AirPods Not Connecting? Try These Simple Solutions
Wondering why are my AirPods not connecting? We’ve got you. Whether they are showing up, but not playing sound, or just not showing up at all – it can all be an extremely frustrating experience.
Rest assured though, as we have plenty of neat tips and tricks to get your AirPods connected and working again, in no time. Keep reading for troubleshooting solutions to fix connections issues with Mac, iPhone, Windows and more.
Why Are My AirPods Not Connecting? Here’s What to Check
AirPods are generally considered to be some of the most convenient and sleek earphones on the market. However, regardless of their excellent sound quality and portability, you may run into problems with your connection at times.
Everything from hardware issues to firmware problems can affect the connection between your earphones and other devices. Some of the most common causes include:
- Bluetooth connectivity problems
- Power issues
- Outdated firmware
- Interference from other devices
- Dirt and debris
- Faulty hardware, and more
Fortunately, there are solutions for just about every one of the issues mentioned above. Keep reading to find solutions for all kinds of AirPods not connecting concerns.
AirPods Not Connecting? Here’s Your Go-to Troubleshooting Guide
There are few things in life more exasperating than when you find your AirPods not connecting to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, computer (or any other device for that matter). However, there are a few quick troubleshooting tips that we recommend you run through, before you completely throw in the towel.
Whenever you experience connection issues, be sure to check the following:
- Are both the AirPods and the case fully charged? (In fact, put them on charge anyway, just to be sure).
- Have you switched the Bluetooth on for your device? (Maybe turn it off and back on again, for good measure).
- Have both of your devices been updated recently? (To be on the safe side, check for updates regardless).
Fix Airpods Not Connecting on Your MacBook with These Solutions
1. Disconnect from other devices
If you own other Apple devices, and you happen to use your AirPods with them, remove them as a paired device from all other devices.
Pressing the connect button on the case will put it in pairing mode, but that isn’t enough. Unpair the earphones from all other devices and then try to pair them to the Mac.
2. Update macOS
Make sure the AirPods are set as the audio output device instead of the speakers.
- Open System Preferences.
- Go to the Sound preferences.
- Select the Output
- Select your AirPods
3. Unpair and repair AirPods
If your AirPods are already paired to your Mac, but they’re not connecting, unpairing and repairing them should solve the problem.
- Open System Preferences.
- Select the Bluetooth
- Click the cross/close button next to your AirPods.
- Put the AirPods in their case and press the pair/connect button.
- On your Mac, go to the Bluetooth
- Select the AirPods to pair and connect them.
4. Reset your AirPods
Removing the earphones from other devices will help, but sometimes that’s not enough. Try resetting your AirPods.
- Place the AirPods in their case.
- Press and hold the connect/pair button.
- Keep holding it until the charging light blinks in red, and then flashes in white.
- Once the AirPods are reset, pair them again.
Resolve AirPods Not Connecting on Windows devices with These Fixes
You should not typically experience any connection issues between your AirPods and non-Apple devices. However, in the event that you hit an unexpected bump in the road, put these simple fixes to the test:
1. Disconnect your other devices
If you are struggling to get your AirPods to connect to your Windows device, another already-established connection might be to blame. To remedy this, disconnect any devices that you have previously paired with your AirPods. To be extra safe, we suggest going as far as to turn off the Bluetooth of any other nearby devices, until the connection with your Windows device has been re-established.
2. Ensure optimal sound settings
Another factor to consider is your system’s sound settings. Ensure that your AirPods are set as the default playback device by adjusting your settings as follows:
- Navigate to the Sound Settings menu by right-clicking on the speaker icon at the bottom of your screen (near where the time and date is displayed).
- Check that your AirPods are listed as the Output Device under the Output settings.
Additionally, scroll down to the Advanced Sound Options. Check the app volume and device preferences to ensure that your apps are all set to use your AirPods. Furthermore, be sure to toggle the Master Volume bar to fine-tune the volume of the sound.
3. Update your Bluetooth drivers
Making sure that your Bluetooth drivers are up-to-date is another great way to resolve a variety of connectivity issues. Simply follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Windows button and select the Device Manager option from the list.
- Navigate to the Bluetooth tab.
- Right-click on the Bluetooth device (it is typically listed as “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Bluetooth Adapter”).
- Select Update Driver.
- Click on the Search automatically for updated driver software
Once the updated driver has been updated and installed, all that is left to do is to restart your computer and test the Bluetooth connection.
Near Magical Solutions to Try When All Else Fails
If you still find that your earphones are not connecting — even after trying all of the above solutions, tips, and tricks — you might have to delve into some unconventional territory. It is not always clear why these next few steps manage to restore a connection when nothing else could, but they are certainly worth a try.
1. The AirPods hokey pokey
You won’t find this method listed on any of Apple’s official support documents, but it can be a surprisingly effective way to get your AirPods to connect to a device.
- Connect your charging case to the charger, and be sure to have your iPhone, iPad, or Mac within reaching distance.
- Open the case with both earphones inserted and wait for the light to flash.
- Now, remove one earbud before closing and opening the case again.
- Then, remove the other earbud (the case should remain open).
- Insert one of the earbuds and wait for your device to register the case.
- Insert the other earbud.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. The AirPods switcheroo
We know this method sounds a bit wacky, but just trust us. Sometimes all your AirPods need is a little space to figure things out. To accomplish an AirPods switch-around, you must:
- Disconnect from the device that you are currently experiencing issues with.
- Now, forget the connection.
- Pair the AirPods to a different device in your home.
- Then, disconnect and forget this secondary connection.
- Re-pair your earphones to the original device and re-establish the connection.
Connection Resolved! Your AirPods Should Be Good to Go
Having trouble connecting when you just want to listen to your favorite song, watch your favorite show, or get into that important meeting, can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, the solutions listed in this guide should help you to get around issues ranging from little settings incompatibilities to larger systems irregularities.
Try them out for yourself and let us know if these solutions worked for you, or how you went about resolving your AirPods not connecting problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update my AirPods?
They should update automatically when they are connected to another Apple device (or even when they are charging in their case, near another Apple device). You can check the current version of your AirPods firmware by heading to the My Devices list under the Bluetooth settings on your connected Apple device. Simply press the little “i” icon next to the AirPods and scroll down for the version information.
Why are my AirPods not showing in the device list?
There are many reasons why your earphones may not be showing up when you try to connect from another device. Some things to consider include:
- Your Bluetooth may not be switched on
- Your AirPods may not be fully charged
- Another device might be interfering with the connection
- Your device might need to be updated to the latest version
- Hardware issues, or even trapped dirt, may be interfering with the connection
Why are my AirPods flashing white but not connecting?
Unfortunately, this means that they are in pairing mode, but they are having trouble connecting to your device. There are a variety of reasons why this could be happening. We recommend working through all the troubleshooting tips listed in this guide to resolve any underlying problems.
How do I make my AirPods discoverable?
Follow these steps to put your AirPods into pairing mode:
- Place both of your earphones into the charging case
- Open the lid, but do not remove the AirPods
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case
Once you see the white light at the front of the case start to flash, this means that they are in pairing mode and are now discoverable to other nearby Bluetooth devices.
