AirPods refusing to connect? Here are a few quick fixes to try out

Apple AirPods are undoubtedly the best true wireless earbuds available on the market right now in general, and especially for Apple users. Why the latter? Well, in addition to their crystal-clear sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation capabilities, it’s also because of their ability to connect and work with devices across the Apple ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, the Apple Watch, as well as MacBooks and iMacs. This unrivalled compatibility is one of the reasons why Apple doesn’t exactly need to update its AirPods line-up very regularly and still manages to sell them a lot.

However, like with any other gadget in your arsenal, there are also times when AirPods just don’t work as well as they are advertised. Whether you are using a newer model like the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 or an older model, these devices are not as foolproof as they are meant to be. That doesn’t mean, however, that you need to run looking for an Apple genius to fix it.

ALSO READ: How to find your lost AirPods? 

If you’re unable to connect your AirPods to your devices, here are a few quick tips and fixes to troubleshoot and connect them again.

AirPods won't connect: Quick tips to get reconnected

If your new Apple AirPods refuse to connect to your devices, here are a few quick fixes you can try.

1. Reset your AirPods

This is similar to turning off and on your phone or a laptop to fix any issue with them. To reset your AirPods and not factory reset them, you simply need to place each earbud in its case and close the lid for 10 seconds. This will allow the earbuds to fully shut down and be ready to reconnect again with your device. For the AirPods Max, press the digital crown and the noise control button for 10 seconds until the light flashes amber.

2. Check Bluetooth status

One of the most common causes for AirPods’ failure to connect is Bluetooth being disabled on your Apple device. On your iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and click the toggle next to it to enable Bluetooth on your device. Once Bluetooth is enabled, your AirPods should reconnect with your device quickly.

 3. Check the AirPods’ battery status

Apple AirPods also fail to connect when their battery levels are low. Once you charge each of these earbuds for between 30 to 60 minutes, you can check if they are able to reconnect. 

4. Forget and repair

You can also force your Apple device to forget the AirPods and repair them. To make your iPhone forget AirPods, go to Settings > Bluetooth and click on the ‘i’ symbol next to the name of the product. Now, tap Forget this Device > Forget Device.

5. Check for updates

You might run into connection issues if your device is not updated with the latest software release from Apple. To ensure your AirPods can connect seamlessly with your devices, update your Apple device with the latest software and security patch updates. 

 6. Factory reset your AirPods

If none of the above solutions fix your issues with your AirPods, consider doing a full factory reset. Once your AirPods are in their case, hold the button on the back for 15 seconds. The status light will first flash amber and then turn white.

ALSO READ: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

If you have tried every solution mentioned above and are still facing issues with your AirPods, then we recommend taking your AirPods to Apple Support. This step should be the last resort and is recommended only if none of the above steps work.