Connect a Bluetooth speaker or headphones to your Mac

Why it happens

A Bluetooth speaker or headset only shows up on a new device while it's in pairing mode. Out of the box, or once it's linked to your phone, it often connects to the phone instead. Once your Mac and the speaker are paired, they reconnect on their own next time.

How to fix it

1. Turn the speaker or headphones on and put them in pairing mode. On most, you hold the Bluetooth or power button for a few seconds until a light flashes; the manual says exactly how. For most AirPods, open the case and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white. Models without a button have their own steps in Apple's AirPods guide.

2. On your Mac, open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is on, then wait for your device to appear under Nearby Devices.

   Bluetooth

3. Hold the pointer over your device's name and click Connect. If you're asked to accept or type a code, do that. It moves up to My Devices and shows Connected.

4. Make sure the sound goes to it. Open Sound settings and choose your speaker or headphones under Output, or pick them from Sound in Control Center.

   Sound›Output

Still not fixed?

1. If it doesn't appear in the list, turn off Bluetooth on your phone or tablet for a moment. Many speakers grab the last phone they knew before your Mac can see them.

2. Turn the speaker off and on, hold its pairing button until it flashes again, and keep it right next to your Mac with the Bluetooth window open.

3. If it's paired but won't connect, remove it and start again. In Bluetooth settings, Control-click the device, choose Forget, then pair it again from the start.

   Bluetooth

4. Reset the speaker or headphones with the maker's reset steps, then restart your Mac and pair again. This clears old pairings that can block a new one.

5. If it pairs with other devices but never with your Mac, contact Apple Support. If it won't pair with anything, contact the maker, as the speaker may need a repair.