How to Troubleshoot AirPods Not Connecting on macOS Catalina?

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AirPods have become a popular choice for wireless earphones, offering a seamless connection to Apple devices. However, there may be instances where your AirPods don’t connect to your Mac running macOS Catalina. In this article, we will explore some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

Before we begin, it’s important to ensure that you have a Mac with the latest version of macOS Catalina installed. Additionally, make sure that both AirPods are in the charging case and are charging.

To check if Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on “Bluetooth” in the System Preferences window.

Once you have confirmed that Bluetooth is enabled, you can proceed with the troubleshooting steps.

1. Open the lid of your AirPods case and ensure that both AirPods are inside.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case or the noise control button on AirPods Max until the status light flashes white.
3. On your Mac, go to System Preferences and click on “Bluetooth” in the sidebar.
4. Look for your AirPods in the list of available devices and click on the “Connect” button next to them.

If your AirPods still don’t connect, you can try resetting them completely. Here’s how:

1. Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Click on the Bluetooth icon to access the Bluetooth menu.
3. Turn off Bluetooth and wait for a few seconds.
4. Turn Bluetooth back on.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any connectivity issues between your AirPods and your Mac running macOS Catalina. Remember to keep your software up to date and ensure that your AirPods are charged and properly placed in their case.

If you’re experiencing trouble connecting your AirPods to your Mac running macOS Catalina, it’s important to check your software version, and Bluetooth settings, and follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. By doing so, you should be able to establish a seamless connection between your AirPods and your Mac.

Why Are Your AirPods Pro Not Connecting to Your Macbook Pro Catalina?

There could be several reasons why your AirPods Pro are not connecting to your Macbook Pro running Catalina. Here are some possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check compatibility: Ensure that your Macbook Pro is running the latest version of macOS Catalina. Older versions may not have full compatibility with AirPods Pro.

2. Enable Bluetooth: Verify that Bluetooth is turned on both on your Macbook Pro and your AirPods Pro. To check on your Macbook Pro, go to Apple menu  > System Preferences > Bluetooth and make sure it is enabled. On your AirPods Pro, ensure they are in the charging case and charging.

3. Reset Bluetooth connections: Sometimes, resetting the Bluetooth connection can resolve connection issues. On your Macbook Pro, go to Apple menu  > System Preferences > Bluetooth and click on the “X” next to your AirPods Pro to remove them. Then, put your AirPods Pro back in the charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light on the front starts flashing white. Re-pair your AirPods Pro with your Macbook Pro.

4. Check for interference: Ensure that there are no other devices nearby that may be causing interference with the Bluetooth connection. Move away from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers to see if that improves the connection.

5. Restart your devices: A simple restart of both your Macbook Pro and your AirPods Pro can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. Turn off your Macbook Pro, turn it back on, and then try connecting your AirPods Pro again.

6. Update software: Check for any software updates available for both your Macbook Pro and your AirPods Pro. Keeping your devices up to date can often resolve compatibility issues.

7. Forget and re-pair: If none of the above steps work, you can try forgetting the AirPods Pro on your Macbook Pro and then re-pairing them. Go to Apple menu  > System Preferences > Bluetooth, click on the “X” next to your AirPods Pro to remove them. Then, put your AirPods Pro back in the charging case, open the lid, and re-pair them with your Macbook Pro.

If you have tried all these troubleshooting steps and your AirPods Pro still won’t connect to your Macbook Pro running Catalina, it is recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

macos catalina airpods not connecting

Does MacOS Catalina Support AirPods?

MacOS Catalina does support AirPods. More specifically, the AirPods Pro can connect automatically with a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later. Additionally, the AirPods (2nd generation) can connect automatically with a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later.

It is worth noting that the automatic connection feature allows for seamless and convenient pairing between the AirPods and Mac, making it easier for users to switch between devices.

How to Connect Your AirPods to Your Mac Catalina?

To connect your AirPods to your Mac running Catalina, follow these steps:

1. First, make sure your AirPods are in their case and the lid is open.
2. Locate the setup button on the back of the AirPods case. Press and hold this button until the status light starts flashing white. Note that if you have AirPods Max, you should press and hold the noise control button instead.
3. On your Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
4. From the dropdown menu, select “System Preferences”.
5. In the System Preferences window, click on “Bluetooth” (you may need to scroll down to find it).
6. Make sure the Bluetooth option is turned on by checking the checkbox next to “Bluetooth”.
7. Your Mac will start searching for available Bluetooth devices. When you see your AirPods listed, click on the “Connect” button next to them.
8. Wait for a few seconds while your Mac establishes the connection with your AirPods.
9. Once the connection is established, you should see a confirmation message on your Mac’s screen stating that your AirPods are connected.

That’s it! Your AirPods are now successfully connected to your Mac running Catalina. You can now enjoy wireless audio playback and use the AirPods for calls and other audio-related tasks on your Mac.

Why is Your Mac Sound Not Connecting to Your AirPods?

There could be several reasons why your Mac sound is not connecting to your AirPods. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Bluetooth connectivity issues: Ensure that your AirPods are properly connected to your Mac via Bluetooth. Check if Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac and that your AirPods are paired and connected to it. You can do this by going into System Preferences, clicking on the Bluetooth icon, and verifying the connection status.

2. Outdated software: Make sure that both your Mac and your AirPods have the latest software updates installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues and affect the connection between your devices.

3. Interference from other devices: Other Bluetooth devices or even Wi-Fi routers in close proximity to your Mac and AirPods can interfere with the connection. Try moving away from any potential sources of interference or turning off other Bluetooth devices temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

4. AirPods battery level: If the battery level of your AirPods is low, it may affect the connection and audio quality. Ensure that your AirPods are sufficiently charged before attempting to connect them to your Mac.

5. Resetting the AirPods: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your AirPods. To do this, go to the Bluetooth menu in System Preferences, locate your AirPods, and click on the “x” button next to them to remove them from the list of paired devices. Then, put your AirPods back in the charging case, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light on the front starts flashing white, and then reconnect your AirPods to your Mac.

6. Hardware issues: In rare cases, there may be a hardware problem with either your Mac or your AirPods that is preventing them from connecting properly. If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider to get further assistance.

Remember to troubleshoot step by step and try each solution individually to identify the cause of the issue and find the most appropriate solution.

Conclusion

AirPods are wireless earbuds designed by Apple that offer a convenient and seamless audio experience. With the latest generation AirPods Pro and AirPods (2nd generation), connecting to your Mac has become even easier and more efficient.

To ensure a successful connection, it is important to have a Mac with the latest version of macOS. Additionally, make sure that both AirPods are in the charging case and are actively charging. Checking that Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac is also crucial.

For macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later, AirPods Pro can connect automatically. For macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, AirPods (2nd generation) can connect automatically. By simply opening the lid of the AirPods case and pressing and holding the setup button or noise control button (for AirPods Max) until the status light flashes white, you can initiate the connection process.

If you encounter connection issues, you can completely reset your AirPods on macOS by navigating to System Preferences and accessing the Bluetooth menu. Simply turn off Bluetooth, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

AirPods provide a seamless and convenient audio experience for Mac users. With easy connection processes and troubleshooting options available, you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and more without any hassle.

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Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.