Apple AirPods are renowned for being among the best wireless earbuds available. They offer exceptional sound quality, are incredibly portable, and are effortless to set up and use. However, there may be instances when they encounter connectivity issues.
Whether you own the latest 2nd-generation AirPods Pro or the 3rd-gen AirPods, there are various reasons why your AirPods may not be connecting to your iPhone or another device. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to rectify this issue. Here’s what you can do when your AirPods won’t connect or pair.
How to troubleshoot connection issues with your AirPods
To address this problem, we will explore all possible solutions, ranging from simple to more complex, to successfully pair your AirPods.
Step 1: Move closer: Although it may seem obvious, the first step is to ensure you are in close proximity to your device. The effective range between the AirPods and your supported device is approximately 30 feet, but environmental factors such as electrical interference or obstacles may require you to bring the AirPods closer to your iPhone, iPad, or other device.
Step 2: Check your AirPods’ battery: Low battery levels can also contribute to connectivity problems. Make sure both your AirPods and device are adequately charged to establish a stable connection.
There are multiple ways to check the battery status of your AirPods. One simple method involves holding the AirPods case close to your mobile device, which should trigger a pop-up displaying the battery levels for the AirPods and the charging case. You can also utilize a battery widget for this purpose.
Step 3: Reset your AirPods: Although it may sound cliché, the tried-and-true method of resetting your AirPods can often resolve connectivity issues.
If you are using iOS 16 or later, navigate to the Settings menu on your iOS device, locate your AirPods just above Airplane Mode, and select “Forget this device.” Alternatively, access the Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods, and choose the option to forget the device.
Step 4: Restart your device: If the problem persists, try rebooting your supported device to see if that resolves the issue.
Step 5: Update the software: Check for any available software updates for both your mobile device and AirPods. Keeping all software up to date can often address connectivity issues.
While connectivity problems are common, there may be other issues you encounter with your AirPods. Consider referring to our guide for solutions to common AirPods problems.