I listen to all kinds of stuff using my AirPods.
Music, audiobooks, podcasts, etc.
Everything’s easy to listen to with my AirPods.
But yesterday, they wouldn’t connect.
Bummer!
I got so annoyed and was about to replace them.
Luckily, I found some ways to fix them.
Read on to find out:
- How to reset AirPods.
- What you need to clean your AirPods.
- 9 ways to fix AirPods that aren’t connecting.
- How to check for firmware updates and how to perform them.
- And that’s only the beginning…
Why won’t my AirPods connect?
Your AirPods won’t connect because your device’s Bluetooth is toggled off, or they aren’t selected as your primary audio device. It can also be caused by outdated firmware. Another reason can be that the AirPods are too dirty, which can block the sensors.
AirPods Not Connecting: 9 Fixes
#1: Turn Bluetooth ON
Alright, first things first – we need to make sure your device is ready to connect with your AirPods.
Go to your device settings, find the Bluetooth option, and give it a little tap to turn it on.
Next, activate the pairing mode on the AirPods.
It’s easy by taking these 3 easy steps:
- Open the lid of the case of your AirPods.
- Press and hold the Setup button for around 5 seconds (until the status light begins flashing in white).
- Search for the AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices and select them.
Note: The Setup button is usually located at the back of the case.
Voila!
Now you should be able to listen to your favorite music with your AirPods.
If not, continue to the next method.
#2: Check the battery of the AirPods
Your AirPods need juice like any other electrical device.
If they’re low on battery, they won’t turn on and simply don’t connect.
Depending on your AirPods model, you can get between 24 and 30 hours of listening time with a fully charged case.
To charge the AirPods, simply put them in the case.
Now, if you open up the lid and you see a green light from the case, this means they’re fully charged.
If you see an amber light, they’re not.
In that case, charge the AirPods, and after they’re fully charged, retry connecting them.
#3: Restart your audio device
Ah, the good ol’ restart – this classic move can work wonders in getting anything to connect like never before!
So, give your device a restart.
Pro tip: Before you restart your device, turn OFF the Bluetooth in the settings.
After that, try to connect the AirPods and see if it did the trick!
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#4: Try a different device
If the previous fix didn’t work out, it’s time to expand the solutions.
Simply try the AirPods on a different device.
Preferably a device to which they have been connected before.
So, grab another smartphone, tablet, or computer and try it out!
If this does the trick, you know your AirPods are fine, and your device might be the one with problems.
#5: Disable Other Bluetooth Devices
If your AirPods are having a hard time choosing between multiple devices, it’s time to set some boundaries.
Ensure other unnecessary devices have their Bluetooth turned OFF.
You don’t want to create confusion for your beloved AirPods.
Plus, this eliminates the chance that your AirPods are trying to connect with the wrong device.
After double-checking, try to connect your AirPods again.
If it still didn’t solve the issue, it’s time to step it up and…
#6: Check for firmware updates on your iOS, Mac, and AirPods
When users notice glitches and errors, they often report them to the manufacturer.
Apple can then respond to that by releasing firmware updates.
These often fix bugs, such as connection issues.
So, it’s time to check if your firmware is up-to-date.
But before you continue, you should know that Apple likes to keep things under its own umbrella.
Meaning you can only update your AirPods via an iOS device or Mac (and not via Android or Windows).
Update iOS device
Now that’s out of the way, it’s time to check if your iOS device is up to date by doing these 4 easy steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Choose Software Update.
- If there’s an update available, install it.
Update Mac
And when you have a Mac, you can simply follow these 5 steps:
- Select Apple Menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Click Software Update.
- If there’s an update available, install it.
Firmware version AirPods
The next step is to check the firmware of your AirPods.
You can do this on an iPhone or iPad, but the AirPods must have been previously connected to it.
If so, you can do these 4 steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Search for your AirPods and tap the Info button (i).
- Then search in the About Section for the firmware version.
‘But how do I know which firmware version the right one is?’
Great question!
Well, as of July 2023, here are the latest firmware versions for AirPods:
- AirPods 1st Gen: 6.8.8.
- AirPods 2nd and 3rd Gen: 5E135.
- AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Gen: 5E135.
- AirPods Max: 5E135.
So, if you have an older firmware version, it’s time to update it.
But remember, you’ll need an iOS device or Mac to do that.
Update AirPods
After that, it’s easy with these 3 steps:
- Place the AirPods into the charging case and close it for 5 seconds.
- Open up the case, and the AirPods should connect to your iOS device or Mac.
- If a new firmware update is available for the AirPods, it will install automatically.
Pro tip: Ensure a stable internet connection, and don’t move the devices apart from each other while the update is being installed.
After you’re done, your AirPods are fully updated and should easily connect to your device.
#7: Reset the AirPods
Sometimes, you must start from scratch to improve the connection between electronic devices.
Your AirPods are no exception, and a reset will often fix the connection issue.
But don’t worry, we’re not erasing memories here – just starting anew.
Fortunately, resetting your AirPods is easy with these 5 steps:
- Insert the AirPods in the case.
- Open the lid.
- Press and hold the Setup button for about 15 seconds until the status light begins flashing in amber and then white.
- Next, place the AirPods close to your device.
- Open the lid.
- Connect them to your device and follow any further steps prompted on your device.
Done!
And if you need some visual guidance, check out this video:
#8: Clean the AirPods
Wipe away the grime, get back the chime!
If you use your AirPods regularly, the general advice is to clean them every week.
Oh yes, your AirPods are collecting earwax, dust, and other kinds of dirt.
To make it worse, this can get even into the case.
As a result, this can cause issues with connectivity and charging.
To fix this, simply clean them every week.
This is what you’ll need:
- Q-tips.
- Toothpicks.
- 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- A dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
- Small brush or toothbrush.
Next is easy to clean the AirPods by following these 5 steps:
- Get a Q-tip and dampen it in the alcohol.
- Clean the case and AirPods with it.
- Carefully brush them off with a small brush.
- Use the toothpick to clean around the edges of the AirPods, but be gentle.
- Wipe everything gently and dry with the lint-free cloth.
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#9: Contact Apple support
If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting, well, it’s time to call in the cavalry!
You can reach out to Apple AirPods support using this link.
Tip: Write down the serial number and the name of the AirPods model. They can ask for this.
Simply explain your connection issues to them, and they’ll be happy to assist you further.