How To Connect AirPods to Mac: The EASY Way


Apple AirPods 2 Release Date-5Pin

AirPods are great with the iPhone, but they can take audio on your Mac to the next level too. 


Looking to connect AirPods to Mac? Without a doubt, Apple’s AirPods are the most popular wireless earbuds in the world. Their original stem design is also iconic.

But AirPods are so popular for more than just their design. Their ease of connecting, incredible sound, and long battery life make them the ideal wireless earbuds for the iPhone. And since their inception back in 2016, there have actually been FOUR versions released.

The original AirPods were the first generation. They contained the W1 processor and Bluetooth 4.0. In 2019, Apple introduced the second generation AirPods with the H1 processor, Bluetooth 5.0, and “Hey Siri” support.

AirPods ProPin

But also in 2019, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro. These AirPods were smaller than the originals and featured the same H1 chipset from the second generation model, but they also included two big new features: active noise cancelation and swappable ear tips.

Then in 2020, Apple introduced the latest AirPods product – AirPods Max. These are over-the-ear headphones that feature the H1 chip, active noise cancelation, and sport a digital crown like the Apple Watch. You use the digital crown to play audio, adjust the volume, activate Siri and more.

But while most people will buy AirPods to use with their iPhone, you can actually use all four models of AirPods with your Mac too. Here’s how to connect AirPods to Mac.

Connect AirPods to Mac: Requirements

apple airpodsPin

Before we get started, first you want to make sure you have all the necessary stuff to make sure you can connect your AirPods to the Mac. So here’s what you’ll need:

  • AirPods first-generation, AirPods second generation, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.
  • For AirPods first-generation: a Mac with Bluetooth 4.0 or later running macOS Sierra or later.
  • For AirPods second-generation: a Mac with Bluetooth 4.0 or later running macOS Mojave or later.
  • For AirPods Pro: a Mac with Bluetooth 4.0 or later running macOS Catalina or later.
  • For AirPods Max: a Mac with Bluetooth 5.0 or later running macOS Big Sur or later.

Got the right stuff? Good. Now let’s move on to connecting your AirPods to your Mac.

Connect AirPods to Mac: If They Are Already Paired With Your iPhone

AirPods ProPin

Connecting your AirPods to your Mac is easy if your AirPods are already paired with your iPhone. You spill need to make sure you’re signed into the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone and, if your AirPods are already paired with your iPhone, just do this:

  1. Open the AirPods case near your Mac.
  2. Up in the macOS menu bar, click the Volume icon.
  3. In the dropdown menu that appears, click on your AirPods from the list.

And that’s it! Your AirPods will now connect to your Mac.

Connect AirPods to Mac: If They Are NOT Already Paired With Your iPhone

How To Connect AirPods to Mac: The EASY WayPin

But if your AirPods are not already paired with another Appel device – like your iPhone – that is signed into the same Apple ID as your Mac, you’ll need to pair your AirPods to your Mac directly. Here’s how:

  1. Make sure your AirPods are in their case then open the AirPods case near your Mac.
  2. Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case.
  3. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac by going to  > System Preferences.
  4. In the System Preferences app, click Bluetooth.
  5. In the devices list, click on the AirPods you want to pair with your Mac.

Now your selected AirPods will be paired with your Mac. In the future, you can quickly pair your Mac with them if your Mac doesn’t automatically pick them up by going to the macOS menu bar and clicking the Volume button then selecting the AirPods from the dropdown list.

And check out How To Update AirPods Firmware: AirPods & AirPods Pro! Also, be sure to check out How To Check AirPods Battery – 3 Ways! And Do The AirPods Pro Have Wireless Charging?

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB