What to Know

• Easiest: Turn onBluetooth, press button on AirPodscase>clickAirPodsin theBluetoothmenu >Connect.
• Connect multiples with theAudio MIDI Setupapp:Multi-OutputDevice>Sounds >Multi-Output Device.
• AirPods won't connect? Make sure they're charged andBluetoothis enabled on MacBook Air.

This article explains how to connect AirPods to a MacBook Air, to create a light, portable pair for mobile work and listening to audio.

How to Connect Your AirPods to a MacBook Air

Connecting AirPods to a MacBook Air is pretty simple.In a few clicks and button presses and you'll be listening to wireless audio.Here's what to do:

If you've already connected these AirPods to an iPhone, and the iPhone and MacBook Air are signed in to the same iCloud account, you should be able to skip these steps.The AirPods should already be set up on the Mac: Put the AirPods in your ears and click theBluetoothmenu >yourAirPods >Connect.

1. Click theApplemenu in the top left corner, then clickSystem SettingsorSystem Preferences.

   

2. ClickBluetooth. Toggle Bluetooth on or clickTurn Bluetooth On. Keep this window open for the next few steps.
   

   

3. With both AirPods in the charging case, open the lid. Press the button on the AirPods case until the status light starts to blink.

   

4. The AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth preferences window. ClickConnect.

   

5. In a moment, the AirPods will be connected to your MacBook Air and you'll be ready to listen to audio.

   To use the AirPods with your MacBook Air in the future, you won't need all of these steps. By default, your AirPods should connect automatically or when last connected to your Mac. If they don't, connect them from theControl Center> Bluetoothor from the Bluetooth settings menu.

Can You Connect Two Pairs of AirPods to One MacBook Air?

Got a friend who wants to hear whatever you're listening to? You can connect two pairs of AirPods to one MacBook Air. To do so, follow the steps from the last section to connect both sets of AirPods to the MacBook Air.

Now, things get a little more complicated. Because the macOS doesn't support audio output to two pairs of AirPods, you need a workaround. Here's what to do:

1. Go to theFinder>Utilities> and launchAudio MIDI Setup.

   

2. Click the+ (Plus)sign, then selectCreate Multi-Output Device.

   

3. Check the box next to the two sets of AirPods. In theMaster Devicedrop-down, choose your AirPods. Check theDrift Correctionbox next to your friend's AirPods.

   

4. Go to theApplemenu >System Settings or System Preferences>Sound>Output > Multi-Output Device. With that done, the MacBook Air's audio is sent to both sets of AirPods.

   

Why Won't My AirPods Connect to My MacBook Air?

If you've followed the steps from this article and your AirPods won't connect to your MacBook Air, or you're not hearing audio from them, try these steps to fix the issue:

• Turn Bluetooth on and off: Click the Bluetooth menu in the top right corner > toggle/turn off Bluetooth > then toggle or turn it back on.
• Remove AirPods and set them up again: Click theApplemenu >System PreferencesorSystem Settings> Bluetooth > control-click your AirPods > clickForget> set up the AirPods again.
• Charge AirPods: Put the AirPods into their case and plug the AirPods into a computer or power adapter to recharge the AirPods.
• Check out our other AirPods troubleshooting tips: If you're having connection issues, head over to Why Won't My AirPods Connect? For general troubleshooting, visit How to Fix AirPods When They're Not Working.