How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a Mac

This article teaches you how to connect Bluetooth headphones to MacBook and other Mac devices and what to do if you can't connect the headset correctly. It also explains how to remove or unpair a device. 

How Do I Add Bluetooth Headphones to My Mac?

To connect your MacBook Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, you'll need to place the Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode as well as initiate the search on your Mac. Here's what to do.

1. On your headphones, press the pairing button or take them out of their wireless charging case.

   Different headphones have different methods of pairing. If the above tip doesn't work, consult the manual for your headphones.

2. Click the Apple logo on the desktop. 

3. Click System Preferences.

4. Click Bluetooth.

5. Wait for the headphones to appear on the device list, then click Connect.

6. Your Bluetooth headphones are now connected to your Mac.

How Do I Add Bluetooth Headphones in macOS Ventura?

The process for adding Bluetooth headphones in Ventura (macOS 13) is similar to older versions of macOS, but slightly different due to the re-designed interface.

1. Set your headphones to pairing mode.

2. Select the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your desktop, then select System Settings.

3. Select Bluetooth (you may need to scroll down to find it).

4. Locate your headphones under Nearby Devices and move your cursor over their name, then select the Connect button next to it.

How to Connect Your Bluetooth Headphones via the Control Center

If you'd prefer to connect your Bluetooth headphones via the Control Center menu, you can also use your Mac Bluetooth this way. Here's how to do it.

1. Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode.

2. Click Control Center.

3. Click Bluetooth.

4. Click Bluetooth Preferences.

5. Click Connect next to the device name. 

Why Won't My Bluetooth Headphones Connect to My Mac?

If your headphones don't connect to your Mac, there are multiple reasons why this might be the case, with many of them being relatively simple fixes. We have a comprehensive guide on fixing headphones, but the key settings to check that you've activated pairing mode and Bluetooth is working on your Mac. It's also worth checking if your Bluetooth headphones are charged and operating correctly with other devices. 

How to Disconnect Your Bluetooth Headphones From Your Mac

If you wish to unpair your Bluetooth headphones from your Mac, the process is fairly simple. Here's what to do.

1. Click the Apple logo on the desktop.

2. Click System Preferences.

3. Click Bluetooth.

4. Click the x next to your Bluetooth headphones' name.

   You may need to hover over the device name for the x to appear.

5. Click Remove.

How to Disconnect Bluetooth Headphones in macOS Ventura

As with adding headphones, the steps needed to disconnect them in macOS Ventura are slightly different.

1. Select the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the Finder, then System Settings.

2. Select Bluetooth from the menu.

3. Locate your headphones under My Devices and hover the cursor over their name, then select Disconnect when it appears.

How to Enable Bluetooth on Mac

To connect Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, you need to make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your MacBook or other Mac device so the two can communicate with each other. Here's what to do:

1. Click the Apple logo on the desktop.

2. Click System Preferences.

   In macOS 13 Ventura, this option is named System Settings.

3. Click Bluetooth. 

4. Click Turn Bluetooth On.

   In macOS 13 Ventura, the Turn Bluetooth On button has been replaced by a toggle next to the Bluetooth option. Turn the toggle on (it will appear blue) to turn on Bluetooth.