Top 7 Fixes for AirPods Not Connecting to Mac

Connecting a pair of AirPods to an iPhone or Mac is often a ridiculously easy task. Apple deserves a lot of credit for making the process so seamless. However, as with anything, there are instances where you will run into issues for your AirPods to work properly.

A while ago we talked about dealing with connection issues with AirPods on iPhone. This time we’re shifting our focus to the Mac.

If your AirPods can’t connect to your Mac, a few troubleshooting tips can help fix it. Lets start.

1. Check Compatibility

If you’re having trouble setting up your AirPods with a Mac for the first time, it’s worth checking for compatibility issues. Depending on the AirPods model, the following versions of macOS must be installed to connect on a Mac.

AirPods Pro — macOS 10.15.1 or later

AirPods (2nd generation) — macOS 10.14.4 or later

AirPods (1st generation) — macOS Sierra 10.12 or later

If you’re not sure what version of macOS your Mac is running, open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. In the window that opens, you should see the relevant information listed under the default Overview tab.

If your Mac drops below the required compatibility threshold, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update to update macOS. If you’re using macOS High Sierra or earlier, open the App Store and click the Updates tab instead.

2. Enable Bluetooth

Too often we overlook the most trivial things. In this case, check if Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac. To do this, start by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.

Note: In macOS Big Sur, you may want to open the Control Center to check the Bluetooth status.

If Bluetooth appears to be disabled, click Turn Bluetooth On. Or enable the toggle next to Bluetooth. Your AirPods should then automatically connect. You can also connect manually by pointing at your AirPods and selecting Connect.

3. Charge the AirPods

If you’ve left your AirPods out of the charging case for a few hours, they may be out of charge. Try putting them in the box for at least 15 minutes. If the status indicator on it is not lit, you should also charge the charging case itself.

4. Restart Mac

Restarting your Mac can also help resolve connection issues with AirPods. But before doing that, put both AirPods inside the charging case.

Once your Mac restarts, unplug your AirPods again. If they don’t connect automatically, open the Bluetooth menu and try connecting to them manually.

5. Forget and Reconnect

Removing your AirPods from the list of connected Bluetooth devices on your Mac and trying to reconnect them may also help.

Stage 1: Put your AirPods in the charging case.

Step 2: Open the Bluetooth menu and select Open Bluetooth Preferences.

Stage 3: Click the ‘X’ icon on the right side of your AirPods and click Forget Device.

Step 4: Open the charging box. Click Connect when your AirPods appear in the Bluetooth Preferences pane.

Did this help? If not, keep reading.

6. Reset AirPods

If the fixes above don’t work, try resetting your AirPods. The process is pretty similar to removing and reconnecting a pair of AirPods, with a few additions.

Stage 1: Start by putting your AirPods in the charging case. Wait 30 seconds and open the cover.

Step 2: Select Open Bluetooth Preferences in the Bluetooth menu to bring up the Bluetooth Preferences pane.

Stage 3: Click the ‘X’ icon next to your AirPods and click Forget Device to remove them from your Mac.

Step 4: With the cover open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds. Let go when the status light on it starts to flash amber.

Step 5: Close the cover and then open it again. Click Connect when AirPods appear in Bluetooth Preferences.

Your Mac will most likely have no issues connecting to your AirPods from now on.

7. Disable Automatic Switching

Do you have an iPhone with iOS 14? In this case, your AirPods are disconnected from your Mac and automatically switch to your iPhone if you start playing music on them.

To prevent this from happening, open the Settings app on your iPhone and select Bluetooth. Connect to your AirPods (if you don’t already have them) and tap the i-shaped icon next to them. Next, select the Connect to This iPhone option. On the following screen, select Last Connected to This iPhone.

This also applies to any iPad running iPadOS 14. If you have one around, you may want to repeat what you just did to prevent your AirPods from automatically switching to your iPad.

Fix Link

I hope you have connected your AirPods to your Mac. If the fixes above didn’t work (and you’re also unable to connect them to your iPhone), you might be dealing with a faulty set of AirPods. If so, it’s best to make an appointment at your local Genius Bar.

Next: Looking for AirPods alternatives? Check out these 6 great AirPods alternatives that aren’t too expensive.