How to Fix AirPods Won't Connect to iPhone

Charge your AirPod.

It's the easiest thing to test when AirPods won't connect or work properly. Put your AirPods back in the charging dock and charge everything up with a Lightning cable or wireless charger. Wait for the light on the case to turn green. This means your AirPods and case are completely empty.

You can also read our guide on how to charge your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Update your program

iPhone software update. Video credit: Apple.

Another great thing to do when diagnosing any AirPods issues, including connectivity issues, is to update the iOS or iPadOS software.

You can do this by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. If you need to update the software, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process. With the latest software, you can rule out any issues with your device.

And if you're not sure if you should take the time to complete the task, read the reasons why you need to update iOS on your iPhone.

Turn Bluetooth on and off.

iPhone control center with icons for airplane mode, mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Bluetooth is never perfect. A quick way to find out if this is causing your AirPods to connect is to turn Bluetooth on and off. There are several ways to do this. The easiest way is to go to the control center of your device and toggle the Bluetooth icon on and off. If you're not familiar with all the useful features, be sure to learn how to customize iPhone Control Center.

An additional way to switch to Bluetooth is in Settings > Bluetooth on your device.

And Siri fans can simply use a simple voice command from Apple's Virtual Assistant to turn Bluetooth on and off.

Reboot the device

Next, if you're still wondering why your AirPods won't connect, it's time to reset your device. There are several ways to do this, depending on how old your iPhone or iPad is. If you are using a modern iPhone, press the Volume Up button and then the Volume Down button. Then press the side button. Slide your finger across the screen to turn off iPhone. To restart, press the side button again. When you see the Apple logo, it means the launch process begins.

The process is identical to the iPad without the home button.

When you restart your device, it's time to check if your AirPods can connect and start rocking again.

Try just one AirPod.

You may not know it, but each AirPod can work independently of the other earphone. So to see if the problem is with just one AirPod, remove it from the charging dock one at a time and see if it connects to your device. If only one connects to your device and the other doesn't, you better understand where the problem is.

Reboot and re-pair your AirPod with your device

If the problems continue, it's time to take more drastic measures. Restoring factory settings will completely erase the memory of your AirPods and keep them in the same condition as when you first used the headphones.

To start the process, place your AirPod on the charging dock and close the lid. Wait another 30 seconds.

Airpods Bluetooth Settings

airpods forget device

airpod bluetooth

Then it's time to open the cover of the charging case and keep it open. Then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad. Find the name of your AirPod and tap the More Info button (I) next to the name.

Select Forget This Device and confirm the command. With the cover open, press and hold the settings button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds. You need to wait until the status light starts flashing yellow and then white.

Now that your AirPod has been reset to factory settings, it's time to try pairing it with your device. Open the cover and place them next to your iPhone or iPad. If it is successful, you will see a popup window on the screen. Follow these instructions to connect your AirPod and add it to your iCloud account.

Please note that AirPods and AirPods Pro 3rd generation can only be associated with a single Apple ID. If you try to use those AirPods that have been linked to a different Apple ID, the other person will need to remove them from your account.

If all else fails, it's time to call Apple.

If you still can't connect your AirPod to your device after trying these troubleshooting tips. We have bad news. Time to talk to Apple.

Most AirPods have a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. So if in the meantime, Apple may decide to fix the problem without charging you. However, if your AirPods are older, the situation becomes bleaker.