Bluetooth headset only works when System Settings->Sound->Input tab is open

Hello. I have a 2021 M1 Macbook Pro (Chip: Apple M1 Max) with Sonoma 14.4.1 (23E224). But I have the same issue as described above with my AirPods Pro. It works when Settings-> Sound -> Input is open. I bought AirPods just a few days ago, and the issue has existed since then.

So, I don't have an option to reset NVRAM.

What can I do to enjoy my AirPods?

Hey Apple, this is a real problem. Macs have a reputation for being great with sound. What's the deal?! Please apply resources to find a fix.

(MacBook Pro 2021, M1 Pro, Sonoma 14.4.1)

In case it will be helpful, I've solved the issue in my case. First, I tried to connect my AirPods to another Macbook M1 Pro, and the issue didn't appear there. After that, I tried to connect to my Macbook, and the connection couldn't be established. I had to forget the device and sync my AirPods with my Macbook again.

After that, the issue didn't appear anymore.

Hey the solution below didn't work on me. I have a macbook air m2 and being using the same headphones for over 6months now. Any solutions?

Hello Grace,

Do you have any solutions for the configurations below?

Hello Fiaspire,

We understand that your Bluetooth headset is not working as expected and we'd like to provide you with a few steps that be able to help. At this time, we suggest that you reset NVRAM, on your MacBook Pro.

"NVRAM (or PRAM) is a small amount of memory that your Mac uses to store and quickly access certain system settings such as sound volume, display resolution, startup-disk selection, and time zone. These settings vary by Mac and the devices you're using with it.

Normally you can manage these settings in System Preferences, without resetting NVRAM. If one or more settings still don't work as expected, resetting NVRAM might help.

How to reset NVRAM

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, R.
3. Release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. For example, you might hear a startup sound more than once, or see the Apple logo more than once.
4. When your Mac finishes starting up, you might need to adjust any system settings that were reset.

Learn more

• If your Mac doesn't seem to recognize Option-Command-P-R during startup, consult the guidelines for using startup key combinations.
• If you're using a desktop Mac instead of a notebook, and settings such as sound volume or time zone are reset every time you shut down and unplug your Mac, you might need to have your Mac serviced to replace the small battery that NVRAM uses to retain settings when your Mac is unplugged."

More details here: Reset NVRAM on your Mac

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities.

Best wishes.