Whether you're watching a movie on a flight or answering an important work call, it can be incredibly frustrating when your AirPods® won't connect to your device.
Here at Asurion, when technology fails, we fix it, if you need helpFaceID Troubleshooting®, unlocking aiphone disabled®, otransferring contactsfrom an old device to a new one. Here are the six troubleshooting steps our experts recommend when your AirPods won't connect to your iPhone, iPad®, or iPod touch®.If you have trouble connecting them to your Mac® computer, go further down the article for instructions.
1. Restart your AirPods
If your AirPods won't connect, try resetting them first. To see how:
AirPods:With the headphones in the case, close the lid for at least 10 seconds and try again.
AirPods Max®:Take out the right earphone. Press and hold the Digital Crown and Noise Control button simultaneously until the light next to the charging port blinks amber. This should take around 10 seconds. Then release both buttons immediately (holding them down any longer will revert your AirPods Max to factory settings). Now try to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
2. Check your Bluetooth
If your Bluetooth isn't turned on, your AirPods won't work. To check accessAjustes > Bluetoothon your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If it is not lit, touch the button (it will change from gray to green).
3. Check the load
If your AirPods are not sufficiently charged, they will not connect to your device. This is what you can do.
Check the charge in your AirPods case
To make sure your AirPods have enough juice, place them in the case and open the lid. If you see a small green light, they are fully charged. An amber light means they are not.
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Check the charge of your AirPods with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
You can also check the battery level of your AirPods on your device. Follow these steps:
- Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by going toControl Center > Bluetooth.
- Put your AirPods in the case, hold it close to your device, and open the lid.
- Wait for a while and a pop-up will appear on the screen revealing the charging status of the AirPods and their case.
Check the charge of your AirPods using the battery widget
This method works when you wear your AirPods.
- Swipe right to access widgets on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Scroll down and tapto edit, then the plus icon in the upper left corner of the screen to add a new one.
- Tapbatteries inthe widget list and choose the size of the widget.
- Place the widget and touchMade.
Whenever you want to check the battery level of your AirPods, just open the widget page.
4. Check for updates
Missed updates can cause a variety of problems with electronics, including AirPods. So make sure your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch has the latest version of iOS®. This is how it is checked:
- Make a backup of your device.
- Connect your device to power and Wi-Fi.
- TapSettings > General>Software update.
- If you see an update (or two), choose the one you want to install and tapInstall Now. If you seedownload and installinstead, tap it to download the update, enter your password, and tapInstall Now.
After updating your device, see if your AirPods connect. If not, keep reading.
5. Check your connection
If your AirPods suddenly stop working, it could be because they're paired with another device. There are a few ways to check and troubleshoot.
- Put your AirPods in the charging case, wait a moment, and take them out again to reconnect them to your device.
- If you try to connect to a device while sitting near other people, turn off Bluetooth on those nearby devices.
- Confirm that your AirPods are selected as your audio device. To do this, review the steps below.
How to confirm that your AirPods are selected as your audio device
- OpenControl center. Depending on your device and model, you can do this by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen or by swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen.
- Touch and hold the group of controls in the upper right or left corner.
- TapAirplay.
- In the displayed list, tap your AirPods to connect them to your device.
If your AirPods won't connect, follow these steps:
- Close the lid for 15 seconds and open it. Press and hold the setup button on your charging case for a count of 10. The status light should blink white, indicating that your AirPods are ready to connect.
- With your AirPods in the case and the lid open, hold the case close to the device you want to connect it to.
- Follow the steps on the screen and test your AirPods.
- If they still don't work, you'll need to reset your AirPods. Read on and we'll show you how.
6. Restablece tus AirPods
Unlucky? It's time torestart your AirPods. Watch this video ofAsurion YouTube channelfor instructions:
How to fix AirPods that won't connect to your Mac
If you're trying to connect your AirPods to your Mac, follow these simple steps. They vary slightly from what you may have experienced with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Search for updates
Make sure your Mac is up to date with the latest version of the operating system. Before starting,backupyour mac Then follow these steps:
- ChooseSystem preferencesfrom the Apple menu, located in the upper left corner of the screen.
- CliqueSoftware update.
- CliqueUpdate nowoUpdate now.
Update nowinstalls the latest updates for the currently installed version, such as an update from macOS® Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6.
Update nowinstalls a new major version with a new name, such as macOS Monterey. Software Update only shows updates that are compatible with your Mac.
check load
If your AirPods are not sufficiently charged, they will not connect to your device. This is what you can do.
Check the charge in your AirPods case
To make sure your AirPods have enough juice, place them in the case and open the lid. If you see a small green light, they are fully charged. An amber light means they are not.
Check charging on your AirPods using your Mac
You can also check the battery level of your AirPods on your computer. Follow these steps:
- Take your AirPods out of the case or leave them in and open the lid.
- On the menu bar at the top of the screen, click the Bluetooth icon.
- Select your AirPods.
- Battery life will appear for each AirPod, as well as the case itself.
Check your Bluetooth
On your Mac, go toApple menu > System Preferences, then clickBluetooth. If the popup window says Bluetooth is off, clickactivar bluetooth.
check your connection
Confirm that your AirPods are paired with your Mac.
- Put your AirPods in the case and open the lid.
- Press and hold the Settings button on the back of the case or the Noise Control button (AirPods Max only) until the status light blinks white.
- On your Mac, chooseApple menu > System Preferences>Bluetooth.
- selectAirPodsin the Devices list.
If your AirPods appear in the device list but won't connect, click the X to the right of your AirPods to remove them from the list. Then follow these steps:
- Close the box, wait 15 seconds, and reopen the lid.
- Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for a count of 10. The status light should blink white, which means your AirPods are ready to connect.
- With your AirPods in and the lid open, hold the charging case next to your Mac.
- Follow the steps on your Mac screen.
- Test your AirPods.
If you still can't connect, reset your AirPods by following the instructions for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, come on. Schedule a repair atand our certified experts can get your device up and running the same day.
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FAQs
Why are my AirPods not fully connecting? ›
Make sure that your iPhone or iPod touch has the latest version of iOS or that your iPad has the latest version of iPadOS. Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging. To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
How can I improve my AirPods connection? ›- Check the battery levels.
- Check Bluetooth connection.
- Disconnect & reconnect the AirPods.
- Reset your AirPods.
- Turn the Automatic Ear Detection off.
- Update your AirPods' firmware.
- Try Apple Support.
If your AirPods still won't work during phone calls, you may need to reconnect them to your iPhone completely. To do this, try forgetting them as a Bluetooth device, then reconnecting them to your iPhone. Head back to Settings, then tap Bluetooth again. Then, tap the blue “i” icon next to your AirPods.
Why are my AirPods only connecting for a few seconds? ›Update the Firmware on Your AirPods
If your AirPods don't stay connected, outdated device firmware might be the reason behind the issue. With your AirPods connected to your iPhone, head to Settings > General > About > AirPods and check whether Firmware Version is up to date.
Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods]. If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm.
How long do AirPods last? ›What you can expect with AirPods Pro (1st generation) With multiple charges in your case, you get more than 24 hours of listening time,13 or more than 18 hours of talk time. Your AirPods Pro can get up to 4.5 hours of listening time15 or up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge.
Which AirPods are being recalled? ›But it is just 1st gen AirPods Pro models that Apple has determined are eligible. Read on for all the details… If your 1st gen AirPods Pro see noise cancellation not working, loss of bass, crackling and static, or an increase in background sounds, they may be covered under the AirPods recall.
Can you update AirPods? ›How to update AirPods or AirPods Pro. New firmware is installed over the air while your AirPods or AirPods Pro are connected to an iOS device. Simply put them in their case, connect them to a power source, and then pair them to an iPhone or an iPad to force the update. That's it.
Can AirPods be fixed? ›We can replace your AirPods battery for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ for Headphones and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
Why do my AirPods disconnect after a few seconds? ›If your AirPods have just started disconnecting, you might have a poor connection between the phone and earbuds. Take the AirPods and put them back in your charging case. Leave them there for a few moments so they disconnect from your iPhone, and then take them out and try again.
Why do my AirPods disconnect after 1 minute? ›
The problem may be related to the sensors inside the AirPods that determine whether or not they're in your ears, or to the microphones; or it could be down to Bluetooth interference.
Why does my left AirPod disconnect after 30 seconds? ›Check Your Bluetooth Connection
Check that on the device you are using with the AirPods. If it doesn't work, switch the Bluetooth off. You should then wait for around 30 seconds and turn it on. Your AirPod will reconnect.
Check the Active Microphone Settings
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to your AirPods. Then, tap Microphone and enable the Automatically Switch AirPods option to let your AirPods determine the most suitable microphone to use on the fly.
Clean the microphone and speaker meshes gently with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your EarPods.
How do I make AirPods pro answer calls? ›Answer or end a call: Press the indent on the stem on either of your AirPods. Note: If you turn on announce calls, you can also answer or decline a call using your voice.
Does resetting AirPods do anything? ›Once you reset your AirPods, the earbuds will no longer automatically recognize devices linked to your iCloud account. Opening an AirPods case near an iOS device will begin the setup process as if you were using it for the first time.
Is it hard to reset AirPods? ›Resetting Apple AirPods Max is similarly easy
To reset factory reset AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control and digital crown buttons for 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, and then white. The AirPods Max will then be returned to factory settings, and you can reconnect it to your devices.
Apple's original AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro all have a reset function that returns them to their factory settings. This can come in handy if you're handing down the wireless earphones to someone else or you're having any sort of problem with them.
How do I know if my AirPods need an update? ›To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.
Should you leave AirPods in charging case? ›It is best to keep the AirPods in the case when you are not using them. They also do not overcharge. When your AirPods are out of the case they use battery even if you are not using them. Your AirPods charge in the case and are ready for you to use as soon as you open the lid.
Do AirPods expired? ›
AirPods typically last about 2-3 years before most users feel the need to replace them. This short lifespan is because of their lithium-ion batteries.
How do you tell how old your AirPods are? ›...
Find the model number
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth. ...
- Find your AirPods in the list (for example, "John's AirPods").
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service the affected AirPods Pro (left, right or both), free of charge.
Can someone use stolen AirPods? ›While you can lock devices like your iPhone or Mac remotely with Lost Mode, you can't do the same with AirPods. That said, anyone can easily use stolen AirPods when they find them. Unfortunately, Apple Warranty or AppleCare+ do not cover lost and stolen AirPods.
How do I remove AirPods from someone else's Icloud? ›Open the Find My app, then tap the Items tab or Devices tab. Tap the item or device you want to remove, then swipe up on the handle. Tap Remove Item or Remove This Device, then tap Remove to confirm.
How do I factory reset my AirPods without connecting? ›- Place both AirPods into the charging case. Open the lid. ...
- Locate the Setup button on the back of your AirPods case. Locate reset button.
- Press and hold the Setup button for 15 seconds. ...
- Close the lid.