AirPods fail to connect because of Bluetooth interference, outdated software, or a pairing problem between your device and the earbuds
The most common reason AirPods stop connecting is that they have drifted out of Bluetooth range, the connection was interrupted and not re-established, or your device is trying to connect to the wrong AirPods. Less often, your device's Bluetooth radio needs to be reset, or the AirPods themselves need to be forgotten and re-paired. You can fix most connection problems in under five minutes without visiting Apple Support.
Before you start troubleshooting, check that Bluetooth is turned on in your device's settings. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top right. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and confirm the toggle is on. On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth & Devices, and check that Bluetooth is enabled.
Key Takeaways
- Move your AirPods within 30 feet of your device and away from microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and other Bluetooth devices, which can block the signal.
- Open the AirPods case near your device and wait 10 seconds for the connection to re-establish, then check if they appear in your Bluetooth menu.
- If they still do not show up, forget the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings and pair them again by holding the setup button on the case for 15 seconds.
- Restart your device and update its operating system if AirPods connect but then drop out repeatedly during use.
- If one earbud connects but the other does not, reset both AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
Check Bluetooth range and clear interference
AirPods use Bluetooth, which works best within about 30 feet of your device and with a clear line of sight. If you are farther away or in a building with thick walls, the connection will drop. Move closer to your device and try again.
Bluetooth also shares the 2.4 GHz frequency with Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and some cordless phones. If your AirPods connect at your desk but not in your kitchen, interference is likely the cause. Move away from the router or microwave and test the connection. If that fixes it, you know interference is the problem — you may need to move your router or use a different part of your home.
If you have multiple Bluetooth devices nearby — a smartwatch, another pair of headphones, a Bluetooth speaker — they can compete for your device's attention. Turn off or move away from other Bluetooth devices and try connecting your AirPods again.
Open the case and wait for the connection to re-establish
The simplest fix is often the first one to try. Open your AirPods case near your device and wait 10 to 15 seconds. Your device should recognize the AirPods and reconnect automatically. Check your Bluetooth menu to see if they now appear as connected.
If they show up in your Bluetooth menu but are not playing sound, tap them in the menu to confirm the connection. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, go to Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and tap them. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods. On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & Devices, find your AirPods, and click Connect.
Forget and re-pair your AirPods
If opening the case does not work, your device may have a corrupted pairing record. You will need to forget the AirPods and pair them again from scratch.
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, tap the information icon (i) next to them, and select Forget This Device. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, find your AirPods, click the X next to them, and confirm. On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & Devices, find your AirPods, click the three dots next to them, and select Remove Device.
Once you have forgotten them, hold the setup button on the back of your AirPods case for 15 seconds until the light inside the case flashes amber, then white. This puts the AirPods into pairing mode. Your device should now see them as a new device available to pair. Select them from your Bluetooth menu and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing.
Restart your device and update its software
If your AirPods connect but then drop out repeatedly, or if they connect to the wrong device when you have multiple Apple devices, restart your device first. On an iPhone or iPad, hold the power button until you see the power-off slider, then slide to turn off. Wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again to turn it back on. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select Shut Down, wait for the Mac to turn off completely, then press the power button to turn it back on. On Windows, click the Start menu, select Power, and choose Restart.
After restarting, check that your device is running the latest operating system. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select System Settings, go to General, then Software Update. On Windows, open Settings, go to Update & Security, and click Check for Updates. Install any available updates and restart your device again.
Reset both AirPods if only one connects
If one earbud connects but the other does not, both earbuds may have lost their pairing with each other. Hold the setup button on the back of your AirPods case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. This resets both earbuds and clears their internal pairing. Wait a few seconds, then open the case near your device. Both earbuds should now connect together.
If only one earbud still does not connect after a full reset, the earbud itself may have a hardware problem. Check the charging contacts inside the case to make sure they are clean and not corroded. Gently wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If the earbud still does not connect after cleaning and resetting, it may need to be replaced through Apple.
Check your device's Bluetooth settings for conflicts
If you have paired your AirPods with multiple devices — an iPhone, a Mac, and a Windows computer, for example — your AirPods may try to connect to the wrong one. Go to the device you want to use and open its Bluetooth settings. Make sure your AirPods are listed and connected there. Then go to your other devices and forget the AirPods from their Bluetooth settings so they do not try to grab the connection.
You can re-pair your AirPods with your other devices later if you need to switch between them. For now, having them paired with only one device will eliminate confusion about which device they are trying to connect to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting during calls?
Repeated disconnections during calls usually mean your device is losing the Bluetooth signal. Move closer to your device, away from Wi-Fi routers and microwaves, and restart your device. If the problem continues, update your device's operating system and reset your AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
Can I use AirPods with a Windows computer?
Yes. Go to Settings, open Bluetooth & Devices, click Add Device, select Bluetooth, and hold the setup button on your AirPods case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white. Your AirPods will appear in the list. Click them to connect. Some features like automatic ear detection may not work on Windows the way they do on Apple devices.
What if my AirPods show up in Bluetooth but will not actually connect?
Forget them from your Bluetooth settings, restart your device, and pair them again. If they still will not connect, reset the AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white, and pair them fresh. If this does not work, your AirPods may have a hardware issue that requires replacement.
Do I need to unpair my AirPods from my old device before using them with a new one?
No. AirPods can be paired with multiple devices at once. When you open the case near a new device, they will connect to it. To prevent them from automatically connecting to your old device, forget them from that device's Bluetooth settings, or turn off Bluetooth on the old device when you are using the new one.