Apple support documents outline steps to pair and use AirPods and AirPods Max with a Mac running recent macOS versions. When AirPods are set up with an iPhone and the Mac uses the same Apple Account, the headphones should connect automatically.
To use them immediately, place AirPods in your ears then open Control Center in the Mac menu bar. Click Sound and choose your AirPods from the list. If the headphones do not appear, you can pair them manually through System Settings and Bluetooth.
For manual pairing with most AirPods models, put both earbuds in the charging case and open the lid. For AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 models, double tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. For other models, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
AirPods Max require a different sequence. Place them on your ears and press and hold the listening mode button until the status light flashes white, then select Connect beside the device in Nearby Devices. If audio keeps playing from Mac speakers, open Control Center, click Sound, and choose the headphones as the output device.
Compatibility Requirements And Features
Apple lists macOS version requirements by model. AirPods 2 need macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later. AirPods 3 require macOS Monterey or later. AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 require macOS Sequoia and Golden Gate respectively. AirPods Pro model requirements range from macOS Catalina to macOS Tahoe depending on the generation.
The company notes that AirPods 2 and later and AirPods Pro can switch automatically between Mac with macOS Big Sur or later, iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and iPad with iPadOS 14 or later when devices share an Apple Account and two factor authentication is enabled. When automatic switching fails, manual output selection remains available via Control Center.
AirPods Max can also be used in wired mode. Use a Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable for Lightning units, or a USB‑C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable for USB‑C units. Apple says AirPods Max 1 (USB‑C) and AirPods Max 2 can receive lossless and ultra low latency audio when devices and firmware are up to date and connected by USB‑C to USB‑C.
Apple also documents setup with non Apple devices. On Android or other Bluetooth devices, enable Bluetooth, put the headphones into pairing mode using the model specific button or double tap action, and then select the AirPods from the Bluetooth device list. Siri is not available on non Apple devices, though listening and talking remain supported.
