It’s unusual (and frustrating) for your Apple AirPods to have trouble pairing with your phone, iPad, or another device.
When your AirPods still won’t connect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac after doing everything we’ve suggested, here’s what you can do.
Make Sure You’re Running the Right Version of iOS
If you’re pairing your AirPods for the first time with an iPhone or iPad, check that they’re compatible. If you have AirPods from the first generation, your iOS device must be running iOS 10 or later. AirPods from the second generation require iOS 12.2 or later.
- launch the device’s Settings menu.
- Go to Settings General.
- select “Software Update.”
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see what version of iOS you’re using, and if necessary, press Download and Install.
Fixing a Faulty AirPods Pairing
There are a few easy things you may attempt to get your AirPods operating again.
- Have fully charged AirPods before you head out. If you want to be absolutely sure, charge the AirPods’ case through USB for a few hours.
- Make sure Bluetooth is activated on the target iPhone or iPad. Check that the Bluetooth icon is enabled (it should be blue) by opening the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen on iPhone X or later, or up from the bottom on iPhone 8 Plus or older. The Bluetooth settings in your device’s settings app can also be double-checked.
- If connecting to an iOS device fails, try restarting that device. In many cases, this kind of issue can be fixed by just restarting the device.
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Reset Your Air Pods
If none of those solutions worked, try resetting your AirPods and re-pairing them with your iOS device.
- launch the device’s Settings menu.
- Startup Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” in a circle information icon that’s located next to your AirPods.
- Select Erase all Content and Settings from this Device.
- Close the case’s cover after Step 5, then wait 30 seconds with the AirPods inside.
- After waiting, remove the cover.
- To do this, open the case and press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes amber a few times and then white constantly.
- Your AirPods should be ready to pair again.
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What to Do if Your Mac Won’t Recognize Your AirPods?
The troubleshooting procedures for connecting AirPods to a Mac are similar to those for the iPhone and iPad.
Update your operating system to the most recent version available for your computer.
Macs running macOS Sierra or later are compatible with the first generation of AirPods, while macOS 10.14.4 or later is needed.
- open System Preferences by clicking the Apple menu item (top left).
- Select “Software Update” from the menu.
- Click the Update Now button if an update is available.
If the OS is stable, proceed as described for an iPhone or iPad.
If none of those work, you may need to reset your AirPods by first unpairing them.
- Then, select Bluetooth Preferences by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the top menu of your Mac.
- From the list of Bluetooth devices, pick the AirPods and delete them using the X on the right.
- Click Remove in the confirmation window that appears.
- repack your AirPods into their case, snap on the cover, and let it 30 seconds to charge.
- Wait eight seconds, then lift the cover.
- Press and hold the case’s setup button until the status light alternates between amber and white flashes, then releases.
- should be able to pair your AirPods again at this point.