Did you recently purchase a pair of AirPods? Are you having problems connecting your AirPods to some of your devices? Despite selling over 60 million units in 2019, the Apple AirPods still does not come with its issues.
Some of the common problems users complain of include the AirPods’ battery life, as well as the Automatic Ear Detection feature. But perhaps the most annoying problem involves connectivity.
Sometimes, your AirPods won’t connect for some reason. When this happens, the bigger problem is failing to address the matter.
But how do you exactly solve problems with AirPods on connection? We’re here to help. Continue reading below for a comprehensive troubleshooting guide.
Using the Wrong Version
Before you take your AirPods or iPhone for repairs, you need to check first if you’re using the right iOS version. This is one of the most common reasons why your AirPods won’t connect to your devices.
Whether you’re using AirPods for the first time or trying it out on a new device, you want to make sure you meet the minimum system requirements.
If you bought the first generation of the AirPods and you wish to pair it with your iPhone or iPad, the latter must be running on iOS 10 or later. In case you’re using the second generation of AirPods, your device must feature iOS 12.2 at the very least.
To check and update your software, open the “Settings” app on your device. Hit “General” then select “Software Update”. From there, you can see the iOS version that is running on your device.
The page will also tell you if you need an update or if you’re running the latest version. If it’s the former, then update your device accordingly.
Basic Troubleshooting When AirPods Won’t Connect
If your software is up-to-date and your AirPods connection failed, you can start with the basic troubleshooting. Begin by troubleshooting your Bluetooth. Check your iPhone or iPad and see if you enabled the Bluetooth.
Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your device to open the Control Panel. From there, check if the Bluetooth icon is lighting up in blue. Alternatively, you can go to the “Settings” app and check the Bluetooth menu.
If your Bluetooth connection is on but the AirPods still don’t work, check if the latter has enough battery. If you see that the battery is empty or low, replace the AirPods in their case and charge them for at least an hour.
If these methods still don’t work, try restarting your iPhone or iPad. If still to no avail, then you may need to restart your AirPods. To do this, unpair the AirPods from your Apple device then open the “Settings” app on your device.
Hit the “Bluetooth” option then tap the “i” beside the AirPods entry. Tap “Forget this Device” to remove them from your device.
Thereafter, put your AirPods back inside the charging case. Close the lid and wait for about 30 seconds before opening it again.
At the back of the case, press and hold the setup button. You want to hold the button until the status light flashes in amber color. The amber light should flash a few times then a flashing white light should follow.
Connection Problems With Your Mac
Sometimes, your AirPods may not want to connect with your Mac desktop or MacBook. This happens every once in a while especially if you’re using an older Mac. Thankfully, troubleshooting for Mac is roughly the same as the steps for your iPhone or iPad.
Check if your Mac is using the proper iOs version. First-generation AirPods require macOS Sierra or any later version to work. Meanwhile, second-generation AirPods will only run on macOS 10.14.4 or later.
If the AirPods still don’t pair, perform the basic troubleshooting options for iPhones.
When One of Them Doesn’t Pair or Sync
There will also be times when one of your AirPods will not sync. If this happens, the first thing to do is to return both AirPods inside the charging case. Wait for about 10 seconds then give them another try.
If it doesn’t work, repeat the process. But this time, connect and disconnect the Bluetooth on your device before removing the AirPods from the charging case.
If nothing changes, reset your AirPods accordingly.
iCloud Syncing Issues
In case your AirPods are giving you problems syncing with your iCloud, log out of your iCloud account then sign back in. This method works most of the time.
Alternatively, you may press and hold the setup button at the back of the charging case. Hold the button until you see the light flashing orange. When you see the light flashing, hold it for another 30 seconds before releasing it.
That Nagging Static Sound
Sometimes, the problem may not involve connecting or syncing to your device. Instead, the problem can be a nagging static sound. Many reasons may cause you to hear this annoying sound.
But the most common of which is interference. This is likely the case if you notice the static sound happening in one specific place. To solve this, you need to identify the device that is creating interference and move it to another place.
Another possible cause of interference is your Wi-Fi connection. You will notice the static sound, especially during calls. If this is the case, there is not much you can do but to turn off the Wi-Fi whenever you’re making calls.
Finding the Missing AirPods
If one day you find yourself misplacing your AirPods, you can use the Find My iPhone tool to find them. However, this will only work if your AirPods are still on.
To enable this, login to your iCloud account and hit “Find iPhone.” Go to the top of the screen and click “All Devices.” Hit “AirPods” to reveal where they are.
Alternatively, you can hit “Play Sound” to enable a beeping sound from the AirPods.
Learn More About Your Apple Devices
Knowing what to do when your AirPods won’t connect is paramount for any AirPods owner. Learning how to troubleshoot your device will help you maximize its performance. And if you’re a big Apple user, there are lots of other things you must learn.
Discover more about Apple devices by checking our different blog posts. We share tips like extending your iPhone’s battery and keeping your devices germ-free.
