How to Fix Airpods Not Connecting to Mac – 7 Ways

AirPods not connecting to Mac is a very common problem that many AirPods users have reported about across time. Like any other wireless device trying to connect to your Mac, AirPods too, employ Bluetooth. Therefore, AirPods not connecting to Mac can be because of problems in the Bluetooth settings. This problem has been noted in all versions of AirPods such as AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro.

To fix Airpods not connecing to Mac issue, first restart the Mac and reset the Bluetooth again. Make sure the Airpods and Mac have enough power to get connected. To set up Airpods again, Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth > Connect. Now you must reset the Bluetooth Module of Mac.

The reason AirPods not connecting to Mac can either be one or both AirPods. The steps to follow to fix the AirPods not connecting to Mac are very simple, however. These troubleshooting steps have to be followed in order to fix the AirPods not connecting to Mac. Once you try them, text the AirPods again and check if they are functioning properly.

Reasons for AirPods not connecting to Mac

The following causes are most likely behind your AirPods not connecting to Mac:

  1. Flat AirPods batteries: The easiest way of fixing this is by placing the batteries in the charging case, when you are not using them. Another step that you must not skip to fix AirPods not connecting to Mac is charging this AirPods case as well. Otherwise, you won’t be able to charge your AirPods.
  2. Touching the AirPods: AirPods not connecting to Mac are highly sensitive and a simple touch can control them. These controls usually get triggered because of clothing and consequently activate accidentally, when you attempt to adjust them physically.
  3. A different Bluetooth device is nearby your Mac: AirPods not connecting to Mac can be because of the presence of another Bluetooth device connected to your Mac. To find out more about this, click on the sound icon and then view the audio output you’re using. Switch off any other device that is connected to your Mac to fix the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem.

How to Fix AirPods not connecting to Mac Issue

Now that we know the causes behind AirPods not connecting to Mac, let us dive into the solutions. There are multiple ways to resolve this prolem. 

1. Restarting the Mac

It might appear too simple, but is often very effective. Restarting any device fixes a lot of problems.

  • Just open your Mac and click on the Apple Menu.
  • Select the Restart option.
  • You can do it more than once to check if the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem persists or not.

Restarting a device closes all the existing instances of other programs that could be interferring with other apps. As all the resources get freed up once you restart your system, the existing temporary bugs will also resolve and you should be able to connect the AirPods if there are not other reasons behind it.

2. Bluetooth and charge

If restarting doesn’t help, switch on the Bluetooth on your Mac.

  • Go to the status icon on the menu bar and click on it to switch the Bluetooth on.
  • If it’s not visible there, then open the System Preferences option and choose Bluetooth from there.
  • Then click on “Show Bluetooth in menu bar”.

To fix the AirPods not connecting to Mac, switch off Bluetooth and then wait for at least 10 seconds. Now switch it on again. Never forget to place your AirPods in the charging case. Always keep them near your Mac or else the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem will persist.

3. Updating the Mac

The AirPods not connecting to Mac problem may happen if you are using a second-generation version and your Mac doesn’t have the macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later. It can also happen if you are using a first-generation version and your Mac doesn’t have the macOS Sierra or later.

And if you are using AirPods Pro, then your Mac must have the macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later. Otherwise, it will face the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem. To find which AirPods generation you are using, you have to do the following.

  1. Look for the model number. If connected to an iOS device, find the model number by opening up Settings >> General >> About and finally AirPods.
  2. You can also use a magnifying glass to find out model number of your AirPods, as the print is very tiny.
  3. Those using first-generation model will have the following number: A1523/A1722
  4. Those using second-generation model will have the following number: A2032/A2031

To update your system and prevent AirPods not connecting to Mac problems, follow either of the solutions discussed below.

  1. For those MacBooks with a macOS Mojave or later: Click on System Preferences from Apple Menu and choose Software Update. If you see any pending update, just the follow instructions displayed on screen.
  2. For those MacBooks that have macOS High Sierra or earlier: Go to your App Store and select the tab that reads Updates. Click on Update if there is one pending.

Once you have performed either, check if the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem still persists or not.

It is important that you keep your system up-to-date so that all the existing bugs and errors could be resolved easily and your system runs flawlessly.

4. Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth devices list

The following steps will help in removing the AirPods from the Bluetooth devices list, after which you can re-add them. It sometimes clears out the problems in the previous pairing. 

  • Click on System Preferences >> Bluetooth.
  • The Bluetooth devices list will appear in front of you.
  • When you see the AirPods option in the list, click on it.
  • An X shaped icon appears.
  • Click on this icon to Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth list.

Once the above steps are over, it is time to re-add the AirPods. Follow the steps below.

  • Place the AirPods in the case for charging. 
  • Keep the charging case close to the MacBook for range and then open the case.
  • Open your MacBook, and select the Bluetooth option from System Preferences.
  • When you see the AirPods option click on Connect.

Now check if the AirPods not connecting to Mac problem still exists or not.

5. Setting up the AirPods

In case the AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth devices list, it needs to be set up again. Follow the steps below for the same.

  • Open your MacBook, and select the Bluetooth option from System Preferences.
  • Switch on Bluetooth and put the AirPods in the case.
  • After a few seconds, open the case and press the setup button on its back for long.
  • When you see a white light flashing, release the button.
  • Your AirPods will now be visible on the Bluetooth devices list. Click on Connect and finish up.

These are the same steps that you must have followed when you set up your Airpods for the first time to connect with Mac system.

6. Resetting the AirPods

If the connection problem still persists, resetting the AirPods might help. Follow the steps below:

  • Put the Airpods in the case for charging.
  • Both the case and the AirPods must have enough charge.
  • Keep the charging case open.
  • Press the button on its back for as long as the status light doesn’t flash; first white and then amber.
  • Once the light turns amber, it means the AirPods have been reset.

7. Resetting the Bluetooth module of the MacBook

One final way of fixing the problem at hand is by resetting the Bluetooth module of your MacBook. Before moving forward with the steps, make sure that the menu bar displays the Bluetooth option.

If it doesn’t then you have to open the System Preferences option from your MacBook and then select Bluetooth. From their click on the option that says “Show Bluetooth in menu bar”. Once that is done, follow the steps below.

  • Press Shift and the Alt keys together for long.
  • At the same time, click on the Bluetooth icon on your menu bar.
  • Another menu will open on your screen.
  • Choose the Debug option from the list.
  • Now click on “Reset the Bluetooth module” option.
  • Finally, reboot your MacBook to finish off.

We have listed down 7 different ways to fix the problem of Airpods not connecting to Mac. Depending on the reason why Airpods won’t connect to Mac atleast one of these tips will resolve the issue for you.

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