How to add or troubleshoot AirPods and Beats devices

AirPods and supported Beats devices paired with another device using the same Apple Account normally become available on the Mac automatically. AirBuddy discovers them without a separate pairing process.

Use AirBuddy’s device assistant when the device doesn’t appear or when the Mac uses a different Apple Account.

1. Open AirBuddy settings and select Devices.
2. Click the Add button, then choose Add New Device.
3. Select AirPods or Beats Device.
4. Follow the instructions to open Bluetooth settings and pair the device.

For AirPods with a setup button on the charging case, put both earbuds in the case, open the lid, then press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes white. Pairing steps vary for newer AirPods and Beats models, so follow the instructions that came with the device when no setup button is present.

If the device was paired recently

If AirPods or Beats are available in Bluetooth settings but don’t appear in AirBuddy, try turning AirBuddy off then on again in AirBuddy Settings > General. macOS can delay delivering information about recently paired devices to other apps. If the issue persists, try restarting your Mac.

If pairing continues to fail

Remove the device from System Settings > Bluetooth, restart the Mac, then pair it again. Resetting AirPods removes their pairings from every device, so use Apple’s model-specific reset instructions only as a final step.

If the device still won’t show up in AirBuddy

If after following all suggestions above your device is still not showing up in AirBuddy and you’ve previously removed it from the app, go to AirBuddy Settings > Advanced and select Delete Previously Removed Devices so that AirBuddy will stop ignoring your AirPods.