How to Connect AirPods to Mac and Windows PC: A Quick Guide

Now, here are the steps on how to connect your AirPods to Mac:

1. Click System Settings on the Apple Menu.
2. Choose Bluetooth and turn it on.
3. Open your AirPods charging case’s lid. Ensure that your AirPods are inside.
4. Hold down the button on the back of the AirPods case until the light flashes.
5. Select your AirPods from the devices list, then choose Connect.

If your AirPods are not hearing any sound as it plays through your Mac’s speakers, make sure they are set as the output device. Go to the Bluetooth menu or the volume control in the menu bar to do so.

If you’ve previously paired your Apple AirPods with your MacBook, they should make an automatic connection. But like any consumer tech, it won’t connect at some point.

Here’s a checklist to help you figure out why you can’t connect your AirPods to your MacBook and how to fix it.

1. Check if your macOS is up-to-date and if your AirPods model is compatible with your macOS.
2. Check if your AirPods are inside the charging case, charging and if the Bluetooth setting is on.
3. Check if your AirPods are set as an audio device. It will only work if it is selected. To do so, click the volume control on Mac’s menu bar and select your AirPods as an output device.

If you tried the above and it won’t work still, you may need to unpair your AirPods from your MacBook and pair it again.

1. Select Bluetooth from the menu bar of your MacBook.
2. Click your AirPods from the list of Bluetooth devices and select X on the right to unpair.
3. Choose Remove in the pop-up window.
4. Close the lid of your charging case, then wait 15 seconds.
5. Open the lid and hold down the setup button on the charging case for 10 seconds. If the light flashes white, indicating that your AirPods are ready for pairing.
6. Hold the charging case next to your Mac with your AirPods inside and the lid open.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen of your Mac and try your AirPods after.

If it still doesn’t work, try resetting your AirPods.

1. Place your AirPods in the charging case. Wait a few seconds after closing the case.
2. Open the lid and hold down the circular button on the back of the case until the LED flashes.
3. On your Windows PC or laptop, click the start menu at the bottom of your screen.
4. Select the Settings icon and go to Devices. You should be in the Bluetooth and other device settings in the list. You will see it on the left sidebar.
5. Turn on your Bluetooth and click the plus sign to add Bluetooth or another device.
6. Select Bluetooth, click your AirPods from the list, and click Done.

Turn off the Bluetooth in your Windows computer to disconnect AirPods. Follow these easy steps to remove it from your computer.

1. Go to Settings by clicking the start menu at the bottom of your Windows PC.
2. Select Devices and click Bluetooth & other devices.
3. Turn on your Bluetooth.
4. In Windows 10: Click your AirPods which you will see under the Audio section.
5. In Windows 11: You will see your AirPods at the top. Click the three dots on the upper left of your AirPods.
6. Select Remove device and click Yes to remove your AirPods to a Windows PC.