Last updated on 5 July 2022
We’ve compiled the troubleshooting steps for those wondering, “Why won’t my AirPods connect?” In this guide, we will explore exactly how to fix the problem of your AirPods refusing to connect to your iPhone, iPad, and all other Apple devices.
If your AirPods are not working, there are different steps that you can take to fix the problem. In most cases, finding the root of the problem might be difficult because you need to check the software, hardware, and Bluetooth connection of your iOS devices.
7 Troubleshooting tips
1. Restart your iPhone
The first thing to do is turn your iPhone off and on again. When you do this, the operating system will shut the background programs on the phone. If you turn it on again, the programs will start afresh and can fix any glitch you might have.
Press and hold the power button and slide the red power icon from left to right to restart your iPhone. Wait for about 30 seconds before turning it back on. After this, you should wait for the iPhone to turn back on and try to reconnect them.
2. Reset your Bluetooth
Another thing you can do is turn the Bluetooth off and then turn it back on. You can also check if your Bluetooth was on in the first place, as this is the only way to connect the iPhone to the AirPods. It is possible to connect it to the AirPods by checking your settings, turning it on from the control centre, and using Siri to turn the Bluetooth on.
You can also unpair the AirPods from the iPad or iPhone. In your iPhone settings, click on Bluetooth. Then, tap the options for the device’s name and click on Forget This Device. Then, put them in the case, close the lid and wait for about half a minute. If you rename your AirPods, it becomes easier to identify them among the list of devices.
Set the device up again with your phone when you open the lid. Then, you can test it to see if it would work.
3. Ensure your iPhone has the latest software
Apple is constantly releasing new software updates for iPhones and iPads. These updates will improve efficiency, introduce new features, and fix bugs. When you update, it can also fix problems that might be preventing your device from connecting.
Follow the steps below to update your iPhone software in the settings:
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Click on “General”.
- Select “Software Update”.
- Tap “Install Now” or “Download and Install”.
- Enter your password, and the update will start.
- Your iPhone will restart after the update, and you can test the AirPods.
4. Charge your AirPods or Charging Case
Another thing you can do to check why your AirPods aren’t connecting is to charge them. Sometimes, your AirPods might not have enough battery to function well. To charge your AirPods, you need to put them in the charging case and wait until the status light is green.
You might also have to charge the AirPods Charging Case, which takes a few hours before completion. Use the USB cord provided with the case and connect it to the nearest port or wall charger.
5. Clean the AirPods and Charging Case
Sometimes, dust and debris can get into the AirPods and charging case, thus leading to hardware issues. It can also affect the functionality and will prevent it from charging correctly.
To clean your AirPods and charging case, follow the steps below:
- Use a soft cloth rather than something stiff or tissue, which can adversely affect your devices.
- Wipe the AirPods and charging case gently with the cloth.
- You can use a new toothbrush to get into the case and get compact debris out.
6. Recheck the connections
In some cases, you need to recheck all the connections between your AirPods and iPhone/iPad.
- First, check if your AirPods are within the range of your iPhone. If the AirPods are not within range, the devices won’t be able to connect.
- Check if your iPhone is logged into the iCloud account. If not, you need to put the device into Bluetooth pairing mode.
- You can also pair your iPhone with a Bluetooth accessory to wirelessly connect with your AirPods.
- Ensure that your AirPods are connected to a suitable device. In some cases, they might just be connected to a different device and send output to the wrong place.
7. Reset your network settings
If your iPhone or iPad isn’t connecting to the AirPods, you can decide to reset the network settings. Follow the steps below to do so.
- Open your “Settings”.
- Click on “General”.
- Scroll down and click on “Transfer” or “Reset iPhone”.
- Click on “Reset”.
- Select “Reset Network Settings”.
- Enter your passcode.
- After the iPhone restarts, you can test the AirPods again.
Video tutorial
Why your AirPods won’t connect with your Mac
If your AirPods are not connecting to your Mac device, many troubleshooting steps are the same. You should make sure that your Bluetooth is on, restart your Mac, and ensure that you are running the correct version of the operating system.
If all of these have been checked, then you can follow the steps below:
- Unpair your AirPods from the Mac by holding the Alt key while clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
- Open the Devices settings on your iPhone and click on Remove. Confirm and remove it.
- Put the AirPods in the case and close the lid. After 30 seconds, open the lid.
- Set them back up with your Mac.
How to reset your AirPods
If none of the steps provided worked, you can reset your AirPods and pair them with your Apple device. Follow the process below.
- Unpair the AirPods from your Apple device. Ensure your phone is set to “Forget this Device”.
- Put the AirPods in the case and wait for 30 seconds. Open it again.
- You will notice the setup button behind the case. Press and hold it until the light flashes from amber to white.
- Now, you can reconnect your AirPods.
What if my AirPods are damaged?
If none of the steps in this guide work, your AirPods are most likely permanently damaged. You can ask Apple to repair them or exchange them for new ones. However, this will cost you a fair bit of money.
You can also check out some of our other solutions if your AirPods keep disconnecting from your Apple device.
