charger simultaneously.
4. Wait until the indicator near the button on the charging box is on. This flashing shows that the headphones and the PC / laptop have completed the process of identifying each other.
5. All you have to perform now is the standard procedure of connecting a usual wireless headset to your device.

Photo: connection indicator

Drawbacks of connecting to a PC

So far we’ve figured out how to connect AirPods to Windows 7, 8, 10, but you can face some troubles in the process. When AirPods are finally connected to some non-Apple devices, they get limited functionality. The user won’t be able to:

• see the status of charging headphones on the device screen;
• use the function to promptly switch headphones between different devices.

If you connect AirPods to Apple and Android devices, you can use the touchpad functionality, but the touchpad won’t work with a PC or laptop. But despite this fact, the headphones will work seamlessly in any case, and the sound quality will be perfect.

What other devices can be connected to AirPods

In addition to devices on Windows, you can also connect your Apple wireless headphones to any other device that is equipped with the Bluetooth function: be it a tablet, iWatch, PDA, phone on Android or another OS.

What to do if you experience sudden problems

Although Apple Company promises us a seamless AirPods operation even when pairing them with other devices, you may experience various problems. In order to get rid of these troubles, you have to reset your headphones. Algorithm for resetting this headphone model is as follows:

• you have to hold down the button on the charging case for a certain time until the indicator starts flashing amber;
• when the indicator is on, close the lid of the charging box;
• then you have to repeat the process of pairing.

Now you understand how to connect Apple AirPods headphones to a laptop or PC and make the most of them.

If your AirPods earphones are already connected to your iPhone, follow these steps to pair them with your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or any other Mac.

Thanks to iCloud, connecting your AirPods to a Mac couldn’t be easier.

Apple’s AirPods ($120 at Amazon) have quickly become a ubiquitous symbol for wireless earphones. Now that the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are out, it’s likely that more people will opt to grab a pair of the $159 headphones with their shiny new iDevices. But even if you have mastered using your AirPods on your iPhone 11 , there are still many other devices you can use them with, such as an iPad Pro ($1,050 at eBay) , iPod Touch ($135 at Amazon) or Mac . If you have an iCloud account, Apple has made it super easy to use your AirPods to pair and set up your MacBook Air ($782 at Back Market) and your iPhone 11 Pro Max in less than a minute.

Your AirPods will automatically connect to your Mac

If you’ve already set up your AirPods with your iPhone and your Mac is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID, then you should be good to go. To check, place your AirPods in your ears and check either the Bluetooth or volume drop-down menu from the menu bar on your Mac. Then choose AirPods from the list.

To quote Guns N’ Roses, “it’s so easy.”

What if my AirPods don’t pair on their own?

If you don’t see your AirPods listed, there are a few things you need to do.

1. Charge your AirPods. Make sure those little guys have all the power they need.

2. Open Bluetooth preferences on your Mac. You can either go to the Bluetooth drop-down menu from your menu bar and select Open Bluetooth Preferences… or go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences and click Bluetooth.

3. Double-check that Bluetooth is actually on. Because you never know — things happen!

4. Put both AirPods in their charging case and open the lid.

5. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.

6. Go back to the Bluetooth preferences window on your Mac and select AirPods from the Devices list.

7. Finally, click Connect.

If you’d like to follow along or see us connect a pair of AirPods step-by-step, watch the video below:

If sound still plays from your Mac speakers, check either the Bluetooth or volume drop-down menu in the menu bar and make sure your AirPods are selected as the output.

Now you can listen to music from your phone or from your Mac without changing headphones. And that’s how the world is meant to work.

If you still want more nuance and control while using your AirPods on your Mac, there are a couple of third-party apps that can assist you. Read more here: Better Bluetooth: 2 apps for using AirPods with a Mac .

AirPods, the new wireless headphones from Apple, use the W1 chipset to pair automagically with your iPhone. From there, the pairing is mirrored on your Apple Watch, if you have one. What’s more, iCloud will sync the pairing to your iPad and Mac, if you have them too, so you can use your AirPods on all your Apple devices!

How to pair your AirPods with your iPhone

Apple has made AirPods ridiculously easy to pair with any iPhone running iOS 10 or later. Still, seeing the steps written out might help!

Open the AirPods case right in front of your iPhone.

Tap the Connect button on the AirPods Control Center card.

That’s it! You’re paired!

How to pair your AirPods with a different iPhone

If you’ve already paired your AirPods with another iPhone, you’ll need an extra step before you can pair them with your new iPhone.

1. Pick up your AirPods charging case and open it.
2. Tap on Connect

Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the case.

How to pair your AirPods with your Apple Watch

Once you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone, they’ll automatically be paired with your Apple Watch running watchOS 3 or later.

How to use pair AirPods with your iPad

When you pair your AirPods with your iPhone, iCloud will sync the pairing to any iPad you have and logged into the same iCloud account.

How to unpair your AirPods from your iPhone or iPad

If you don’t want to use your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad any more, you can unpair them. Unpairing from your iPhone automatically unpairs them from your iPad (and Apple Watch and Mac), but unpairing from your iPad only unpairs them from your iPad. You can also re-pair them again at any time.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Tap the information button beside your AirPods.

Tap Forget this Device.

Tap Forget Device to confirm.

On iPhone, tap Forget Device again to confirm iCloud removal on other devices.

How to unpair your AirPods from Apple Watch

If you unpair your AirPods from your iPhone (see above), they’re automatically unpaired from your Apple Watch.

How to pair your AirPods with your Mac

Pairing your AirPods with your iPhone also pairs them with your Mac. That’s because iCloud will sync the pairing to any Mac, too.

How to unpair your AirPods from you Mac

If you decide you don’t want to use your AirPods with your Mac anymore, you can unpair it just like any Bluetooth device. Unpairing from your iPhone automatically unpairs from your Mac, but unpairing from your Mac only unpairs from your Mac. You can repair at any time.

1. Hold down the Alt key and click on the Bluetooth icon in your Mac menubar.
2. Click on your AirPods in the Bluetooth device section.
3. Click on Remove.

Click on Remove to confirm.

How to pair your AirPods with Apple TV and other devices

Because it’s a multi-person rather than single person device, iCloud doesn’t (yet?) sync AirPods to Apple TV. You can still pair your AirPods to your Apple TV using standard Bluetooth headphone procedures. What’s more, you can pair your AirPods to any Bluetooth device the same way, including Android phones and tablets, and Windows PC and tablets.

Any AirPod pairing questions?

Have questions about using your AirPods with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac? Drop them in the comments!

Apple seems to expect you to use AirPods and AirPods Pro with your iPhone, but you can connect them to your MacBook Pro instead — and Apple does help.

It is true that walking around wearing AirPods connected to your iPhone 11 Pro is great. You get tremendous music, and you can use Siri to do a little work like adding tasks to your Reminders list. But if few of us actually walk around using a 16-inch MacBook Pro, many of us take them everywhere and connecting AirPods to them would be a boon.

As it stands, Apple makes it easiest to connect them to your iPhone, but it does help you to then switch to other devices, including your MacBook Pro.

Before anything else, connect your AirPods to your iPhone. If you do that, you are really connecting them to your Apple ID and it makes everything go faster.

If the AirPods are brand new, here’s how to pair them to your iPhone.

• Unlock your iPhone
• Hold the AirPods case next to the phone
• Open the lid of the AirPods case
• Wait for the iPhone to recognize them
• Follow the brief onscreen instructions to pair the AirPods

The difference if you’ve already been using the AirPods with another device is that the iPhone won’t automatically notice them. To make it look, you need to reset the AirPods case.

In each edition of the AirPods or AirPods Pro, this reset button is small, round and white.

Put the AirPods into the case, then close the lid. Wait for half a minute, then open the lid and — with the AirPods still inside — press and hold the reset button. Make sure that you hold the case so that you can see the charging light that’s on the front side.

After a moment, the light starts to flash amber. As soon as it does that, hold the AirPods and their case next to your iPhone.

Turning to your MacBook Pro

If your MacBook Pro is logged in to the same Apple ID as your iPhone, then the AirPods will show up in the speaker menu. In an ideal world, you can just click on the speaker icon in your MacBook Pro’s menubar, and choose the AirPods from the list of devices shown.

That’s the ideal situation and most of the time that is exactly what happens.

When it doesn’t work

Perhaps you’re using a different Apple ID on your MacBook Pro. Whatever the reason, if you can’t see your AirPods listed on the Mac after pairing with your iPhone, set up a new Bluetooth connection to them.

You start this process in one of two ways. Either click on the Bluetooth icon in your MacBook Pro’s menubar and choosing Open Bluetooth Preferences, or going to System Preferences and choosing Bluetooth.

There’s no particular advantage to one way or the other, but you may be using a menubar manager like Bartender 3. That app doesn’t remove any menubar items, but it does arrange them so that lesser-used ones are out of your way.

You could still use Bartender 3 to reveal the Bluetooth icon, but it might be simpler to go the System Preferences route. Either way, you now need to work through the following steps.

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to your MacBook Pro

• Turn Bluetooth on
• Open the lid of the AirPods case
• Put both AirPods in the case
• Keep the lid open and press and hold the reset button
• Wait until the charging status light flashes white
• On your MacBook Pro, choose AirPods from the list of devices
• Click Connect

Note that when you switch back to your iPhone, you may have to go through the pairing process again. Also note that Bluetooth is simply not a very robust technology and there are times when switching back and forth between devices will fail.

In that case, you can use third-party apps to help alleviate the problem.

Third-party solutions

The first app that was released to help make sure that your AirPods switch seamlessly to your Mac was ToothFairy. It’s a $4.99 Mac app that makes the connection quicker and also seems to make that connection more reliably.

There are now many alternatives, such as the pay-what-you-think-is-fair app AirBuddy.

In every case, these apps seem to cut down the time it takes to pair, and they cut down the number of times the pairing fails.

However, they are not and they cannot be magic potions for when Bluetooth is misbehaving. If you swap devices a lot, though, they’re worth trying — and they offer benefits such as quicker one-click swapping with ToothFairy.

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