How to use AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max: Tips and general instructions

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Learn how to use and customize the AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with this collection of tips, tricks and tutorials

How to connect AirPods to a MacBook

Apple arguably intended the AirPods to pair with the latest iPhone, which is currently the iPhone 12. Still, if you want to watch TV, movies or music videos on a larger screen, you can always connect to a MacBook instead.

Here's our easy guide on how to connect AirPods to a MacBook, including the latest MacBook Pro with M1.

AirPods with MacBook. Credit: Shaun Lucas / Tom's Guide

(Image credit: AirPods with MacBook. Credit: Shaun Lucas / Tom's Guide)

If you didn't pair your AirPods to your iPhone first, there are a few steps you'll have to follow to connect them to your MacBook.

1. Open the AirPods case, or remove the AirPods Max from their Smart Case.

AirPods Pro case

(Image credit: Future)

2. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the case, or if you have the AirPods Max, hold the noise control button until the status LED flashes.

AirPods Pro case pairing button

(Image credit: Future)

3. Go to the Apple Menu and click System Preferences.

MacBook System Preferences

(Image credit: Future)

4. Click Bluetooth.

MacBook Bluetooth menu

(Image credit: Future)

5. Select AirPods from the list and hit Pair.

How to connect AirPods to MacBook

(Image credit: Future)

And now your AirPods are connected to your MacBook.

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Sherri L. Smith
Sherri L. Smith

Sherri L. Smith has been cranking out product reviews for Laptopmag.com since 2011. In that time, she's reviewed more than her share of laptops, tablets, smartphones and everything in between. The resident gamer and audio junkie, Sherri was previously a managing editor for Black Web 2.0 and contributed to BET.Com and Popgadget.