Turn on Bluetooth on your MacBook: Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth → On
Open the AirPods case lid with the AirPods inside near your MacBook
Press and hold the setup button on the AirPods case until the status light flashes white
On your MacBook, click Connect when the AirPods appear in the Bluetooth device list
If prompted, confirm pairing for AirPods
Select AirPods as the audio output: System Settings → Sound → Output → AirPods
To switch microphones (if needed): System Settings → Sound → Input → AirPods
If AirPods don’t appear: keep the AirPods in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, reopen, then hold the setup button again until the light flashes white
If still not connecting: remove the AirPods from Bluetooth (System Settings → Bluetooth → select AirPods → Forget This Device), then repeat the pairing steps