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How to connect two AirPods to one Mac
Published onFebruary 10, 2025
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, you likely know how easy it is to sync your AirPods to a Mac. But what if your friend also wants to listen to your music or videos? Thankfully, you can connect two sets of Apple’s true wireless earbuds to the same Mac computer simultaneously. That way, you don’t each have to settle for one earbud. Here’s how to connect two AirPods to one Mac.
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To connect two sets of AirPods to one Mac, use Audio MIDI Setup to create a multi-output device. Then, add the AirPods you'd like to use. Lastly, select your newly created device as the main audio output on your Mac to enjoy sharing audio.
How to connect two AirPods to one Mac
Unfortunately, macOS lacks iOS’s Share Audio feature, which lets you quickly share your iPhone’s audio with two sets of AirPods. However, there is a workaround using the built-in Audio MIDI Setup app. This solution allows you to connect other kinds of audio devices, too, not just AirPods.
To start, connect both sets of AirPods to your Mac via the Bluetooth settings.
How to connect AirPods to a Mac:
- Open your AirPods case with the buds still inside.
- Press and hold the Setup Button on the back of the case until the status light blinks white. If you have the AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control button in the right earcup.
- Go to your Mac and click on the Apple menu.
- Open System Preferences > Bluetooth.
- Pick the AirPods from the list and click Connect.
After both AirPods are paired via Bluetooth, you’re ready to set up multi-output listening.
How to listen to Mac audio with two AirPods:
- On your Mac, open a Finder window.
- Go into the Applications option in the left column.
- Launch Audio MIDI Setup.
- You’ll see a + icon in the lower-left corner. Click on it.
- Select Create Multi-Output Device.
- In the right section, tick the boxes next to the two sets of AirPods you want to use. You can also select any other two output devices you like.
- Go back to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Sound. Under Output, select Multi-Output Device.
Now, you can enjoy sharing audio with your friend!
FAQs
- Make sure that you have a Mac with the latest version of macOS.
- Ensure Bluetooth is on by selecting Menu > System Settings, then click Bluetooth.
- If your AirPods are connected, ensure they’re selected as your audio device. If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but don’t connect, click X to remove them from the list.
- Put your AirPod inside the case, and close the case lid. Wait 15 seconds, then open the cover. Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for up to 10 seconds. The status light should flash white, meaning your AirPods are ready to connect.
- Hold the charging case, with your AirPods inside and the lid open, next to your Mac.
- Follow the steps on the screen of your Mac to connect.
Yes, AirPods can be used with Mac computers. They can connect to any Mac that supports Bluetooth.
You can access your AirPods on your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu, then going to System Settings, and selecting Bluetooth. Here, you can pair your AirPods. Ensure your AirPods are in their case and the lid is open during pairing.
There could be several reasons why your AirPods won’t connect to your Mac. It could be due to Bluetooth not being turned on, the AirPods not being in range, or a need to reset the AirPods. You may also need to update your Mac’s operating system or disconnect your AirPods from other devices.
Apple used to occasionally run promotions for AirPods where they are free with the purchase of a Mac, typically around back-to-school season. However, these promotions are not common anymore.