10 Ways to Fix AirPods That Won’t Connect

Are your AirPods not connecting to your devices? This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need them the most.

In this guide, we will discuss various reasons behind the connectivity issues and provide you with 10 fixes to get your AirPods connected and working seamlessly again.

Reasons AirPods Won’t Connect

How to Fix Your AirPods When They Won’t Connect

If you’re AirPods aren’t connecting to your iPhone, try these solutions:

1. Check Bluetooth Settings

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled. If not, toggle the switch on.
3. If your AirPods are listed but not connected, tap on their name to connect.

2. Forget Device and Reconnect

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
2. Locate your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to their name.
3. Select “Forget This Device” and confirm.
4. Place both AirPods in their charging case, open the lid, and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
5. With the charging case close to your iPhone, follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect your AirPods.

3. Restart Your iPhone

1. Press and hold the power button (and volume down button for iPhone X or later) until the “slide to power off” slider appears.
2. Slide to power off your iPhone.
3. After 30 seconds, press and hold the power button to turn your iPhone back on.

4. Update Your iPhone

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is connected to a charger.
2. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
3. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
4. Tap on “Software Update.”
5. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install.” If prompted, enter your device’s passcode.
6. Wait for the update to complete, and your iPhone will restart automatically.

5. Test With Another Device

To make sure your iPhone isn’t broken, try connecting it to another Bluetooth device first.

1. Ensure your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. Go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and toggle it on if it’s off.
2. Place your iPhone and another Bluetooth device (e.g., speaker, headphones) close to each other.
3. On the other Bluetooth device, make sure it’s in pairing mode.
4. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth.” Your iPhone should start scanning for available devices.
5. Look for the name of the other Bluetooth device in the list, and tap on it to connect.
6. If the connection is successful, it indicates that your iPhone’s Bluetooth is working correctly. If not, there may be an issue with your iPhone’s Bluetooth functionality.

6. Make Sure Your AirPods Are Clean

1. Remove the AirPods from the charging case.
2. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently clean the AirPods and the charging case.
3. Pay special attention to the mesh grills and the charging contacts at the bottom of the AirPods.
4. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials that can damage the devices.

7. Make Sure Your AirPods Are Charged

1. Place the AirPods in the charging case and open the lid.
2. Hold the case near your iPhone or iPad. The battery status should appear on the screen.
3. Alternatively, you can use the “Batteries” widget on your iPhone or iPad to check the battery levels.

8. Check to See If You’re Paired to the Right Device

Sometimes, your AirPods might be connected to a different device, causing connection issues. To check and pair with the correct device, follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone or MacBook, go to “Settings” (iPhone) or “System Preferences” (MacBook).
2. Navigate to “Bluetooth” settings.
3. Locate your AirPods in the list of devices.
4. If your AirPods are connected to another device, click on the “i” icon (iPhone) or click on the “Connect” button (MacBook) to connect them to the desired device.

9. Make Sure Your AirPods Are Within Range 

Bluetooth connections can be affected by distance and physical obstacles.

Make sure your AirPods are within range (about 33 feet or 10 meters) and there are no significant obstructions between your AirPods and the device.

1. Keep the AirPods and your device close to each other.
2. Avoid thick walls, metal objects, or electronic devices that might cause interference.
3. If you’re still having issues, move to a different location and try connecting again.

10. Contact Apple Support

If your AirPods still aren’t connecting, it may be time to contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AirPods connect to multiple devices simultaneously?

AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. However, they can be easily switched between your Apple devices if they share the same Apple ID.

How do I fix the issue of only one AirPod connecting?

Place both AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, wait for 30 seconds, and then try reconnecting them. If the problem persists, reset your AirPods and reconnect them to your device.

Also, there is also the chance that one of your AirPods is dead, so check the battery level.

How do I check my AirPods’ battery level to ensure they’re not disconnecting due to low battery?

Open the lid of your AirPods case near your iPhone or iPad to view the battery status on the screen. Alternatively, you can use the “Batteries” widget on your iPhone or iPad.

Can Wi-Fi interference cause my AirPods not to connect?

Yes, Wi-Fi interference can cause connection issues with Bluetooth devices like AirPods. Move away from sources of interference, such as microwaves or other wireless devices, to improve the connection.