Introduction
AirPods are now the most popular wireless earbuds in this fast, tech-driven era, as they offer good-quality sound along with easier usage. AirPods are nearly unmatched in terms of convenience, whether that be for listening to music in virtual meetings or even just catching up on your favourite podcast. But did you know that this experience can extend one step further by pairing two sets of AirPods to macbook at the same time?
So, in today’s blog post, we are going to show you a detailed step-by-step guide on how you can connect two sets of AirPods to your MacBook. Whether you know everything about technology or are a beginner, our simple guides will have your dual connection up and running in no time. Then get your MacBook & AirPods and let us dive into the process of making it sound great!
What is dual audio output?
Dual Audio Output allows a MacBook to output audio simultaneously to two different pairs of AirPods Shared listening experiences are improved with this feature because two users can listen to the same audio on one device without needing splitters or additional hardware. There are several use cases for this, specifically in:
- Watching Movies Together: Blare the audio of a movie or TV show at your house without disrupting those around you.
- Collaborative Work: Collaborate on projects where both parties need to hear the same audio, like video or music editing.
- Shared Music Experience: Get those earbuds out and listen to music together while in the library, taking a break from studying or relaxing.
What are the requirements for connecting AirPods to a MacBook?
Here, we try to address the steps that enable you to connect two sets of AirPods on your MacBook I hope so Before going through the method, make sure that all things are available and Up-to-date
Necessary Items:
- MacBook: To be able to do this, you need a MacBook with dual audio output support. This feature works on most of the MacBook models that are running macOS Catalina or later versions.
- Two Sets of AirPods: You will need two pairs of AirPods that work with your MacBook.
- Updated Software: Ensure that your MacBook is updated to the newest macOS combined. This ensures that you’ll get the latest features and security patches for best-practice performance.
Ensuring All Devices Are Fully Charged:
- AirPods: Charge both sets of AirPods fully to avoid any interruptions during the setup process.
- MacBook: Ensure your MacBook is adequately charged or connected to a power source.
Preparing Your MacBook and AirPods
Before you can connect two sets of AirPods to your MacBook, it’s crucial to prepare both your MacBook and AirPods to ensure a seamless and successful setup. This section will guide you through the necessary steps.
Update macOS
Importance of Updating: Keeping your macOS up to date is essential for compatibility, performance, and security. The latest updates often include bug fixes, new features, and improved functionality, ensuring your MacBook can support dual audio output.
Steps to update macOS:
- Open System Preferences:
- Apple logo in the top left-hand panel of your screen.
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Check for software updates:
- Open System Preferences and choose Software Update
- Your MacBook searches for software updates. Press Update Now to download the latest software pack and install it.
- Restart your MacBook:
- When you are done, restart your MacBook after the update is installed to ensure it will take effect completely.
Check AirPods Compatibility
List of Compatible AirPods Models: Make sure they are compatible with your MacBook AirPods model Dual connection with macOS Catalina or newer is supported by most modern AirPods, including the current lineup (AirPods Pro and AirPods Max).
Updating AirPods Firmware: Your AirPods will automatically update their firmware anytime they are connected to your iOS device (though other devices running the GoAir app, if ever and when it is made available), charging. To verify that your AirPods are updated:
- Connect AirPods to iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Open “Bluetooth,” and your AirPods should be listed.
- Press the “i” next to your AirPods
- Check Firmware Version:
- Check the current firmware version under Version.
- Make sure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS to allow AirPods automatic software Update.
Ensuring Full Charge
Charge Both Sets of AirPods:
- Place AirPods in Their Charging Cases:
- Place both your AirPods charging cases.
- Connect to Power:
- Charge the charging cases to a power source with Apple Lightning cables
- Make sure to fully charge them before you place your headphones in pairing mode so that there are no breaks whilst they pair up with each other
Charge Your MacBook:
- Connect MacBook to Power:
- Make sure you plug your MacBook into the power source, so it has sufficient battery life during setup.
- Check Battery Level:
- Tap the battery icon in the upper right of your screen to see the option for checking the actual level.
Connecting the First Set of AirPods
Pair the first set of AirPods with your MacBook (you will connect to the second one in just a moment). Simply follow the step-by-step guide to be on your way.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
- Access System Preferences:
- Choose the Apple symbol in your top-left aspect on the TV screen.
- Choose “System Preferences” from the pull-down menu.
- Locate Bluetooth Settings:
- Click on Bluetooth in the System Preferences window.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled. If not, then click the Turn Bluetooth On button.
Step 2: Pair the First Set of AirPods
- Put AirPods in Pairing Mode:
- Put the AirPods in their charging case and open it up.
- Hold down the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white to show they are in pairing mode.
- Connect AirPods to MacBook:
- On AirPods case: This will make the light on your AirPods blink, so now they are in discovery mode On the MacBook device list, please search for new devices (Bluetooth should be turned on) and you’ll see them listed under “Devices.”
- Find your AirPods in the list, then click “Connect”
- Confirm Successful Connection:
- If you were successful, your AirPods will show up in the list of connected devices with a status showing “Connected”.
- You will probably also get a chime in your AirPods, suggesting everything is connected fine.
Step 3: Set AirPods as Audio Output Device
- Open Sound Preferences:
- back in system preferences scroll down and click on “Sound.”
- Select Output Tab:
- Open the Sound preferences and select the Output tab.
- Choose AirPods:
- Choose your AirPods in the list of Devices Available as Output.
- Make sure your AirPods are selected as the audio output device of choice.
Step 4: Test the Connection
- Play Audio:
- Launch a media player, such as iTunes or Spotify (or listen to music on YouTube).
- Verify Sound Output:
- Play anything as a test for sound output.
- Make Sure The Sound Is Playing To Your AirPods
Connecting the Second Set of AirPods
- After the first set of AirPods is joined to your MacBook, go ahead and use the Audio MIDI Setup application on the second. By going through this process, both AirPods would be getting the same audio stream at the exact time, of courseFrancois_LE_MAUFF/via REUTERS
- Step 1: Open Audio MIDI Setup
- Locate Audio MIDI Setup:
- Open Finder on your MacBook.
- Open “Applications” and go to “Utilities.”
- Locate and open the “Audio MIDI Setup” app.
- Go to the Audio Devices Window:
- From the list of connected audio devices in the Audio MIDI Setup application, you can select any device such as earphones from drop-down menus for sound input and output streams.
- Step 2: Creating Multi-Output Device
- Create New Multi-Output Device
- Then, in the lower left of your Audio Devices window, press the + icon.
- From the menu that shows up, choose “Create Multi-Output Device.”
- Set up a Multi-Output Device
- The new entry is called ”Multi-Output Device” in the list of audio devices
- Tick the corresponding boxes located adjacent to each pair of AirPods for them to be registered as part of our newly created Multi-Output Device
- Make sure you check the boxes next to both sets of AirPods and uncheck any other devices that are not necessary.
- Step 3: Default multiple-output device
- Choose the Multi-Output Device:
- Control-click on “Multi-Output Device” in the list.
- Press “Use This Device for Sound Output.”
- Adjust Master Device:
- Next, choose one half of the AirPods to be your “Master Device” in the Multi-Output interface.
- This makes sure that the audio output gets in sync with both those AirPods.
- Step 4: Test the Connection
- Play Audio:
- Launch a media player, or another audio playback application (e.g., iTunes, Spotify, YouTube).
- Verify sound output:
- Now, you can play a track or video and check the audio output.
- Make sure that you can hear clearly with the 2 sets of AirPods.
- Step 5: Setting Up Volume and Sync
- Individual Volume Control:
- To adjust the volume per AirPods, you just have to use the MacBook volume.
- Sync Issues:
- If you experience sync issues when using the two pairs of AirPods, re-configure your multi-output device or play with the Drift Correction” settings under audio MIDI setup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Generally, connecting two pairs of AirPods to your MacBook is pretty easy, though you could be facing a few common issues. For those facing any of these issues, here are a few tips to help you fix them and enjoy an uninterrupted dual audio experience.
Connection Problems
AirPods not showing up in Bluetooth settings
Check the AirPods’ battery:
Make sure both AirPods are fully charged.
Reset AirPods:
Place the AirPods back in their case with the lid shut.
Cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 seconds.
Hold the set up on its rear side until you see that status light amber, and eventually release.
Restart Bluetooth:
Disable Bluetooth on your MacBook, wait for a few seconds and then re-enable it.
Navigate to Polite>Bluetooth in System Professions, and then determine whether to reconnect the AirPods.
Pairing Failures
Remove previous connections:
Select your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings, and then click on “X” to delete them from being listed.
Initiate AirPods pairing, Put the earbuds back on and reconnect
Restart MacBook:
A reboot itself can often solve connectivity problems. Restart your MacBook and try again.
Audio Sync Issues
AirPod Audio is out of Sync
Configure Multi-Output Device Settings
Launch “Sound MIDI Setup” and choose the Multi-Output Device.
Use “Drift Correction” to enable one of the AirPods and disable it for another.
Set the correct master device:
For those in a multi-output device setup, try changing the AirPods that are set as master devices to see if that helps with audio sync.
Lag or Delay in Audio
Exit Unnecessary Apps
Exit out of and close any other applications that may be running in the background, as they will waste system resources.
Update Firmware:
Otherwise, update both AirPods versions to the latest firmware of protections Charge them by connecting them to your iPhone for automatic updates.
Ensuring Stable Connections
Intermittent Connection Drops
Minimize Interference:
Distance your MacBook or AirPods from any other devices that could be causing Bluetooth interference.
Keep Devices Close:
both AirPods are within proximity to MacBook for a good Bluetooth signal
Audio Quality Issues
Check the Internet connection:
Be sure that you stream content for your guests, so there is no trouble with quality audio.
Reconfigure Audio Settings:
Go to Audio MIDI Setup and confirm your Multi-Output Device settings
Setting the sample rate to 44100 HzFull audio quality
General Tips
Regular Updates:
Use the latest firmware of your macOS and AirPods to enjoy new features & improvements
Restart Devices:
Relieve the stress caused by temporary glitches or an overburdened connection, by restarting your MacBook and AirPods occasionally.
Taking care of these things can make the process smoother and more pleasant as you attach two different sets of AirPods to your MacBook. If that’s still not working, seek help from Apple Support.
So, that was our extensive guide to fixing most of the common issues you may face while enabling dual AirPods on your MacBook. Happy Sharing Audio!
FAQ
- Can I connect more than two sets of AirPods to my MacBook?
- Currently, macOS allows only two sets of AirPods or other Bluetooth headsets to connect using the Multi-Output Device setup. More than two sets cannot be secured.
- Do both sets of AirPods need to be the same model?
- No, you can connect different models of AirPods to your MacBook. The process will remain the same, regardless of the differences.
- * Will the audio have a delay or lag between the two sets of AirPods?
- Yes, there might be slight audio synchronization issues when using two sets of AirPods at the same time. However, enacting “Drift Correction” in the Audio MIDI Setup for one of the sets may help reduce the lag.
- Can I adjust the volume of each set of AirPods individually?
- Yes, you can control the volume of two sets of AirPods through the volume settings using your MacBook or the Audio MIDI setup.
- What should I do if one set disconnects while using the dual setup?
- Make sure the disconnected AirPods are charged.
- Turn off and Turn on Bluetooth on mac
- Reconnect the AirPods through Bluetooth
- Check the Multi-Output Device in the Audio MIDI Setup to ensure both sets are connected.