AirPods not connecting to iPhone? 8 fixes that work
Most AirPods connection problems come down to a flat case, Bluetooth, or a pairing that needs to be redone. Here is the order that works fastest.
How to fix AirPods that won’t connect
The fix
Try these in order
- 1
Charge the case and AirPods.
Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid and charge for at least 15 minutes. A flat case is the most common reason they will not connect.
- 2
Turn Bluetooth off and on.
Go to Settings › Bluetooth, turn it off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.
- 3
Pick the AirPods as the audio output.
Open Control Center, press and hold the music card, tap the AirPlay icon and choose your AirPods from the list.
- 4
Restart your iPhone.
A restart clears most Bluetooth glitches.
- 5
Update iOS.
Go to Settings › General › Software Update. AirPods firmware updates install automatically when the AirPods are charging near an updated iPhone.
- 6
Forget the AirPods and pair again.
Go to Settings › Bluetooth, tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods, then Forget This Device. Open the case next to the iPhone and follow the setup card.
- 7
Reset the AirPods.
With the AirPods in the case and the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. AirPods 4 have no button; see our AirPods reset guide for every model.
- 8
Remove VPN or device management profiles.
Some VPN apps and work profiles interfere with Bluetooth. Check Settings › General › VPN & Device Management, remove anything you do not need and restart.
Frequently asked questions
Why is only one AirPod connecting?
The other AirPod is usually flat or dirty. Put both in the case, check the charging contacts and the inside of the case are clean, charge for 30 minutes and try again. If it still fails, reset the AirPods.
What do the lights on the AirPods case mean?
Flashing white means ready to pair. Amber means charging or low battery. Flashing amber can mean a pairing error, which a reset usually fixes. Green means fully charged.
Why do my AirPods connect to my iPad instead of my iPhone?
AirPods switch automatically between Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. On your iPhone, go to Settings › [your AirPods] and set Connect to This iPhone to When Last Connected to This iPhone.
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