How to stop AirPods from switching devices
Your AirPods jump to whichever Apple device starts making sound. Here's how to make them stay put on a Mac, iPhone or iPad, why the built-in setting often doesn't stick, and what to do instead.
Why your AirPods switch on their own
AirPods that are signed in with your Apple Account use automatic switching: they move to the device you're using as soon as it plays something. On an iPhone that's usually what you want. On a Mac it means a notification sound, a muted video starting or a browser tab can pull your AirPods away mid-song or mid-call.
Stop switching on a Mac
- Put your AirPods in your ears so they're connected to the Mac.
- Open System Settings and click your AirPods' name in the sidebar.
- Next to Connect to This Mac, choose When Last Connected to This Mac.
Now your AirPods only come to this Mac automatically if the Mac was the last device they were connected to.
Stop switching on an iPhone or iPad
- Connect your AirPods to the iPhone or iPad.
- Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then tap the info button next to your AirPods.
- Tap Connect to This iPhone (or iPad) and choose When Last Connected to This iPhone.
Apple describes these steps in its AirPods guide. The setting is per device, so change it on each one you want to stop switching.
Why they still switch
Many Mac users report in Apple's community forums that the setting goes back to Automatically after a restart, a logout or a macOS update, and that the Mac sometimes connects anyway.
It's also all or nothing. With the setting on, your AirPods stop coming to the Mac even when you want them to, like when you join a video call.
Keep automatic switching, on your terms
KeepBuds is a small menu bar app for Mac. When the Mac starts playing sound, it mutes the Mac and asks before it takes your AirPods. Answer once per app and it remembers: Zoom can always switch, Music never does.
It keeps working after restarts, and ⌥⌘A moves your AirPods to the Mac and back whenever you like.
Questions
Does turning off automatic switching change anything else?
No. Your AirPods still pair and connect normally. They just stop moving to that device by themselves.
Does this work with Beats?
Yes. Beats headphones that use automatic switching have the same setting.
How do I turn automatic switching back on?
Follow the same steps and choose Automatically.