With AirPods, Apple entered the wireless earbud market for the first time. With the release of the first generation AirPods in 2016, they have quickly become Apple’s most popular accessory. Also in 2019, Apple released the AirPods Pro model, followed by the AirPods Max, which features active noise cancellation and automated frequency profiling alongside a host of other features found in standard AirPods.
On October 20, 2021, the third generation of the standard AirPods was released. With their new features, they offer Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, IPX4 water resistance, Dolby Atmos support, and wireless MagSafe charging for up to six hours of playback.
Whether you have a pair of AirPods or are considering purchasing one, you’ll want to know how to connect them. This article will discuss connectivity issues, how to connect AirPods to Mac, and some troubleshooting tips.
How to Connect AirPods to a Mac Without an iPhone
Connecting your AirPods directly to your Mac is an option if you do not already have them connected to your iPhone.
- If you have the AirPods in their charging case, open the lid and keep the AirPods inside.
- Activate the status light by pressing and holding the button on the back of the case.
- To open the Apple menu on your Mac, click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
- Select System Preferences from the menu.
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the System Preferences window.
- Connect the Mac to the AirPods you wish to pair, by finding them in the list of devices and clicking Connect.
- When the connection has been established, the AirPods will appear at the top of the Devices list and can be used immediately.
In the Bluetooth window, click on the AirPods and then click “Connect.”
How to Connect AirPods to Mac
Using the same Apple ID on your iPhone and Mac will enable AirPods to connect automatically.
- Ensure that your AirPods case is open.
- In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click the Volume icon – it looks like a speaker.
- Select your AirPods from the Output Device section of this menu.
In case this does not work, you need to make sure that a couple of settings are enabled. You can access System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar and then clicking System Preferences.
- Ensure that your Mac is signed in with the same Apple ID as your iPhone. Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple ID by clicking Apple ID in the System Preferences window
- Ensure that Handoff is enabled. Select General from the System Preferences window, and check Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices
- Make sure that the volume icon can be seen in the menu bar. If you do not see it, make sure it is enabled. Click Sound in the System Preferences window and then click Show volume in the menu bar.
It is important to ensure that the Volume icon is enabled.
How to Connect Two Airpods to An iPhone or iPad
The first pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro (see best AirPods Pro features) may have already been connected to your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1. Keep your iPhone on the home screen by unlocking it.
Step 2. To begin, open the AirPods or AirPods Pro case and hold it close to your iPhone for a few moments.
The AirPods should be connected via an animation. Likely, you will have to press the Temporarily Share Audio button.
After completing this step, press and hold the charging case’s button to complete the process.
Step 3. Once you have opened the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, both AirPods should be visible.
The good thing about this process is that iOS allows you to control the volume individually.
Step 4. Play a video, then pull down the Control Center to control the volume individually. In the next step, click the AirPlay icon to view the individual volume controls.
How to Connect Two Airpods with a Single Macbook
On your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, it is also possible to listen to audio through different AirPods. The process is not as simple as 1-2-3 and requires some tinkering with the system settings.
Nevertheless, it is possible to accomplish. The following steps will guide you through the process of sharing your Mac’s audio with two AirPods or AirPods Pro. If you are using a Mac, we assume you have paired your first pair of AirPods.
Step 1. Connect the second pair of AirPods to the Mac by resetting them. In order to do so, press and hold the Back button on your earphones until you see the LED light flash white.
Step 2. You can access the Bluetooth settings by opening the Control Center on your Mac. Select Bluetooth Preferences from the menu, and you should see the other pair of AirPods appear.
Connect by clicking the Connect button. Now that we have crossed half of the bridge, let’s continue.
Step 3. Open the Finder and click on Applications in the left-hand panel. Double-click on Audio MIDI Setup in Utilities once you have reached that section.
There will be a small window opened. The next step is to click the little Plus icon below and then select Create Multi-Output Device.
Step 4. In the next step, uncheck the default speakers on your MacBook. It is recommended that you select the two AirPods and close the window instead.
Step 5. Afterward, select System Preferences from the menu by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper left corner.
In most cases, the Bluetooth Settings window will be displayed. If so, click on the Back button and navigate to the Sound section. If not, click on the Sound icon.
In order to utilize the Multi-Output Device, all you need to do is click on it. It’s that simple! Now that the AirPods are connected, you can play a video or audio file and enjoy the audio shared between them. Yes, you may thank me at a later date.
Due to the fact that the system delivers the same audio to two devices, you are unable to control the volume individually.
In order to disconnect from Bluetooth devices, open Bluetooth preferences and tap on the ones you wish to disconnect. It is important to note that if you are using headphones such as the AirPods Max, you may need to tap the Connect button frequently since they automatically disconnect when you remove them from your ear.
Troubleshooting AirPods That Won’t Connect
If you are experiencing difficulties connecting your AirPods to your Mac, you can follow these steps:
Ensure that your AirPods are fully charged
Charge the AirPods for 1-2 hours by placing them in their case and plugging a USB cable into the case that is connected to power.
Ensure that your Mac is up-to-date
In order to install the first-generation AirPods, you must have Mac OS Sierra or later, while for the second-generation AirPods, you must have Mac OS 10.14.4 or later.
Reconnect the AirPods to the Mac
On your Mac, locate the AirPods in the Bluetooth list and click the X button to the right. After that, repeat the pairing process.
Make sure your AirPods are reset
To use AirPods, press and hold the button on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds. Whenever the amber status light begins to flash, release the button.
If your Mac is not responding, restart it
In the event that your Mac’s Bluetooth connection has become unresponsive, restarting it will reset it and hopefully restore it to working order.
Final Words
One of the many benefits of the Apple ecosystem is the ability to connect two AirPods to a single iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. As a matter of interest, this feature is not only supported by Apple AirPods but also by other audio accessories such as the AirPods Max, the Powerbeats Pro, and some Beats Solo wireless earphones.
Comments are closed.