Apple’s most signature TWS earbud lineups are AirPods. What makes them so unique? Simplicity, easy to connect, and immersive sound quality. But things can be annoying when it is supposed to work just fine but doesn’t work at all!
AirPods simple pairing and connecting with iPhones makes it way better than other TWS in the market. But after all, it’s an electronic device, and things can go wrong anytime.
Don’t be surprised if your AirPods refuse to connect with your iPhone, MacBook, or other devices. It’s pretty normal, and you can fix this matter quickly.
To fix your AirPods not connecting issue, I have implemented all the possible fixes in this article. Read to the last to find out.
Check out our separate post on can you charge AirPods without the case.
Why aren’t AirPods Connecting?
Your AirPods aren’t connecting due to a low battery charge, Bluetooth not working correctly, or outdated software. Sometimes, your AirPods need to reset due to bugs and errors. The connecting issue may occur due to low charge remains. Dust and debris can create hardware problems; count that too.
Don’t get frustrated in case your AirPods fail to connect with your phone. You are not alone in who is facing this! Many AirPods users face this problem while connecting it with their iPhones and other devices.
Your AirPod might not work as it should but fixing the matter is easy. To connect AirPods without any problem, you must properly set up your phone’s software, Bluetooth, and hardware. This guide will help you to troubleshoot the complication. Just go through every step below. You can thank me later.
How to Fix AirPods not Connecting With iPhone or iPad
iPhone and iPad are running on iOS. Not updating the OS to the latest version can create this trouble. There are other reasons which can trigger the fault. So, without any delay, let’s get straight to the fixings.
1. Restart AirPods
Restarting the AirPods is the first thing you should go for before trying anything else. Sometimes a restart can solve big problems with any electronic device.
Here are the steps to restart AirPods:
- Put both the AirPods in the case and close the lid.
- Keep it closed at least for 15 seconds, and then try again.
Extra Tip for AirPods Max users: Take out the right one and hold the noise control button and digital crown together until you see the case’s light turn amber. Hold the buttons at least for 10 seconds and release the buttons immediately after that. Try to reconnect the AirPods Max again. Holding those buttons for a long time will factory reset the AirPods Max.
Also, check out our separate post on can you wear AirPods in the shower.
2. Check Bluetooth
Check the Bluetooth status from your iPhone. If you are trying to connect the Pods without turning on the Bluetooth, you won’t be able to connect the AirPods. First, check whether the phone’s Bluetooth is turned ON or not.
Still not connected when the Bluetooth is ON? Turn it off and enable it again. Check your AirPods connectivity status.
Pro Tip: The Bluetooth might get damaged if it fails to turn ON. Go to Apple’s customer care to check for hardware faults and repair them.
3. Fully Charge your AirPods and Case
When your AirPods are not connecting with your devices, check the battery level of the Airpods and the case. You can check your AirPods battery level from your iPhone.
Just make sure your Bluetooth is turned ON. Put the Pods in the case and keep the lid open. Bring the case closer to your phone.
A pop-up will appear on the case with the battery level information of the AirPods and the case. 
Lack of battery charge can trigger this. To solve this problem, put back the AirPods in the case and connect the lightning cable to charge everything.
Or else, you can charge it with a wireless charger.
Charge the case until the notification light is green. After juicing up fully, try connecting the AirPods again.
4. Update the Software
Your AirPods won’t connect with your iPhone if your iPhone’s OS is not updated. AirPods gen 3 is only supported on iOS 15 or later versions, and you won’t get the spatialized stereo support until you update it to iOS 15.
Note: Before updating, backup your device’s data.
Here are the steps to update the iOS/Firmware:
- Connect your device to the Wifi.
- Go to Settings > General.
- Tap on the Software Update option.
- Tap on the Update which you want. You may find one or two updates.
- Tap Install Now. (If you see Download and Install, select the Download first, and after downloading, enter your phone’s Pin and tap on the Install Now button.)
After you have installed the updates successfully, try connecting your AirPods now. If the matter is not solved, continue reading.
Quickly check out our epic guide on how to fix Airpods not working on Messenger Calls.
5. Make Sure AirPods are Within the Range
AirPods maximum reception range is around 30-60 feet or 10-18 meters. Make sure to connect your AirPods when your iPhone is within range. Though, you can check whether your AirPods are in the range of your iPhone or not?
Here are the steps to check AirPods range from iPhone:
- Go to Home Screen first.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to the Control Center.
- Select the Audio output button. (The audio output button looks like three circles coming out from a triangle).
- Check the list and look for AirPods. You are out of the range if it’s not on the list.
Always keep your AirPods within the range; else, you won’t be able to connect them to your phone.
6. Reset AirPods
It’s time to reset the AirPods to the factory settings in case you have failed to connect them with your iPhone by applying the other methods. To reset the Pods, follow the below steps.
Here are the steps to reset AirPods to the factory settings:
- Put back your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait for 30 Seconds.
- Open the charging case lid.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth first and tap on the i icon beside the AirPods name.
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm two more times to confirm.
- Press and hold the rounded setup button for 15 seconds which is at the back of the case, while the lid is open.
- Wait for the case light to turn from amber to flashing white.
- Open the lid and place the AirPods near the iPhone.
- Follow the steps of your device’s screen next to pair the Pods again with your iPhone.
After resetting the AirPods, I hope you won’t face any problems while connecting it. Resetting the AirPods to the factory settings solves not only the connectivity fault but also the charging and sound issue.
Also, check out our separate post on why Airpods Not Working with Microsoft Teams.
How to Fix AirPods not Connecting With MacBook, MacMini, or iMac
Like iPhones or iPad, you can face the same connectivity issue with your MacBook or iMac. The procedures are almost the same as what you have done for iPhones.
Here are the steps to fix AirPods not connecting with MacOS-supported devices:
- Make sure you have installed the latest version of macOS.
- Put the AirPods in the charging case and ensure both are charging along with the charging case.
- Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth to ensure the Bluetooth is turned ON.
- Make sure your AirPods are connected as your audio device.
- Click the X icon on the right side of the AirPods name to remove it. Only do this when it is in the list but not connecting with your Mac.
- Close the lid and wait for 15 seconds. After that, open the lid again.
- Press and hold the setup button behind the charging case for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the flashlight to turn white. White light means your AirPods are ready to connect again.
- Open the lid, hold the case near the Mac, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Check whether the AirPods are connected or not.
After applying the above steps, I hope you can connect the AirPods with your Mac. Even after this, you can reset the AirPods to factory settings if the problem remains. I have already implemented the steps for resetting.
I have only shown the fix for iOS and macOS-supported devices in this article. The reason is quite simple; people use the AirPods with iPhones or MacBooks only because these are made for each other.
Without iOS or macOS, you will not be able to use all the features of AirPods. A feature like spatialized stereo is only available when using the Pods with iOS.
Check out our separate post on how to solve AirPods not working on Netflix.
FAQs
Why are my AirPods paired but not connecting?
Your AirPods are paired but not connected with your iPhone because your phone’s OS/firmware is outdated. Moreover, the wrong configuration of the Bluetooth can lead you to this type of problem.
Why is my AirPods case flashing white light and not connecting?
Due to the failure of connecting it to your device, it is flashing the white light. This phenomenon is responsible for outdated OS, disabled Bluetooth, or lack of charge.
Why is my AirPods blinking orange?
Your AirPods case blinks the orange light because it needs to be charged. A quick plug in the case to the power source will solve it. AirPods Gen 3 and Gen 2 last up to 5-6 hours on a single charge. With spatial audio enabled, Gen 3 lasts for 5 hours.
Final Words
I hope after applying the methods, you have resolved the connecting issue. Sometimes dust and debris can clog the connection between the case and the AirPods. Take a look inside the case and clean it carefully.
Call Apple for help or go to customer care even though the problem remains after applying all the methods.
Best of luck fixing the AirPods. Peace out!
