AirPods won't connect to Mac? Here's how to fix it

AirPods seamlessly integrate into the Apple ecosystem, and while the iPhone is the center of everything, MacBooks form a crucial part of the equation. But it can be frustrating when your AirPods won’t connect to Mac, disrupting your workflow or entertainment.

We’ll explore the best solutions to help you quickly reconnect your AirPods to your Mac, whether you’re in the middle of a Zoom call, want to unwind with a game, or are using both devices together for the first time.

How to fix AirPods that won’t connect to your Mac

Is it your first time pairing both devices, and your AirPods won’t connect to Mac? Check that the laptop meets Apple’s operating system requirements:

• First gen AirPods work with macOS Sierra 10.12 or later
• Second gen AirPods support macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later
• Third gen AirPods require macOS Monterey 12.0 or later
• First gen AirPods Pros require macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later
• Second gen AirPods Pros run on macOS Ventura 13 or later
• AirPods Max needs macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later

If your devices meet the requirements, the problem may be with your AirPods or MacBook. To find out which, try pairing your AirPods with another device (preferably another Mac). If it works, the issue is likely with the initial Mac.

Similarly, try pairing another set of AirPods (or any brand of wireless earbuds) with your Mac. If they work, the issue is likely with your AirPods.

Whichever it is, we’ll cover all the possible fixes:

• Charge AirPods
• Unpair and re-pair AirPods
• Disconnect other devices
• Clean AirPods and charging case
• Sign in with the same Apple ID
• Update AirPods firmware
• Update Mac software
• Reset Apple AirPods
• Reset Mac Bluetooth module
• Contact Apple support

Charge AirPods

If your AirPods are not coming on at all, they are probably out of power. Place them in the charging case — the light will turn amber when they’re charging and green when full. Once fully charged, try connecting them to your Mac again.

If your AirPods turn on but won’t connect, try the other fixes on this checklist.

Unpair and re-pair AirPods

If you’ve previously paired your AirPods to your MacBook, but they won’t connect anymore, try unpairing them by following these steps:

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

After unpairing, reconnect the AirPods to your Mac. This establishes a new connection that should solve any issues you had with the old one. While doing this, you might also want to restart your MacBook and see if that helps.

Disconnect other devices

Your AirPods may fail to connect to your Mac because they’re paired to another device instead. If you recently synced your AirPods to other devices, turn off Bluetooth on those devices.

Similarly, if you connect multiple devices to your Mac, they may cause Bluetooth interference and prevent your AirPods from connecting properly. Follow these steps to disconnect them:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.

Clean AirPods and charging case

When connecting your AirPods to a device, the case does the pairing. The AirPods connect to the charging case via the charging connectors, allowing them to pair with the third-party device. If there’s debris covering the connectors, the AirPods may not connect to the charging case.

Try cleaning off any dust and dirt present on the AirPods and their case.

Sign in with the same Apple ID

If you previously paired your AirPods with another Apple device, signing into your MacBook with the same iCloud account as that device will connect them automatically.

To check your Mac’s Apple ID, click the Apple menu and go to System Settings. Click your profile name > Sign In & Security.

If it’s not the same, sign out and back in with the new Apple ID. Note that this will change the account — and associated data — linked with your iCloud, App Store, iMessage, iTunes, and other apps.

Update AirPods firmware

Outdated software may be the reason your AirPods won’t connect to Mac. Here’s how to check your AirPods’ firmware version:

1. Connect your AirPods to an iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Settings app, and go to Bluetooth.
3. Navigate to your AirPods in the device list and tap the i icon.
4. Check the Firmware Version column under product specifications. Compare this number to the latest version available for your AirPods.

Apple automatically updates AirPods, but you can force it if yours doesn’t have the latest software. With your AirPods in the charging case plugged to a power source, pair them to an iOS device with an active internet connection. They should update after some time.

Update Mac software

If your MacBook is running an outdated operating system, you may be unable to use newer AirPods models. For example, you need macOS Sierra to use first generation AirPods.

1. In that case, you need to update your Mac. Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
2. Click General > Software Update and download the available firmware.

To see your Mac’s current firmware, click the Apple menu and select About this Mac.

Reset Apple AirPods

If the previous tips fail, try resetting your AirPods to clear any bugs or glitches that may affect your connectivity. Here’s how:

1. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for about 30 seconds.
2. Open the lid and long-press the setup button (at the back of the case) for about 15 seconds. The status light will change from amber to white.
3. Close the lid and your AirPods should be fully reset.

Note that You will need to pair the AirPods with all your devices again.

Reset Mac Bluetooth module

If your AirPods won’t connect to Mac despite resetting them, you may need to reset your MacBook’s Bluetooth module. Follow these steps on macOS Big Sur and earlier:

• Click the Apple menu, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and tick the box next to Show Bluetooth in menu bar.
• Press the Option + Shift keys and click the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar to open the dropdown menu.
• Click the Reset the Bluetooth module option. On macOS Catalina and earlier, go to Debug > Reset the Bluetooth module.
• Click OK to confirm and restart your Mac.

Apple removed this option on macOS Monterey and later, but you can still reset your Mac’s Bluetooth module through Terminal. Note that this will remove all your connected devices.

Contact Apple support

If all else fails, you may need to contact Apple support. You may get a replacement if it’s a hardware issue, and your AirPods are under warranty.