Fixed: My AirPods Won’t Connect to My iPhone, iPad or MacBook

Make sure your AirPods are charged, that the device you want to connect to has Bluetooth enabled, and that the device has been reset before attempting to connect your AirPods again. You should reset the AirPods and attempt to reconnect them if none of those methods work. You may also unpair your AirPods from your device. Do not worry if it still does not work; we have included further solutions below.

Users of AirPods are aware that the inability of their devices to connect to an iPhone is one of the most common problems users have been reporting. The good news is that you can easily solve this by following our tutorial!

If you have been experiencing difficulties pairing your iPhone with AirPods, you are not alone. Numerous users have brought this issue to our attention. But fear not—a remedy exists for every possible reason.

Simply follow the instructions listed below to connect your AirPods to your iPhone and stop battling to get them to do so.

This guide will show you how to easily connect your AirPods to your iPhone. Let’s get started right away!

My iPhone and AirPods would not connect; why?

The incredible AirPods device can greatly simplify your life. These are Apple’s wireless Bluetooth earphones and headphones, available in several iterations, with the most recent being the AirPods Pro. These devices have become common over the years, so it’s frustrating if your AirPods won’t connect to your iPhone.

Despite the convenience they normally bring, some users have trouble with AirPods. The most prevalent one is that your AirPods can’t connect to your iPhone or other Apple devices. Usually, this issue can easily be fixed by oneself without a lot of aid.

But before you delve into debugging, review some common issues that could lead to your AirPods failing to connect:

• Your AirPods are out of battery: This happens if your AirPods or the AirPods charging case is out of battery or has a hardware problem connected to charging.
• iPhone difficulties: The Apple gadget itself may be broken or have hardware faults. This happens most commonly when Bluetooth is damaged in your phone.
• Hardware difficulties on your AirPods: If your AirPods are damaged, filthy, or not linked properly with other devices, you won’t be able to connect them.
• You’re out of Range: AirPods need to be within a certain range of the iPhone or iPad (or another compatible Bluetooth device) you’re trying to connect to.

While these aren’t the only causes, the vast majority of problems with AirPods come from these issues. It is time to troubleshoot now that we have looked at potential causes of the problem.

How can I fix the issue of my AirPods not connecting to my iPhone?

Has your AirPods stopped working? Are some Apple devices incompatible with the AirPods? This tutorial describes how to resolve a connection issue on an iOS device such as an iPhone, iPad, or other compatible model.

Why the AirPods are not connecting Fast Repairs

Try these suggestions if you are having problems connecting your AirPods to your iPhone:

• Make sure that both devices have Bluetooth enabled and turned on.
• Open the case of the AirPods next to your iPhone to check the battery. The AirPods may not connect if the battery is not working properly or if they are not charged.
• For iPhone XS and later, try restarting your phone by holding down the Side and/or Volume buttons until the slider appears.
• Make sure to unpair your AirPods from the other device if you wish to use them with your iPhone after they are linked to another one, like an iPad or Mac.
• Turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone, and then turn it back on.
• Delete the AirPods from your Bluetooth devices and then add them again.

If you’re still having trouble, try following the guide below.

Here’s how to fix AirPods that are not connecting to an iPhone, iPad, or any other Bluetooth-compatible device.

#1 Turn On Bluetooth on Your iPhone

Your iPhone is compatible with Bluetooth devices, such as AirPods, keyboards, speakers, and other Bluetooth gadgets. If your AirPods aren’t connecting to your phone, ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

To turn on Bluetooth, go to Settings and select Bluetooth. Toggle the switch to enable Bluetooth.

You can also access the iPhone control center and toggle Bluetooth on from there using its designated button. After enabling Bluetooth on your iPhone, you should be able to pair your AirPods and allow the two devices to connect.

#2 Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On Again

Sometimes, you may need to turn Bluetooth off and switch it back on again. By doing so, you’re renewing the Bluetooth connection and can start fresh.

To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Bluetooth to turn Bluetooth off on your iPhone.
3. Toggle the switch next to Bluetooth to turn it off.

You may also use the dedicated button to turn Bluetooth off from inside the iPhone’s control center. Use your AirPods after turning Bluetooth off and then back on.

#3 Verify That Your AirPods Are Within Your iPhone’s Range

If your iPhone isn’t in the Bluetooth range of your AirPods, it won’t work on the iPhone. AirPods can only be linked via Bluetooth to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Bluetooth devices if they are both in the same vicinity.

The long-range of AirPods is about sixty feet or eighteen meters. Regarding AirPods, there are no technical problems with audio quality at such a range. To check the Range of your AirPods, open the case next to your iPhone.

If the AirPods pop-up notice appears or if your AirPods are displayed when you open your Bluetooth settings, you are in Range. If you are not near your iPhone, get closer until the setup animation appears on your charging case or the AirPods.

#4 Verify That Your AirPods Are Connected to the Right Device

There is a chance that the device with the AirPod connected will have audio coming from the other device. The AirPod may be the wrong device because it is not made to deliver simultaneous audio output.

To verify that your AirPods are connected to the appropriate device, launch the Settings application and select Bluetooth. Look at the Name field after selecting AirPods. You have not paired your AirPods with the right device if it reads “Not Connected.”

Be careful to unlink your AirPods from the other device if you wish to utilize them with your iPhone. Open the Settings app on an iPad or Mac, pick Bluetooth, and then unpair your AirPods. After tapping the “i” that appears next to your AirPods, choose “Forget This Device.”

Turn off Bluetooth on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac that you are currently using if you wish to utilize AirPods with another iPhone. After that, remove the AirPods from your Bluetooth devices and turn Bluetooth back on.

#5 Restart your AirPods.

Make sure your AirPods are set as your preferred audio device if they are connected. Try reconnecting the AirPods if they are listed among your devices but are not connecting.

1. After closing the lid and waiting for 15 seconds, open it.
2. For a maximum of ten seconds, press and hold the charging case’s setup button.
3. When the status light turns white, it indicates that your AirPods are prepared for connection.

Picture courtesy of Apple Support

Try resetting your AirPods if you are still experiencing problems getting them to connect to your iPhone. Press and hold the circular button on the charging case’s rear until the amber light begins to flash in order to accomplish this.

Release the button and wait for the light to turn off when it flashes amber, which could take up to 15 seconds. After that, wait for the AirPods to show up in the list of Bluetooth devices by opening the charging case next to your iPhone.

Launch the Settings app, select General, Bluetooth. After turning on Bluetooth, hold down the circular button located on the charging case’s rear until the light begins to flash white. Hold off until your AirPods show up in the Bluetooth device list, then pick them.

If your AirPods connect to your device correctly, you will hear the connection noise play. You are now free to begin listening!

#6. Put Your AirPods in Charge

Ensure that both AirPods are charging before placing them in the charging case.

Your AirPods may not connect to your iPhone if the battery is low. Place your AirPods in the charging case to ensure they are fully charged.

Your AirPods can be charged numerous times with the charging case’s built-in battery. You can see how much battery is left in the charging case by looking at the LED indicator on the front of it. To charge the case after it is empty, insert the lightning cord.

It is crucial to charge the actual charging case. Your AirPods will cease charging if the battery in the case runs out. To ensure maximum compatibility, you can charge your case using a compatible wireless charger, ideally one designed by Apple, or by connecting the lightning connection to a USB port.

Verify that the problem is not with your pods’ battery life. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth and choose AirPods from there. The AirPods are presently charging if “Charging” appears under the Status heading. It is possible that your AirPods are not charging if you do not see this. Test a different charging cable or outlet.

#7 Empty the charging case and your AirPods.

Debris getting inside your Airpod case can interfere with the operation or result in hardware issues. Cleaning your AirPods and case on a regular basis is essential to keeping them operating as intended.

To clean the charging case and your AirPods, use a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using any kind of cleaning solution or electrical cleaner on the case or your AirPods. Do not immerse yourself in water, either.

If you need to remove more tenacious dirt or debris, you can use a safety pin or toothpick. If you are attempting to remove some earwax from the devices, Q-tips may also be useful. To prevent breaking the charging case or the AirPods, proceed with extreme caution. Before inserting your AirPods into the charging case, make sure everything is dry!

#8 Switch Your iPhone Between On and Off

Try turning your iPhone off and back on if your AirPods are still not connecting to it. To turn off your iPhone, hold down the power button until the “slide to power off” option shows up. While you wait for your iPhone to switch off, move the slider across the screen.

To turn on your iPhone, hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears. Release the button and wait for the startup process to finish.

#9 Verify that the iOS version on your iPhone or iPod touch is the correct one.

It is important to check if your AirPods are compatible with your iOS smartphone. Before installation, it is advisable to verify the minimum system requirements to ensure compatibility. I you are using an iPad with iOS 10, upgrading to a newer model may be necessary.

However, second-generation AirPods should work fine. f you are using an iPhone SE, 6S, or 7, you may need to update to iOS 11 for optimal performance.

You may find out your device’s model from the Settings app if you are not sure. Navigate to General > About from your Home screen, open Settings, and find the Model Number. After that, contrast that figure with this list of suitable gadgets.

Try updating to the most recent version of iOS on your iPhone if your AirPods are not functioning with the current version. To accomplish this, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts displayed on the screen.

If your Mac is not connecting to your AirPods

1. Please make sure that your Mac has the latest version of macOS installed.
2. Ensure that both AirPods are charging before placing them in the charging case.
3. To make sure Bluetooth is turned on, select Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth.
4. Make sure your AirPods are set as your preferred audio device if they are connected. Click the X to the right of your AirPods to take them off the list if they are listed among the devices but are not connecting.
5. After closing the lid and waiting for 15 seconds, open it. Or a maximum of ten seconds, press and hold the charging case’s setup button. Then the status light turns white, it indicates that your AirPods are prepared for connection.
6. Place the charging case next to your Mac, AirPods inside, and the top open.
7. As you follow the instructions on your Mac’s screen.
8. Check the functionality of your AirPods. Reset your AirPods if the connection is still broken.

Requirements for the AirPods software

The following are the software prerequisites for the various models of AirPods:

• Needs for third-generation AirPods:
  • iOS 15.1 or later on your iPhone or iPod touch
  • iPad running iOS 15.1 or higher
  • With watchOS 8.1 or later, an Apple Watch
  • With tvOS 15.1 or later on Apple TV
  • Mac running macOS 12.0 or higher.
• Requirements for AirPods Pro:
  • iOS 13.2 or later on your iPhone or iPod touch
  • iPad running iOS 13.2 or higher
  • Apple Watch running at least watchOS 6.1
  • with tvOS 13.2 or later on Apple TV
  • macOS 10.15.1 or later on a Mac.
• Needs for second-generation AirPods:
  • Apple iOS 12.2 or later on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  • 5.2 or later watchOS on an Apple Watch
  • With tvOS 12.2 or later on Apple TV
  • Mac running macOS 10.14.4.4 or above
• 1st generation AirPods requirements:
  • iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone running iOS 10 or later
  • Apple Watch running at least watchOS 3
  • With tvOS 11 or later, Apple TV
  • macOS Sierra or later on a Mac

FAQ for AirPods

One AirPod at a time use is possible.

No, they are limited to usage in pairs.

Is it possible to wear AirPods or AirPods Pro to sleep?

No, you should not wear AirPods to bed. Hey might fall out of your ears and break or injure your ears.

Are microphones embedded into AirPods?

Yes, there is a microphone built into each pair of AirPods.

Is it possible to make phone calls on my iPhone using AirPods?

Yes, you may use the built-in microphone on either of the two AirPods to make phone calls.

Can I use my AirPods Pro with Siri?

Yes, all iterations of AirPods support Siri. To rapidly reach Siri without having to lift your phone or speak “Hey Siri” aloud, you can even set up a shortcut.

How can I tell if my AirPods need to be charged?

You can see how much battery is left in the charging case by looking at the LED indicator on the front of it. To charge the case after it is empty, insert the lightning cord.

Can I connect my PC to my AirPods?

Sure, you can connect your computer to your AirPods. Make sure your AirPods are in the charging case and open the lid to accomplish this. f your computer is equipped with Bluetooth, it ought to locate and establish a connection with them on its own.

Is there a warranty on the AirPods Pro?

AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty.

Concluding remarks

We are happy that you have read this far in the article. egards.

If you’ve tried all the recommended troubleshooting techniques and your AirPods are still not connecting to your iPhone, it’s best to reach out to Apple Support. Their team will help you identify the root cause of the problem and provide you with a solution. If you prefer to get in-person assistance or want to consider the option of purchasing a replacement, you can visit an Apple Store located near you.

We sincerely hope that these suggestions enabled you to reconnect and resume using your Air ods! I appreciate your reading.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experts is always available to assist you. In the meantime, stay informed about the latest technological advancements and troubleshooting tips by visiting our website and following us on social media.

For more fantastic stories like this one, subscribe to our blog! Additionally, our Help Center has a plethora of information on troubleshooting different situations.

One more item

Get early access to our blog entries, promotions, and discount offers by subscribing to our email. I appreciate you taking the time to read! We look forward to seeing you soon.