Apple’s product design is popular for being smooth in usage and seamless in connection with other iOS devices, particularly in the case of Apple’s Airpods. However, like any other gadget, they can sometimes malfunction, resulting in a connection error.
In this article, we will take you through some quick fixes that you can try if your Airpods are not connecting to your iPhone, iPad or MacBook.
Why are you seeing the AirPods not connecting error?
You might be seeing the Airpods won’t connect error due to an issue with the device’s Bluetooth, iOS version, or a glitch when pairing.
If your Airpods are not connecting follow our guides below to fix the error on your iPhone, iPad and Macbook.
Also read: How to fix ‘Airpods Microphone Not Working’ issue?
How to fix AirPods won’t connect to iPhone or iPad?
Here are four ways to resolve the Airpods won’t connect error on your iPhone and iPad.
Turn on the Bluetooth
First, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone or iPad. The most common mistake people do turn off the Bluetooth button and start worrying about the Airpods not working.
Swipe up from the bottom or down from the upper right corner of the screen to open and check the control panel.
You can also check the Bluetooth from the Settings app. In case Bluetooth is off, switch them on by sliding the toggle to the right.
Charge your AirPods
Make sure your Airpods are charged. If you’re not sure and cannot see the light or the charge notification on your iOS device, put the Airpods back in the case and connect them to the power source for at least 10 minutes to an hour.
Also read: How to check Airpods battery via iPhone, iPad and Macbook?
Check your iOS version
If you are connecting your Airpods for the first time, make sure your iOS device meets the OS requirements. While 1st-gen Airpods require iOS 10 or later, 2nd-gen require iOS 12.2 at the least.
Updating your iPhone or iPad could address specific bugs that might be causing software or hardware incompatibility issues with the Airpods.
Follow the steps mentioned below to update your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on General.
- Then tap on Software Update.
- If an update is available, you’ll see that on the next page.
- Tap on Download and Install to proceed.
Reset and re-pair AirPods
If your Airpods are not charging or connecting properly with your device, you need to reset them to factory settings.
Open your iPhone or iPad’s settings app and follow the steps mentioned below to reset your Airpods.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Tap on the i icon next to your Airpods name.
- Tap on Forget This Device. A pop-up window will ask you to confirm it; tap on Forget Device again.
- Place your Airpods back in their charging case and wait for a few seconds.
- Now open the case’s lid, press and hold the reset button on the back until you see a white light blinking.
Your Airpods are ready to be paired again.
Setup your AirPods on iPhone/iPad
Follow the steps below. to set up the Airpods with your iPhone or iPad
- Swipe up to open the Control Centre and tap on the Bluetooth icon.
- Bring your Airpods closer to the iOS device and open the lid of the case.
- Go to the Home Screen of the iOS device, a setup animation will pop-up.
- Tap on Connect and then Done.
Also read: Why is your Airpods blinking orange? How to fix it?
How to fix AirPods won’t connect to Mac error?
If you’re having trouble connecting Airpods to Mac, the fixes are similar to those mentioned above for iPhone and iPad.
First, make sure your Airpods are charged. If you cannot see any light on the case, put the Airpods back in the case and connect them to the power source for at least 10 minutes to an hour.
Follow the steps given below to resolve Airpods connection issue for the Mac.
Turn on the Bluetooth
Make sure your Mac’s Bluetooth is turned on. Follow the steps mentioned below to ensure that it is.
Step 1: Click on the small Bluetooth icon on the taskbar. Alternatively, you can search for Bluetooth in the search bar.
Step 2: If you see the Bluetooth turned off, click on Turn Bluetooth On.
Update your Mac
If you are connecting your Airpods for the first time, make sure your macOS runs on the required system software. While 1st-gen Airpods require macOS Sierra or later, 2nd-gen require macOS 10.14.4 or later.
Follow the steps mentioned below to update your macOS.
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon located in the top left corner of the screen. Then select System Preferences.
Step 2: Click on Software Update.
Step 3: If an update is available, click on Upgrade Now.
Also read: How to know if your Airpods are real?
Reset and re-pair AirPods
If your Airpods won’t connect and are not charging or connecting properly with your device then you need to reset them to factory settings. Follow the steps mentioned below to reset your Airpods on Mac.
Step 1: Click on the Bluetooth icon located on the taskbar, then select Open Bluetooth Preferences.
Step 2: Select the Airpods and click on the ‘X’ button on the right.
Step 3: Click on Forget Device on the pop-up window.
Place your Airpods back in their charging case and wait for few seconds. Now open the lid of the case then press and hold the reset button on the back until you see a white light blinking.
Your Airpods are ready to be paired again.
Setup AirPods on Mac
To set up your Airpods with your Mac, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Click on the Bluetooth icon located on the task bar.
Step 2: Click on Turn Bluetooth On.
Step 3: Click on Open Bluetooth Preferences.
Step 4: Bring your Airpods closer to the iOS device and open the lid of the case. You’ll see your Airpods name appear in the list. Click on Connect.
Also read: Are Airpods Waterproof? Can you use them in the shower?
