How to get your airpods to connect to your phone

• You can connect AirPods to a Mac using the "Bluetooth" menu on your computer.
• To connect AirPods that you use on your iPhone to a Mac, use the "Volume" menu.
• To link your AirPods to both your iPhone and Mac, make sure they're logged into the same Apple ID.

There's no reason to keep your AirPods locked to your iPhone; like any Bluetooth earbuds, you can connect them to many other devices, including your Mac.

There are two ways to connect your AirPods to a Mac, depending upon how you're already using the AirPods.

How to connect your AirPods to a Mac if you don't use them on an iPhone

If your AirPods aren't already connected to your iPhone, you can connect them directly to your Mac.

1. With the AirPods in their charging case, open the lid and keep the AirPods inside.

2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light starts to flash.

3. On your Mac, click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top to open the Apple menu. 

4. Click System Preferences.

5. In the System Preferences window, click Bluetooth.

6. In the list of devices, find the AirPods you want to pair the Mac with, and click Connect.

7. After the connection is complete, the AirPods will appear at the top of the Devices list, ready to be used.

How to connect your AirPods to your Mac if you already use them on your iPhone

Your AirPods are designed to connect to your Mac automatically if you are using the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone.

1. Open your AirPods case.

2. On your Mac, click the Volume icon – it looks like a speaker – in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

3. In the Output Device section of this menu, select your AirPods.  

If this doesn't work, there are a couple of settings you need to ensure are enabled. Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar, and System Preferences.

• Make sure your Mac is logged into the same Apple ID as your iPhone. In the System Preferences window click Apple ID to make sure you're signed in and using the same ID.
• Make sure Handoff is turned on. In the System Preferences window, click General, and make sure there is a check mark next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
• Make sure you can see the volume icon in the menu bar. If you don't see it, you need to turn it on. In the System Preferences window, click Sound and then click the checkbox next to Show volume in menu bar.

Troubleshooting AirPods That Won't Connect

If you are having trouble connecting your AirPods to a Mac, there are a few things you can do:

• Make sure your Airpods are charged. Place the AirPods in their case, plug a USB cable that's connected to power into the case, and charge them for 1-2 hours.
• Make sure your Mac is up to date. You need macOS Sierra or later to install the first-generation AirPods, and macOS 10.14.4 or later for second-generation AirPods.
• Re-pair the AirPods to the Mac. Find the AirPods in the Bluetooth list on your Mac and click the X button on the right. Then, repeat the pairing process.
• Reset your AirPods. Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for at least 15 seconds. Let go of the button when the status light starts to flash amber.
• Restart your Mac computer. If your Mac's Bluetooth connection has run into a problem, restarting your Mac can reset it and hopefully get it working properly again.

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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