10 Best Fixes for AirPods Disconnecting From Mac

Unless the AirPods are out of battery, they shouldn’t randomly disconnect from your device, especially while you’re using them. Sadly, this is not the case for some Mac users whose AirPods connection gets disrupted. If you’re experiencing this, we will highlight the probable reasons why your AirPods keep disconnecting from your Mac and how to fix this problem.

If you’re wondering why my AirPods keep disconnecting from my Mac, there could be various reasons. It could be an issue with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple ID, or your Mac itself. Regardless of the issue, here are the best solutions if your AirPods won’t stay connected to your Mac.

Note: The solutions in this guide apply to all generations of Apple AirPods — AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max.

1. Restart Your Mac

Several users have complained about their Mac disconnecting from AirPods. If this happens to you, try restarting your Mac before trying more complex solutions. Simply click the Apple logo on the menu bar, then select Restart. Remember to manually close all apps to avoid losing any unsaved data.

Restarting your Mac can help eliminate device-related hitches that cause the intermittent disconnection of AirPods from your Mac. If the issues persist after restarting, try the next method.

To unpair the AirPods from your Mac and reconnect them, follow these steps:

1. Tap the Bluetooth icon on your Mac’s menu bar and select ‘Open Bluetooth Preferences’.

If the Bluetooth icon isn’t on the menu bar, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth and check the ‘Show Bluetooth in menu bar’ option.

Step 2: Right-click AirPods and Remove.

Step 3: Tap Forget Device on the prompt. The AirPods will be removed from your Mac.

The next step is to reconnect the AirPods to your Mac. Insert both AirPods into the charging case and close the lid.

Reopen the lid and hold the setup button on the case until the status light case turns white. This puts the AirPods in pairing mode.

Open your Mac’s Bluetooth settings menu and tap the Connect button next to the AirPods. Make sure the Mac’s Bluetooth is turned on.

Use AirPods and check if the connection is now stable. Proceed to the next solution if AirPods keep disconnecting from Mac.

3. Turn Off Bluetooth on Your Phone

AirPods can automatically switch between Apple devices. To rule out prioritization of your iPhone or iPad over your Mac, turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone and iPad.

Once done, enable Bluetooth on your Mac and see if your AirPods stay connected.

4. Debug Your Mac’s Bluetooth

There’s a hidden debug menu on macOS that lets users troubleshoot and fix Bluetooth issues. Explore the options on the debug menu and one should help stabilize your connection between your Mac and AirPods.

Reset Mac’s Bluetooth Module

Resetting your Mac’s Bluetooth hardware module can refresh configurations and disconnect active devices, eliminating glitches that cause AirPods disconnections.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar while holding Shift + Option on your Mac’s keyboard.

Step 2: Click Debug on the context menu. If you don’t find it, disable and enable Bluetooth and you should see it.

Step 3: Select ‘Reset Bluetooth module.’ This will reset Bluetooth memory on your Mac.

Click OK on the confirmation prompt. Note that this will disconnect your Bluetooth devices.

Disconnecting all Bluetooth devices on your Mac will also disconnect the AirPods. To reconnect, tap the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar, choose the AirPods, and click Connect.

Factory Reset Apple Devices

This debug option resets your Mac’s connection with Apple Bluetooth devices. To use it, follow these steps:

1. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar while holding Shift + Option on your Mac’s keyboard.

2. Tap on Debug in the context menu.

Step 3: Select ‘Factory reset all connected Apple devices.’

Note: Make sure the AirPods are connected to your Mac before selecting this option.

Step 4: Click OK on the prompt to proceed.

5. Delete Bluetooth Configuration Files

In a previous guide, we explained how deleting certain configuration files can reset and fix Wi-Fi issues on Mac. The same applies to Bluetooth issues. The Bluetooth preference list is where the settings of connected devices are stored. Deleting this file will restore your Mac’s Bluetooth to its default settings and fix connection errors with AirPods.

Step 1: Go to Folder.

Step 2: Paste the path below in the box, and click Go./Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

To access the Preferences folder and locate the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist file, follow these steps: Open the folder and find the file.

Step 3: Right-click the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist file and select ‘Move to Bin.’

Step 4: Authenticate the process. Enter your Mac’s password or use Touch ID to confirm.

Reconnect the AirPods to your Mac and check if it stays connected.

6. Disconnect Form Other Devices

AirPods are primarily for Apple devices, but you might want to use them occasionally with your Android phone or Windows PC. Consequently, your AirPods won’t automatically switch when connecting to your Mac.

To solve this, disconnect your AirPods from another device. Then, try connecting them to your Mac again. It should work.

7. Ensure You’re Within the Bluetooth Range

The AirPods pair and work with your Mac via Bluetooth. It’s important to stay in the Bluetooth range when using the AirPods. This means you need to be close to your Mac. If you walk away from the Bluetooth range, the audio may start to fall apart and disconnect.

To avoid this, stay close to your Mac when using the AirPods. This ensures you’re always within Bluetooth range and don’t experience random disconnections.

To switch your AirPods from your iPhone to your Mac, both devices must be connected to the same Apple ID. Here’s how to check your Mac’s Apple ID:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen and select System Settings.

Step 2: Click on your Apple ID at the top of the left pane. Step 3: Scroll down on the right side to see the list of your Apple products signed in to your Apple ID.

If your other Apple devices like iPhone and iPad don’t appear, log in with the same Apple ID. Then, try using your AirPods.

9. Update AirPods to the Latest Firmware

The AirPods run on firmware developed by Apple. This firmware is responsible for the features and functioning of the earbuds. If your AirPods keep disconnecting from your phone, it’s possible that the firmware is buggy. Try updating it to see if the issue is resolved.

If there is newer firmware available for your AirPods, simply place them in the case while connected to your phone. Connect a lightning cable to start charging and the update will occur. Note that an iPhone is required for this update, it cannot be done on a Mac.

10. Factory Reset the AirPods

If none of the solutions worked, try factory resetting your AirPods. Here’s how:

Step 1: Charge the AirPods in the case.

Step 2: Open the lid of the AirPods case and check for a blinking orange or green LED.

Step 3: Press and hold the button at the back of the AirPods case for 15 seconds. The LED on the front will start blinking white. Release the button when this happens.

Step 4: Close and reopen the AirPods case. You will get a prompt on your iPhone or Mac to connect your AirPods.

Link the AirPods to see if it starts working.

FAQs for AirPods Disconnecting From Mac

1. Can I connect my AirPods with multiple devices?

Yes, AirPods can be connected to multiple Apple devices at the same time. They can switch between Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

2. Do AirPods automatically switch between devices?

Your AirPods will automatically switch between Apple devices. If you’re connected to an iPhone and a Windows PC, you will have to manually connect your AirPods to each device.

3. Can I use AirPods with Windows laptops?

Enjoy Uninterrupted Audio

If your AirPods disconnect from your Mac, follow the solutions above to enjoy uninterrupted music. It’s not enjoyable when one AirPod randomly disconnects. Usually, the issue is simple and easily fixed.