Your Mac asks before it takes your AirPods.
Listening on your iPhone when a video starts on your Mac? KeepBuds mutes the Mac and asks first, instead of pulling your AirPods away mid-song or mid-call.
For macOS 14 or later. One purchase covers up to 10 Macs.
Apple gives you two choices. Neither one asks.
On a Mac, your AirPods connect either automatically, or only when they were last used with that Mac. The first takes them whenever the Mac makes a sound. The second tends to switch back to automatic after an update.
KeepBuds puts a decision in between. Every time your Mac reaches for your AirPods, it checks three things, in this order.
Is a call on?
If your AirPods are on a call with your iPhone, the Mac leaves them alone. This check can't be turned off.
Does a rule match?
Your rules run top to bottom, by app, Wi-Fi network or time of day. The first match decides: Always, Ask or Never.
Nothing matched? It asks.
The Mac's speakers go quiet while a small panel asks. Say yes and the sound moves to your AirPods in a couple of seconds.
Answer once, and it remembers.
Choose Always or Never in the panel and KeepBuds turns your answer into a rule. Change any of them later in Settings.
- AlwaysZoom, Teams and FaceTime take your AirPods while the microphone is on.
- NeverMusic on the Mac never pulls your AirPods away from your iPhone.
- NeverQuiet hours, for example from 23:00 to 07:00.
- AskYour office Wi-Fi asks every time. Anything without a rule asks too.
It handles the in-between moments too.
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Stops automatic connectionsWhen your Mac reaches for your AirPods on its own, KeepBuds keeps them on your iPhone and tells you, with a one-click undo.
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Lets go when your iPhone takes them backStart playing on your iPhone and the Mac steps aside, so the next sound on the Mac asks again.
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One shortcut, both waysPress ⌥⌘A, or use the switch in the menu bar, to bring your AirPods to the Mac and hand them back.
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Keeps call audio clearCalls keep using your Mac's microphone, so your AirPods stay in full sound quality.
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Reminds you when the mic is still onIf an app still uses your microphone after a meeting on your calendar ended, KeepBuds tells you and mutes it in one click.
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Battery at a glanceLeft, right and case battery in the menu bar, with a heads-up when one runs low.
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Not only AirPodsBose, Sony and other Bluetooth headphones can be protected too. Battery and status show for AirPods and Beats.
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Pause when you wantLet your Mac switch freely for an hour. Protection comes back on its own.
Runs on your Mac.
Stays on your Mac.
KeepBuds checks which app is playing sound and whether the microphone is on, right on your Mac. It never records audio. The only thing it sends anywhere is the email you use to activate your purchase.
Yearly or lifetime.
One purchase covers up to 10 Macs.
Lifetime
Pay once and keep it
$14.99one time
Launch price: $9.99 for the first two weeks
Buy lifetimeNot for you? Full refund within 14 days. Cancel a yearly plan any time. Checkout is handled by Stripe, which also takes care of sales tax and VAT.
Download KeepBuds
A small menu bar app for macOS 14 or later. It turns on once you've bought it.
Download for MacRequires macOS 14 or later.
- Buy a planCheckout opens on Stripe. Use the email you want your purchase tied to.
- Install KeepBudsOpen the download, drag KeepBuds to Applications and open it. It lives in your menu bar.
- Click Open KeepBudsThe thank-you page after checkout has an Open KeepBuds button. One click and it's on.
Questions
How do I stop my AirPods from switching to my Mac?
macOS has a setting for it (here's where to find it), but it turns automatic switching off completely, and many people find it resets after a restart. KeepBuds keeps automatic switching and asks before your Mac takes your AirPods.
Which headphones does it work with?
AirPods and Beats that switch automatically between your Apple devices, tested with AirPods Pro 2. Other Bluetooth headphones, such as Bose or Sony, can be protected too; battery and status are shown for AirPods and Beats only.
How do I turn it on after buying?
After checkout, the thank-you page has an Open KeepBuds button. Click it with KeepBuds installed and it turns on.
How do I use it on another Mac?
Install KeepBuds there and choose Settings › Account › Restore purchase. Enter the email you bought with, then the 6-digit code we email you.
What if I need it on more than 10 Macs?
A purchase covers 10 Macs at a time. On a Mac you no longer use, choose Sign out this Mac in Settings › Account to free its place.
Do I need to change anything on my iPhone?
No. KeepBuds runs on your Mac only, and your iPhone keeps working the way it does now.
What permissions does it ask for?
Bluetooth, so it can see your AirPods and connect them when you say so. Calendar only if you turn on the meeting reminder.
Does it record or upload anything?
No. KeepBuds checks which app is playing sound and whether the microphone is on, right on your Mac. It never records audio, and nothing leaves your Mac except the email you use to activate a purchase.
What happens if I quit KeepBuds?
Your Mac goes back to switching your AirPods the way macOS normally does.
Why isn't it on the Mac App Store?
It needs Bluetooth control that App Store apps aren't allowed to use, so it's sold here instead.