How to Configure and Connect AirPods Pro 2 on Pop!_OS with PipeWire

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The AirPods Pro 2 are premium Bluetooth earphones that can be paired with Pop!_OS using PipeWire, a modern audio server with excellent support for advanced Bluetooth codecs. This guide explains how to configure PipeWire and connect your AirPods Pro 2 for optimal audio quality.

Step 1: Install Required Packages

First, ensure that all necessary packages are installed:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install pipewire pipewire-audio-client-libraries libspa-0.2-bluetooth wireplumber

These packages provide Bluetooth audio support and enable advanced codecs like AAC.

Step 2: Enable Advanced Bluetooth Codecs

To use high-quality codecs such as AAC (used by AirPods), modify PipeWire’s configuration file.

  • Open the configuration file:
sudo nano /usr/share/pipewire/media-session.d/bluez-monitor.conf
  • Add the bluez5.codecs section and ensure it includes aac:
bluez5.codecs = [sbc aac ldac aptx aptx_hd]
  • Save the file (Ctrl+O, Enter) and exit (Ctrl+X).

Step 3: Restart PipeWire Services

After configuring the codecs, restart the PipeWire services to apply changes:

systemctl --user restart pipewire
systemctl --user restart wireplumber

Step 4: Pair and Connect AirPods Pro 2

Use the Bluetooth tool to pair and connect your AirPods Pro 2 normaly:

Step 5: Adjust Audio Profiles (Optional)

To ensure high-quality audio, set the profile to A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile):

  • Install the pavucontrol tool to manage audio settings:
sudo apt install pavucontrol
  • Open pavucontrol (PulseAudio Volume Control) and go to the Configuration tab.
  • Select High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink) for your AirPods Pro.

Step 6: Enable Microphone Support (Optional)

If you need to use the AirPods Pro 2 microphone, switch to the HFP (Hands-Free Profile). Note that this will reduce audio playback quality. You can select this profile from pavucontrol or manage it through bluetoothctl.

Step 7: Test the Connection

Play some music or videos to test the connection and audio quality. You can check the active Bluetooth profile and codec using:

pactl list sinks

Troubleshooting

  • No sound or poor quality? Ensure the profile is set to A2DP in pavucontrol.
  • Connection issues? Restart the Bluetooth service:
sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
  • Codec not working? Double-check the bluez-monitor.conf configuration and ensure aac is included.

By following these steps, you can enjoy high-quality audio from your AirPods Pro 2 on Pop!_OS with PipeWire.