How to instantly switch your AirPods connection from iPhone to Mac

Lifehacker [Japan Version] Reprinted from the article published on November 23, 2021

Connecting your AirPods to your Mac isn't too difficult, even when you're setting it up for the first time.

It's more work than connecting to an iPhone, but it's still easy.

In any case, we'll show you how to quickly connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your Mac, and how to easily switch your AirPods from one device to another.

How to set up when connecting AirPods to your Mac for the first time

If you haven't used AirPods or AirPods Pro on your Mac yet, you'll need to pair the two devices first. This is true when connecting to any type of Mac, such as an iMac, MacBook, or Mac mini.

How to check if your AirPods are already connected to your Mac

If you're already using AirPods on your iPhone, it may be automatically paired with your Mac. This only happens if your iPhone and Mac are compatible with Apple's Handoff feature and you're using the same Apple ID account on those devices.

Check if your AirPods and Mac are connected by the following methods.

1. Open "Control Center" from the Mac menu bar.

2. Hover your mouse over the Sound section of the Control Center and click the arrow pointing to the right.

3. If you see AirPods in the list of Output options, click them to connect to your Mac. Don't forget to remove your AirPods from the charging case before connecting.

How to pair your AirPods with your Mac

If your AirPods don't appear in the list of outputs, you're not already connected to your Mac.

So you need to pair your AirPods with your Mac. The process is the same as pairing your AirPods to a non-Apple device.

Here are the steps to pair your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

1. Return the AirPods to the charging case, but leave the lid open.

2. Press and hold the settings button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. Press until the light flashes and your AirPods will be in pairing mode.

3. On your Mac, click the Apple logo on the menu bar and go to System Preferences> Bluetooth.

4. AirPods will appear in your device list. If that doesn't happen, turn Bluetooth on and off on your Mac.

5. Click "Connect" next to AirPods to pair.

If you still can't pair your AirPods, be sure to update your macOS to the latest version.

AirPods (3rd generation) will only work on macOS Monterey or later.

How to automatically switch AirPods to Mac

Once you connect your AirPods to your Mac, it will automatically switch to your Mac each time you use it. In other words, all you have to do is attach AirPods and play music on your Mac and it will connect automatically.

You don't need to do anything because this process is automatic, but if you're already using AirPods on another device such as your iPhone, click Connect in the notification that appears on your Mac.

To get the best sound quality with AirPods

How was it. I think it was easy.

Normally, AirPods are automatically connected to your Mac, so all you have to do is attach AirPods and play music. However, if it doesn't connect automatically, pair your AirPods manually and select your AirPods from the audio output options.

And if you improve the sound quality of AirPods as much as possible, you can have a more fulfilling viewing experience.

Original article: How to Connect AirPods or AirPods Pro to a Mac by MakeUseOf