Here’s How to Connect AirPods to MacBook
Since their introduction in 2016, AirPods have become a staple of the Apple ecosystem, thanks in no small part to how well they work with all Apple devices. While most AirPods users tend to use their headphones with their iPhone on the go, you can also easily connect AirPods to your Mac. After all, there’s a reason it’s called the Apple ecosystem. Here’s what to do.
How to connect AirPods to MacBook
To connect AirPods to a MacBook, first open your Mac and go to System Preferences , then click Bluetooth . (You can also access Bluetooth settings through Control Center in the top right corner of the menu bar, next to the date and time. If Bluetooth isn’t already turned on on your Mac, turn it on.)
Next, take your AirPods case and open the cover. You should see a button on the back of the case. Hold this button for a few seconds until it starts flashing white. (For AirPods Max, hold down the noise button until the light starts flashing white.) Return to your Mac and you’ll see your AirPods appear under Nearby Devices. Click the Connect button next to your AirPods name.
Your MacBook may ask you to turn on Siri and select your voice assistant settings. Once you do this, you’re done and your AirPods will be connected to your MacBook.
How to automatically switch AirPods between Apple devices
One of the cool benefits of Apple’s ecosystem is the ability to easily switch the device your AirPods are connected to automatically, provided you have a compatible pair. The first generation AirPods don’t support auto switching, but all other models, including the second and third generation AirPods, first and second generation AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, can.
If you’ve already paired your AirPods with your iPhone and are signed in to your Apple account on both your iPhone and Mac, your AirPods should switch between all devices while playing media between them. So, when you use AirPods with an iPhone but play a video on your MacBook, your AirPods should automatically switch over to your Mac. However, if this is not the case, you can always connect to them manually from the Bluetooth settings on the device you want to listen to.
If you encounter any further technical difficulties with your AirPods, you can always try a reset .