AirPods Not Connecting? 13 Ways to Fix It

Quick Fix

If your AirPods won’t connect, try this: Put AirPods in the case, close it, wait 15 seconds, then open it near your device. If that doesn’t work, forget the AirPods in Bluetooth settings and re-pair them by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. This fixes most AirPods connection issues.

Why AirPods Won’t Connect

AirPods are designed to connect seamlessly, but connection problems happen. Common causes include Bluetooth glitches, AirPods connected to another device, low battery, outdated firmware, dirty charging contacts, or the AirPods needing a reset. The good news is most issues are easy to fix.

This guide covers AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max connection issues with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows PC. Let’s get your AirPods working again.

Method 1: Put AirPods Back in the Case

A simple reset of the connection often fixes temporary glitches.

1. Put both AirPods in the charging case
2. Close the lid
3. Wait 15-30 seconds
4. Open the lid near your iPhone/iPad
5. A connection popup should appear
6. Tap “Connect”

For AirPods Max: Put them in the Smart Case for 15 seconds, then take them out.

Method 2: Check Bluetooth is Enabled

Make sure Bluetooth is actually turned on.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Ensure Bluetooth is ON (green)
3. Or open Control Center and check the Bluetooth icon is blue

On Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings
2. Click Bluetooth
3. Turn Bluetooth ON

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click Bluetooth & devices
3. Toggle Bluetooth ON

Method 3: Forget and Re-pair AirPods

Removing and re-adding AirPods creates a fresh connection.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Find your AirPods in the device list
3. Tap the “i” icon next to them
4. Tap “Forget This Device”
5. Confirm by tapping “Forget Device”
6. Put AirPods in case, open the lid
7. Hold the button on back of case until light flashes white
8. Bring case near your device
9. Tap “Connect” when the popup appears

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth
2. Find your AirPods
3. Click the “i” or right-click
4. Select “Forget This Device”
5. Re-pair by opening AirPods case and holding setup button

Method 4: Reset Your AirPods

A full reset clears all settings and fixes persistent issues.

1. Put AirPods in the charging case
2. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds
3. Open the lid
4. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your device
5. Forget the AirPods if they’re listed
6. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case
7. Hold for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white
8. Release the button
9. Bring case near your device to pair

For AirPods Max: Press and hold the Digital Crown and Noise Control button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber.

Method 5: Check AirPods Battery

Dead AirPods won’t connect. Check the battery level.

Check Battery:

• On iPhone: Open the case near your phone – a popup shows battery levels
• Battery Widget: Add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen
• Ask Siri: “What’s my AirPods battery?”
• Case light: Green = charged, Amber = low battery

If Battery is Dead:

1. Put AirPods in the case
2. Connect case to charger (Lightning or USB-C cable, or wireless charger)
3. Charge for at least 15-30 minutes
4. Try connecting again

Method 6: Check Which Device AirPods Are Connected To

AirPods might be connected to a different device in your iCloud account.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right)
2. Long-press the audio card (top-right section)
3. Tap the AirPlay icon
4. Select your AirPods to switch audio to them

On Mac:

1. Click the Sound icon in menu bar
2. Select your AirPods as output device

AirPods automatically switch between Apple devices. If they’re playing audio on your Mac, they won’t connect to your iPhone until you switch.

Method 7: Disable Automatic Device Switching

If AirPods keep switching to other devices unexpectedly, disable this feature.

1. Connect AirPods to your iPhone
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
3. Tap the “i” next to your AirPods
4. Tap “Connect to This iPhone”
5. Select “When Last Connected to This iPhone” instead of “Automatically”

Repeat on other devices where you don’t want automatic switching.

Method 8: Clean Your AirPods

Dirty AirPods or charging contacts can prevent proper charging and connection.

Clean the AirPods:

• Use a dry, lint-free cloth
• Clean the speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab
• Don’t use water, liquids, or sharp objects
• For stubborn debris, use a soft-bristled brush

Clean the Case:

• Clean the charging contacts inside the case (metal strips at bottom)
• Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush
• Remove any debris from the Lightning/USB-C port
• Wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth

Method 9: Update iOS/macOS

Software updates fix Bluetooth bugs and improve AirPods compatibility.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. Download and install any available updates
3. Restart your device
4. Try connecting AirPods again

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
2. Install available updates
3. Restart your Mac

Method 10: Update AirPods Firmware

AirPods receive firmware updates automatically, but you can encourage an update.

1. Put AirPods in the charging case
2. Connect the case to a charger
3. Place your iPhone nearby (connected to WiFi)
4. Leave for 30+ minutes
5. Firmware updates automatically when charging near a connected device

Check Firmware Version:

1. Connect AirPods to your iPhone
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
3. Tap the “i” next to AirPods
4. Scroll down to see Firmware Version

Method 11: Reset Network Settings

This resets all Bluetooth pairings and can fix persistent connection issues.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap “Reset”
3. Select “Reset Network Settings”
4. Enter your passcode
5. Confirm the reset
6. Your device will restart
7. Re-pair your AirPods

Warning: This also removes saved WiFi passwords. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi networks.

Method 12: Connect AirPods to Windows PC

AirPods can connect to Windows, but the process is different.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices
2. Turn Bluetooth ON
3. Put AirPods in case, open the lid
4. Press and hold the button on back of case until light flashes white
5. Click “Add device” on your PC
6. Select “Bluetooth”
7. Click your AirPods when they appear
8. Wait for pairing to complete

Note: Some features like automatic ear detection and Siri don’t work on Windows.

Method 13: Check for Hardware Issues

If nothing works, there may be a hardware problem.

Signs of Hardware Issues:

• One AirPod connects but not the other
• Case light doesn’t turn on even when charged
• AirPods don’t charge in the case
• Visible damage to AirPods or case
• Water damage (dropped in water, washed in laundry)

Get Support:

1. Check warranty status at checkcoverage.apple.com
2. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store
3. Apple may repair or replace under warranty
4. Out of warranty replacement costs $49-89 per AirPod

AirPods Pro Specific Tips

• Make sure ear tips are properly attached
• Try the Ear Tip Fit Test (Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Ear Tip Fit Test)
• Clean the mesh at the bottom of each AirPod Pro
• Reset by holding the button until light flashes amber then white

Preventing Connection Issues

• Keep AirPods and case charged
• Clean AirPods and charging contacts regularly
• Keep iOS/macOS updated
• Store in the case when not in use
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Don’t expose to water (except AirPods Pro which are water-resistant)

FAQ

Why won’t my AirPods connect to my iPhone?

Common causes include Bluetooth being off, AirPods connected to another device, dead battery, or needing a reset. Try putting them in the case for 15 seconds, then open near your iPhone. If that fails, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pair by holding the case button.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting?

Frequent disconnections are usually caused by low battery, being too far from the device, Bluetooth interference, or automatic device switching. Charge your AirPods, stay within range, and consider disabling automatic switching in AirPods settings.

How do I reset my AirPods to factory settings?

Put AirPods in the case, open the lid, press and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. This erases all settings and removes them from your iCloud account devices.

Why does only one AirPod connect?

One AirPod might be dead, dirty, or have a hardware issue. Check battery levels for each AirPod. Clean both AirPods and the case contacts. Try resetting. If one still won’t work, it may need replacement.

Can I connect AirPods to non-Apple devices?

Yes, AirPods work with any Bluetooth device including Android phones, Windows PCs, and TVs. Put them in pairing mode (hold case button until white light) and pair via Bluetooth settings. Some Apple-specific features won’t work.

Why won’t my AirPods show up in Bluetooth settings?

Make sure AirPods are in pairing mode (case open, holding button until white flash). Check they’re not connected to another device. Ensure the case has battery. Try resetting the AirPods. If they still don’t appear, there may be a hardware issue.