A user equipment and a method for a 2-step random access (RA) procedure are provided. The method includes performing a first Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedure on a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) occasion for transmitting a preamble of a message A (MSGA), performing a second LBT procedure on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) occasion for transmitting a payload of the MSGA, the payload including a Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), monitoring Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) candidates for a first random access response (RAR) identified by a message B (MSGB)-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) in a MSGB window, and determining whether to monitor the PDCCH candidates for a second RAR identified by the C-RNTI in the MSGB window based on whether the second LBT procedure is successful.