AirPods Not Connecting to iPhone? Here is How to Fix it

AirPods are a global bestseller. You can find them on people’s ears everywhere – Airports, Eateries, Starbucks, Cars, Pavements, Subway, etc. They are the most sold wireless earphones since launch. This is because AirPods are small, portable, lightweight, and have decent sound quality. Also, for most people, they are comfortable. The charging and pairing process is smooth and one of a kind. However, every now and then, you might face some small AirPods connection issues with your iPhone.

Most of the AirPods connection issue are very easily fixable. It hardly takes a minute. Apple has also recently launched the new Pro version named AirPods Pro. The solutions below work for every AirPods no matter which generation or type you are facing the problem on. So here are simple solutions to fix the issue of AirPods, AirPods 2, or AirPods Pro not connecting with your iPhone.

How to Fix AirPods that Won’t Connect to iPhone

Before you read, please make sure your AirPods and Charging Case have enough battery in them.

Solution #1. Make Sure Bluetooth is ON

The first solution is easy and straightforward. If you find that your AirPods 1st Gen, AirPods 2nd Gen or the new AirPods Pro are not connecting with your iPhone, just take a quick look at the Bluetooth setting of your iPhone.

Go to Settings ⟶ Bluetooth and simply make sure that it is on. (or open Control Centre and make sure Bluetooth Logo is blue colored.)

Solution #2. Fix Paring Issue

AirPods do not have a physical or software button to turn them off. They nest inside the case and sleep. Many times if you are facing connection issues between your iPhone and the AirPods, just put both AirPod pieces inside the charging case and close the lid. Now, wait for 15 seconds and lift the case lid and connect again. This should possibly fix the problem you are facing.

Solution #3. Entirely Turn Off the Bluetooth on Your iPhone

If the above two solutions did not work for you, head over to iPhone’s Settings ⟶ Bluetooth and tap on Bluetooth toggle to turn it entirely off. (Do not use Control Centre.)

After a few seconds, turn Bluetooth on and try to pair your AirPods again. (Open AirPods charging case lid. You will see your AirPods under MY DEVICES. Tap on AirPods name.)

Solution #4. Restart your iPhone

As we repeatedly say on this website, restarting your device (any device from any manufacturer) fixes several petite issues. We will do the same here and see if this old trick does the job or not.

But before you do this, head over to iPhone’s Settings and completely turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Now, turn off your phone, and after 45 seconds, turn it back on. Now switch on Bluetooth, open AirPods’ case lid, and connect the AirPods. It will work.

Solution #5. Use the Setup Button to Connect

Did none of the above solutions bring any luck? Well, we will now take some level up measures.

Step #1. Make sure the iPhone’s Bluetooth is ON. Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid.

Step #2. Now bring your AirPods very close to your iPhone. Open the lid. It will say ‘Connect.’ Now Press and Hold the setup button, which is on the back of the case. After a few seconds, you will see a cool animation of AirPods being connected. Don’t release the set-up button just yet. Once you see the battery level of AirPods and the Case, release the button you were holding.

Step #3. Tap on Done.

Solution #6. Make Sure You Have the Latest Version of iOS on your iPhone

Software updates are not only to add new features but also to fix, remove, or polish existing bugs and features. Being on the latest version ensures that you are getting the best Apple has to currently offer. For this:

Launch Settings on your iPhone ⟶ Tap on General ⟶ Software Update. If you see a pending update. Tap Download and Install.

Solution #7. Make Sure You Have the Latest AirPods Firmware

Well, the above heading is precisely what I wrote. I used the words ‘make sure’ and not ‘update your AirPods to latest firmware’ because you cannot. Apple does this automatically in the background, and you get no pop-up or message or notification saying, ‘Hey, your AirPods are now running the latest version.’ The current firmware is 6.8.8.

Solution #8. Reset Your AirPods

If non of the above seven solutions worked for you, there is a high chance that you need to reset your AirPods and make it internally new. Resetting will delete all the tap/touch customizations you have made. After reset it will just be as if you are setting up these AirPods for the first time.

Also, if you face issues related to the connection between AirPods and Mac, just try closing the case lid and reconnecting again. Or if this fails,

On your Mac: Click on Bluetooth icon on status bar ⟶ Open Bluetooth Preferences ⟶ Right-click on your AirPods name ⟶ Disconnect. Now hold the setup button on your AirPods case and pair it again.

That’s all, folks!

Wrapping up…

So these were some of the solutions to fix the connection problem of AirPods, AirPods 2, and AirPods Pro with the iPhone.