How to Connect AirPods to Zoom on Mac? [Step-by-Step Guide]

How often do you face audio issues while using Zoom on Mac? Struggling to connect your AirPods to the Zoom app is quite common since macOS doesn’t configure it automatically.

So, how to connect AirPods to Zoom on Mac? Well, connecting the AirPods requires you to first successfully pair the pods with your MacBook and then configure the zoom app. You’ll also need to configure the speaker and microphone manually to make it work.

A failed attempt to connect AirPods while using Zoom can be a real headache, especially moments before joining a meeting. Luckily though, this article will address most of the common issues you may face during the process as well as how to fix them.

In this article, we’ll show you how to connect AirPods to Zoom on a Mac so you can start using them right away. We’ll also share a few troubleshooting tips in case you run into issues later on.

Key Takeaways

• macOS doesn’t allow automatic AirPods configuration when using them with Zoom.
• You must enable Zoom to use the speaker and microphone manually and pair the AirPods with Mac.
• You’ll need to configure the audio settings manually.
• To fix AirPods issues with Mac, you can try disconnecting them from other devices, charging them well, ensuring a stable WiFi connection, deleting the Zoom folder from Application support, and re-installing the app.

Can You Use AirPods With Zoom On Macbook?

Yes, you can use AirPods with Zoom on Macbook. However, the process is not as straightforward as it should be.

This is because macOS restricts the automatic configuration of AirPods for use with third-party apps like Zoom to prevent any potential security risks.

Doing this ensures that only authorized users can use AirPods with Zoom manually; the process that keeps all data transmitted through AirPods is well secured.

The good news is that once you get your AirPods properly paired and configured, they will work great with Zoom on Mac.

How to Connect AirPods To Zoom On Mac

So, now that we know that you can use AirPods with Zoom on Mac, let’s get started with the details on how to do it.

The process is actually quite simple and only requires a few quick steps. Here’s how to connect AirPods to zoom meetings on Mac.

Note: Before you begin, make sure that your AirPods are adequately charged and within range of your Mac. Then, follow the instructions below.

1. Disconnect all other devices from your AirPods

Before using AirPods for Zoom meetings, ensure that they are disconnected from other devices. If your AirPods are already connected to iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, disconnect them from that device by turning off their Bluetooth.

2. Allow Zoom to use your Mac’s microphone

Zoom will ask you to grant access to your microphone the first time you use it on your Mac. Denying that permission won’t let you speak on calls.

So, check your permissions before getting into an awkward situation:

• Open Zoom, click the menu beside the Apple icon, and choose Services → Services Preferences.
• Select System Security & Privacy.
• Enter your password.
• Go to the Privacy tab.
• Choose Microphone from the left panel.
• Tick the checkbox next to Zoom from the right-hand panel.

3. Pair Your Mac with the Airpods

If your AirPods were used on your Mac before, you’d only need to put them in your ears, turn on your Mac’s Bluetooth, and click the speaker icon in your desktop’s top-right corner before selecting the Airpods.

The same applies if you’ve used them on your iPhone or iPad with the same Apple ID as the Mac.

However, if this is your first time using AirPods with a Mac, you should follow these steps:

• Put the AirPods inside the charging case with the lid open.
• Click the Apple icon and choose Bluetooth from System Preferences.
• Hold the round button until the white light starts flashing on the charging case.
• When the AirPods appear on the screen, select them and click Pair.

4. Open audio configuration settings in the Zoom app

Now, you’ll need to configure the Zoom app’s audio settings. To do this-

• Launch Zoom from the Applications folder or your Mac’s Launchpad.
• Select Settings from the top-right by clicking your profile picture.
• From the left panel, select the Audio tab.

Adjust the speaker and microphone

Next, you’ll tell Zoom to use your AirPods to capture audio during your meetings and transmit your voice through the microphone.

Here’s what you’ll need to do.

• Click the Test Speaker option, listen to the sound sample on your AirPods, and set the volume as needed.
• Click the Test Mic option, test the volume your microphone outputs, and adjust it using the slider if necessary.

5. Connect to a Zoom meeting

Now that you’ve configured your AirPods in the audio settings, Zoom will send all sounds from your Mac through your AirPods. Test it out by connecting to a Zoom meeting.

One easy way to find out of everything’s working fine is to call a friend. Ask him whether the audio (and the video) is clear enough and if there are any interruptions. If not, then it’s okay. But if yes, you’ll have more time to fix the issue.

How to Fix AirPods Not Working in Zoom on Mac?

AirPods not working with zoom on Mac is a common problem many users face. There can be several reasons for this, such as a low battery, low microphone volume, other devices’ interference, etc.

Here are a few troubleshooting methods you can try to fix this.

Ensure Your Airpods Are Fully Charged

If your AirPods are running low on battery, they might not be able to connect to your Mac or might lose the connection during a Zoom meeting. To fix this, make sure that your AirPods are adequately charged.

Disconnect Other Devices

If you have your AirPods connected to another device, such as your iPhone or iPad, disconnect them. You can do this by turning off Bluetooth on that device.

Then, to connect the AirPods to your Mac, simply turn on the Bluetooth again and pair the devices.

Ensure a Strong WiFi Connection

Maybe it’s not the AirPods, but the Zoom app itself is causing the issue. So, make sure that your WiFi connection is solid and stable.

Re-Adjust Zoom’s Audio Settings

Try re-adjusting the Zoom app’s audio settings (as shown in steps 4 and 5 in the previous section) if the app suddenly refuses to transmit audio through the AirPods’ microphone.

Delete the Zoom Folder from the Application Support

If the previous method didn’t solve the issue, try deleting the Zoom folder from your Mac’s Applications Support directory. This will reset all of Zoom’s settings, so you need to reconfigure the app.

Do as follows.

• Quit the Zoom app if it’s open.
• Open Finder and go to Application Support.
• Locate the Zoom folder and move it to the Trash.
• Restart your Mac and launch Zoom.
• Sign in with your Zoom account credentials and reconfigure the app according to your preferences.

Re-Install Zoom

If the problem persists, try uninstalling and then re-installing the Zoom app on your Mac.

• Uninstall Zoom using your Mac’s built-in uninstall app feature.
• Download and re-install Zoom from the official website.

Ensure Your Mac’s Date and Time are Adjusted

If your Mac’s date and time are not set correctly, it might cause problems with WiFi and other internet-related features. To fix this-

• Open System Preferences and go to the Date & Time preference pane.
• Make sure that the Automatically set time and date option is chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we answer some frequently asked questions about Zoom and Apple AirPods compatibility issues.

Is Zoom compatible with AirPods?

Yes, Zoom is compatible with AirPods, but it’s not the perfect match.

Zoom is a great way to start working with audio on your Mac, but it’s also merely a beginner’s tool if you’re serious about audio and video conferencing. You can also record internal audio on a mac through the help of an app. 

AirPods are great for listening to music or podcasts on the go and for making hands-free phone calls, but their audio compatibility isn’t optimized for professional use.

As you can see from our discussion above, configuring AirPods for Zoom isn’t as straightforward as it should be.

Can You Use AirPods for Zoom Meetings?

Yes, you can. However, AirPods aren’t designed as professional microphones.

So they don’t have the controls for adjusting volume and muting your microphone, which is crucial when recording meetings and conferences.

If you’re just using Zoom for casual meetings and conference calls, this won’t be an issue but if you want to record sessions or podcasts professionally, you’ll need something better than AirPods.

Why Do My AirPods Not Work with Zoom?

As we mentioned above, the main reason is that AirPods won’t work with Zoom on Mac until you configure it manually.

macOS doesn’t allow third-party apps to work with AirPods to fend off potential security risks that would hamper the brand’s reputation.

Other reasons include low battery, slow WiFi connections, microphone volume issues, other devices causing interference, etc. Try the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article to fix the problem.

Conclusion

If you are a user of Apple’s AirPods with the Mac, teaming them up with Zoom can be a bit tricky. You will not have access to volume or muting controls that you could use if you were using any other headset for Zoom.

So, if you’re looking for a more reliable experience when it comes to sound, we recommend using a professional-grade headset rather than AirPods.

Nonetheless, now that you understand how to connect AirPods to Zoom on Mac, you can start using them for your next conference call or meeting without a hitch.