AirPods users know that they are one of the best available headphones on the modern-day market. They often work without causing errors with iPad and iPhone, which obviously make us think AirPods are designed only for iPhone, which is not. We have seen people complaining about AirPods not connecting to Mac, but this is mainly because the connecting process is not easy compared to iPhone, and it does demand a tiny bit of an effort.
However, it’s not a Himalayan task. In this article, we will be talking about the solution to AirPods not connecting to Mac. If you are suffering from this issue, it’s time to put a full stop. Let’s dive in and see.
How to FIX AirPods Not Connecting To Mac
First of all, let us explain to you that if you have previously connected the AirPods with your iPhone, there is a big chance of appearing them on your computer as far as you are using the same iCloud account on both devices. But, this is not the rule of thumb, and it may not work all the time. First, make sure you are using the same iCloud account before moving onto the next step.
Still, the AirPods are not connecting to Mac, or you can’t connect them manually. Try the below methods.
Restart the computer
This may sound a little funny for most of you, but it is a mighty effective way to overcome most nerve-wracking situations. Also, many previous users who had the same issue have sorted it by two consecutive restarts; so, try it at least twice before you consider the next step/solution.
If you don’t know how to restart Mac, go to the Apple menu and hit Restart.
Check Bluetooth settings
If the issue still exists, it’s time to check on your Mac’s Bluetooth settings. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and turn it on. You might see that it is already on; if so, please switch off Bluetooth for 10 seconds and turn it on.
Note: if you don’t notice the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, please follow the below steps to get the icon.
Also, you will have to put AirPods into the charging case to make sure they get recharged throughout the process. Further, they should be ready to use and placed nearby to your Mac.
System preferences > Bluetooth > select the box that says “Show Bluetooth in the menu bar.”
Update the Mac OS
If the AirPods not connecting to Mac, perhaps it is because your Mac is not meeting the requirements of the AirPods, and you will have to update the Mac OS accordingly.
This is how you determine the AirPods’ requirements with Mac OS.
1) If you are using the first generation of AirPods, you must be having at least Mac Sierra or a later version installed on your PC.
2) If you are using the second generation of AirPods, you must be having at least Mac OS 10.14.4 or a newer version installed on your PC.
Click here to read about Mac OS Sierra update (https://www.applepromac.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-macos-sierra-update/)
For those who don’t know how to identify the generation of the AirPods, please follow either of the below steps. The purpose of following these steps is to observe the model number (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209580) as it will tell you the generation of the AirPods.
1) If your AirPods are already connected to an iOS, you can easily see the model, and here is how you do it.
Go to Settings > General > about > AirPods
2) You can also check on your AirPods to see the model number. They are too tiny, and you would want to use kind of a magnifying glass to get the number.
When you obtain the model number, this is how you determine the generation.
A1523/A1722 – 1st Generation
A2032/A2031 – 2nd Generation
Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth list
Another way of fixing AirPods not connecting to Mac is to remove them from the listed Bluetooth devices and add them again.
This is how to remove AirPods from the Bluetooth list
You will get the listed devices by going to System preference > Bluetooth, and if you don’t see the AirPods on this list, you can jump to the next step of adding them. If you see them listed, click on it and click remove to add them again.
This is how you add AirPods to the Bluetooth list
Put your AirPods into the charging case and place it near to the Mac. Now, go to the system preference > Bluetooth and connect, choosing it from the list. What if the AirPods not connecting to Mac after you notice them on the list? Then, you will have to forget the device again, going to system preference > Bluetooth. Click on the AirPods and click forget device option and wait for several minutes before you add them again.
If the issue persists or you don’t see them on the listed Bluetooth devices after trying to add them, move on to the next step.
Resetting the AirPods
In most instances, you should be able to sort the issue by now. If not, try resetting the AirPods; here are the steps you need to follow.
1) Put the AirPods into the charging case and close the lid.
2) Wait for around one minute and open the lid.
3) Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds and release it when you notice the indicator light flashes amber.
4) Now your AirPods are properly reset and try connecting them to your Mac.
Final take
That is how you fix AirPods not connecting to Mac, and we are 100% sure you got the solution that you are looking for. If the issue still exists (which has little to no chance), there could be something wrong with your AirPods given your Mac detects and works fine with other AirPods. In addition, we would love to hear your take on this article and further issues you have on your Apple devices as our website is all about Apple. Have a great day!
We have a separate article on new Apple AirPods Max. read here (/https://www.applepromac.com/apple-airpods-max/)
