If your AirPods won’t connect to your Mac, it can be frustrating, especially when you need them for work, entertainment, or communication. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue quickly and efficiently.
Check Your AirPods’ Battery Level
Ensure your AirPods are charged. Low battery can prevent your AirPods from connecting. Check the charge level by opening the case and looking at the status light or using your iPhone or Apple Watch to check the battery percentage. If they are low, charge the case with the AirPods inside for a couple of hours and try connecting again.
Enable Bluetooth on Your Mac
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Go to your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the ‘On’ position. If Bluetooth is already enabled, try switching it off and then back on again.
Restart Your Mac
Sometimes a simple restart can fix the issue. Restarting your Mac clears cache files, removes temporary files, and resets the system management controller, which can resolve minor connectivity problems. Go to the Apple menu and select Restart.
Update Your macOS
Ensure your macOS is up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Ensure Your Devices Use the Same Apple ID
Make sure all your devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. If you use your AirPods with multiple devices, they all need to be signed in with the same Apple ID for seamless connectivity. Check this by going to the Apple menu > System Settings > Apple ID. Ensure the Apple ID is the same across all your devices.
Remove and Re-add Your AirPods
Remove and re-add your AirPods from your Mac.
- Go to the Apple menu > System Settings, then select the Bluetooth pane.
- Hover over your AirPods and choose Disconnect.
- Open the AirPods charging case with the AirPods inside and place them near your Mac.
- Press and hold the setup button on the case until the status light flashes white.
- When your AirPods appear on the screen, click Connect.
Clean the AirPods and Case
Ensure your AirPods and case are clean. Dirt and dust can interfere with the connection. Clean the AirPods and the charging case to prevent any connectivity issues.
Reset Your AirPods
Reset your AirPods if all else fails.
- Put the AirPods in their case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- On an iOS device connected to your AirPods, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the ‘i’ next to your AirPods, and choose Forget this Device. Confirm by tapping again.
- Open the AirPods case, press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes from amber to white.
- Reconnect your AirPods by placing the case with the lid open near the iOS device and following the on-screen instructions.
Check for Physical Issues
Ensure there are no physical obstructions. Make sure your AirPods are within range of your Mac and there are no physical barriers that could be interfering with the Bluetooth signal.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your AirPods connected to your Mac smoothly. If you continue to face problems, it might be worth checking for any hardware issues or contacting Apple support for further assistance.