How to upgrade from AirBuddy 2 to AirBuddy 3
AirBuddy 3 is a major upgrade that requires macOS 14 or later and an AirBuddy 3 license. Your AirBuddy 2 license remains valid for AirBuddy 2.
Before you upgrade
- Make sure the Mac is running macOS 14 or later.
- Keep your AirBuddy 2 license key, purchase email, or order number available.
- Install AirBuddy 3 on every Mac that participates in Magic Handoff. AirBuddy 3’s Magic Handoff protocol isn’t compatible with AirBuddy 2.
Upgrade your license
- Download and open AirBuddy 3.
- In the setup assistant, choose the option to upgrade an AirBuddy 2 license.
- Enter your AirBuddy 2 license key, purchase email, or order number.
- Follow the instructions to claim an available free or discounted upgrade.
- Enter the AirBuddy 3 license key and email associated with the purchase when prompted.
If you already have an AirBuddy 3 license, choose the activation option instead and enter its license key and email.
Settings and devices after upgrading
AirBuddy preserves compatible settings, device information, and Magic Handoff pairings where possible. Some features have changed:
- Connection Modes have been removed. Use a personal automation in Shortcuts to configure audio settings when AirPods connect.
- The status window and notification HUD are now the Action HUD.
- AirBuddy 3 no longer requires a separate in-app pairing process for trusted iPhone and iPad devices.
- All Macs using Magic Handoff must run AirBuddy 3.
If you need to keep using an older version of macOS, download AirBuddy 2 and refer to the AirBuddy 2 documentation archive.