AirPods Problem on Big Sur

I am also having this issue. macOS Big Sur Version 11.0.1, neither do my Airpod Pros or Sony **-CH710N headphones connect for longer than 5 seconds. Deleting "/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/InstantOn.driver" fix not doable, as this driver (or the HAL folder) are not located in this location.

I want to echo what others said (and to say thanks), this fix worked for me too...

Deleting “InstantOn.driver” at /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/“ and a reboot 

Also, for those who mention not finding the plug-in "InstantOn.driver" or the HAL folder in that location, remember that there is more than one Library folder. One is located inside the System folder, the other is not.

You don't want the Library that's inside the system folder, you want the one that you'll find by clicking on your hardrive image in the left of the Finder window. Then follow the file tree and you should find an "InstantOn.driver" folder inside the HAL folder. Delete that (requires you to enter system password approval) and reboot.

For me, worked great afterward.

I have the same issue, my AirPods connect buy only the right one works, tried unpairing and pairing again and didn't work, both AirPods work just fine with my iPhone. Tried to locate the file to delete and fix the issue but I can't find the HAL folder, once I go inside Plug-ins there are other three folders but not the HAL.

Deleting all plugins in "/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/HAL/" and restarting fixed this issue.

My issue was fixed after reconnecting the AirPods.

I faced the same issue when updated Mac OS to big sur. After checking sound settings I changed the balancing in output tab to center and it worked fine. Thanks for the suggestions given by one of the member it worked for me.

Had the same 'lost connection' issue after 2-3 seconds. Airpods 2nd Gen. Went to Bluetooth preferences, forgot the Airpods, held down the button on the back of the case to re-pair and it connected. Works like a gem.

Just wanted to let everyone know Big Sur Beta 11.1 did not fix the problem. Tried removing the AirPods from all devices resetting them and paring them again and they work fine with the iPad and iPhone but not the MBP. Multiple times tried submitting this issue with FeedBack Assistant and still haven’t heard anything back. Tried a full reinstall from recovery mode. Tried NVRAM reset and SMC Reset nothing has fixed the BT issue. Any help would be appreciated.

Success! AirPods restored. Thank you “jackster12" I kept making the mistake of going to “system/library" when I just needed the regular library.... Deleting “InstantOn.driver” at (your hard drive name)/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/“ and a reboot.

this problem repeats itself, even i solved it by erasing plug in data, same problem occurs when i disconnected from my mac. apple should solve this problem, otherwise this will decrease the user comfort.

I am on 11.0.1. I read the tips about changing the balance but didn't see an option for it.

In my /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/ folder all I had were 3 empty folders (which didn't seem like it would matter?) but I deleted them and restarted, then went back to Sound preferences and boom - balance slider showed up, and it was all the way to the right.

So far so good (it seems fixed now)

I solved it by going to Audio MIDI settings, go to the AirPods tabs and you will find out that the volume of the AirPod is turned down, so you just need to turn it up and align it with the AirPod that works. That should be fixing the problem :)

I still have the same problem with my Bose Quiet Comfort 35 and it sucks! They simply just won't stay connected. They only do for 10seconds without audio playback and than disconnect.

• I tried deleting the files in /Plug-Ins but these 3 folders are empty and I can't delete this folders themself like the person under me suggested.

• I tried deleting the headphones and pair them again

• I tried removing the MacBook in my Bose App on my phone

Can somebody from Apple fix this sh** already?!

And yes I am running the latest headphones firmware 3.0.3

I've had the same problem with my AirPods Pro and Big Sur. Running Big Sur v. 11.0.1 and the latest update for the AirPods. As @Repidepi mentioned, I was also not able to delete any of the files within the /Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL folder - I wholeheartedly agree with this comment.

However, @Natashaag31's comment about changing the sounds within the Audio MIDI settings worked for me! I hope this helps with anyone who had the same struggles as me.

Wat helped for me in Big Sur 11.0.1 is going to system preferences >> sound >> output and than setting the balance slider in the middle. Somehow it was on the far right side.