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How to Connect to a Bluetooth Speaker on Mac

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Written by:

Lawrence Bonk
Updated March 16, 2023

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If you are new to the world of personal audio, you may wonder how to connect to a Bluetooth speaker on Mac. Many of the best speakers, after all, are Bluetooth speakers, and they absolutely integrate with Apple computers. So why use the best Bluetooth speakers with Mac computers, and what are the steps to get going? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Bluetooth devices work well with Apple computers and laptops, allowing seamless wireless audio.
  • The connection process is fairly simple. Use the power button to turn on the computer and look for the Bluetooth status menu up top and look for a devices list.
  • You can also set your computer’s entire input or output to a Bluetooth speaker, which is done in System Preferences in a list of devices.

Why Use Bluetooth Speakers With Macs?

Once you have tried the best portable speakers for iPhone, you start to realize these benefits could also translate to your PC. Learning how to connect an iPad to Bluetooth speakers, after all, is not that different from connecting a Mac. The main reason to connect speakers to a Mac is wireless Bluetooth audio, though you may have to learn how to secure a Bluetooth speaker.

Insider Tip

If your System Preferences do not have a selection for Bluetooth, it likely means your Mac does not support the feature.

Bluetooth speakers are just convenient, even if you have spent some time learning why your iPhone’s sound is not working when using them.

How to Connect Bluetooth Speakers to Mac

The connection process here may differ slightly depending on the make and model of your speaker and which Mac operating system you are using, but we have tried to keep things as universal as possible. We have also split it into two procedures, depending on what you want to get done with your Bluetooth-enabled speaker.

Standard Bluetooth Audio Device Set Up

  1. This is your average setup to get you listening to music with your Bluetooth speakers.
  2. Head to your Mac and look for the Bluetooth status menu in the menu bar up top.
  3. If this is your first time connecting with these speakers, choose “Connect.” If you have connected them before, just double-click on the device name.
  4. That is pretty much it, though if your Bluetooth status is not on the menu bar, head to System Preferences, click Bluetooth, and then Show Bluetooth in the Menu Bar.

STAT: Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows your Mac and Bluetooth devices to communicate without using cables. (source)

Select as Computer’s Input or Output

  1. In some cases, such as music production, you want the speaker to be your main input or output device.
  2. Head to your Mac and choose Apple menu, System Preferences, and Sound.
  3. For sound output, such as headphones, click Output. Select your device from the list.
  4. For sound input, such as a headset, click Input. Select your device from the list.

Bluetooth Mac FAQs

How do I disconnect or remove Bluetooth speakers from a Mac?

To remove any connected speakers, head to the pairing mode on the actual device and unpaid them manually. Also, you can shut off certain audio outputs or simply turn off Bluetooth entirely. Wireless technologies offer many options here.

How do I quickly fix Mac Bluetooth not working?

Make sure your device has entered pairing mode and that it is device discoverable. Also, make sure your Mac’s Bluetooth is turned on to make any device pairs, such as wireless speakers. You may need to head into settings to set the multi-output device or output device.

How do I turn on Bluetooth on Mac?

You should be able to do this in sound settings, sound preferences, or Bluetooth settings, all in System Preferences. You should also see a Bluetooth icon on the menu bar.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image
Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.