Double the Sound, Double the Fun: Connecting Two AirPods to Your MacBook – A Pro’s Guide

Want to share your favorite tunes or enjoy a movie night without disturbing others? Connecting two sets of AirPods to your MacBook is a fantastic way to do it. Here’s the lowdown on how to get it done, bypassing the usual single-device limitation and unlocking a shared listening experience.

The straightforward method for connecting two AirPods to your MacBook is using Audio MIDI Setup. This built-in macOS utility allows you to create a multi-output device, effectively routing audio to both sets of AirPods simultaneously. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Connect the First Pair: Ensure your first pair of AirPods is connected to your MacBook. Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth and confirm they are connected.

2. Connect the Second Pair: Connect your second pair of AirPods to your MacBook using the same method. Both should now be listed as connected Bluetooth devices.

3. Open Audio MIDI Setup: Open Finder, go to Applications > Utilities, and launch Audio MIDI Setup.

4. Create a Multi-Output Device: In the Audio MIDI Setup window, click the “+” button in the bottom left corner and select “Create Multi-Output Device.”

5. Configure the Multi-Output Device: A new entry will appear on the left panel. Check the boxes next to both your AirPods in the list of devices on the right. This tells your MacBook to send audio to both.

6. Designate the Master Device: Select one of your AirPods as the “Master Device.” This device’s volume control will be used to control the overall volume for both AirPods.

7. Adjust Drift Correction (Optional): If you experience audio sync issues, check the “Drift Correction” box for any AirPods that are not the Master Device. This helps synchronize the audio output.

8. Select the Multi-Output Device as Your Audio Output: Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output. Select the “Multi-Output Device” you just created from the list of available output devices.

9. Enjoy Shared Audio: Now, any audio played on your MacBook will be simultaneously transmitted to both sets of AirPods!

That’s it! You’re now enjoying audio with two sets of AirPods connected to your MacBook. However, there are things you should be aware of such as issues that can arise during the process and that are covered in the FAQ section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Connecting Two AirPods

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about connecting two sets of AirPods to your MacBook:

1. Why can’t I directly connect two AirPods like I can with some phones?

macOS’s native Bluetooth implementation traditionally prioritizes a one-to-one connection for audio output. The Audio MIDI Setup workaround essentially creates a virtual audio device that aggregates multiple physical outputs into a single logical stream. This allows you to route audio to multiple destinations simultaneously.

2. Will the microphone on both AirPods work?

No. Only the microphone on the Master Device (the AirPods you designated as such in the Audio MIDI Setup) will be active. macOS only supports one audio input device at a time.

3. Is there a noticeable delay or lag when using two AirPods?

Potentially. The Audio MIDI Setup method can introduce a slight latency. Experiment with the “Drift Correction” setting to minimize any noticeable delay. Factors like Bluetooth interference and the processing power of your MacBook can also affect latency.

4. Can I control the volume of each pair of AirPods independently?

No, not directly through macOS’s built-in volume control. The volume of the Master Device controls the overall volume for both sets of AirPods. You can, however, adjust the volume individually on each set of AirPods using the stem controls (if applicable) or the digital crown on AirPods Max.

5. Will this method work with other Bluetooth headphones, not just AirPods?

Yes! The Audio MIDI Setup method works with any Bluetooth headphones or speakers that are connected to your MacBook. The steps are identical, simply selecting the appropriate devices when creating the Multi-Output Device.

6. My audio is out of sync. How do I fix it?

As noted earlier, try enabling “Drift Correction” for all devices except the Master Device in Audio MIDI Setup. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your MacBook and reconnecting your AirPods. Bluetooth interference can also cause syncing issues, so try moving away from potential sources of interference like Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices.

7. How do I switch back to using only one pair of AirPods?

Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and select the desired single set of AirPods as your output device. This will bypass the Multi-Output Device you created.

8. Is there any impact on battery life when using two AirPods simultaneously?

Yes. Using two sets of AirPods will drain your MacBook’s battery faster and, of course, drain the battery of the AirPods themselves more quickly as they are both actively transmitting and receiving audio.

9. Can I use this method to record audio from two microphones simultaneously?

No. Audio MIDI Setup can create a Multi-Output Device for outputting audio, but it cannot create a similar device for combining multiple inputs. macOS only supports one audio input device at a time.

10. What if I don’t see my AirPods listed in the Audio MIDI Setup?

First, ensure both sets of AirPods are properly connected to your MacBook via Bluetooth. If they are connected but not showing up in Audio MIDI Setup, try disconnecting and reconnecting them. Also, make sure your macOS is up to date, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

11. Will connecting two AirPods affect the audio quality?

Potentially. While the digital audio stream itself isn’t inherently degraded, the Bluetooth connection and processing overhead can sometimes introduce minor artifacts or a slight reduction in overall audio fidelity. This is usually minimal and often unnoticeable.

12. I keep getting disconnected. What can I do?

Bluetooth is susceptible to interference. Make sure there are no other devices that are operating on Bluetooth in close proximity to your MacBook. If you are in a busy place with lots of potential interference, it is possible that the signal is simply being interrupted by another device. Try to relocate to a different space if the issue persists.

By following these instructions and addressing potential issues with these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to sharing the audio love with two sets of AirPods connected to your MacBook. Enjoy the shared listening experience!