Since its launch in 2016, AirPods have become a top-rated Apple product in the tech market, especially among local Apple users. Its sleek and stylish design with easy-to-use wireless features has kept it trendy throughout the years. In the years to follow, Apple introduced three different AirPod models, i.e., AirPods 1st and 2nd generation, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
AirPods have without a doubt been an exceptionally inviting improvement from their predecessors, Apple’s old wired Earbuds, providing varied features that for sure make them an advantageous move up to consider. If the price goes well with you, cause like each Apple item this also comes in the higher finish of the value range.
All things are good aside, AirPods has some issues that require resolution. One such problem is when the AirPods keep disconnecting on their own while being used for music or phone calls, or anything else.
Now, if you are facing such an issue, worry not. You are not the only one. This has been a recurring and persistent issue that many AirPods users seem to be facing multiple times.
The random connections may not seem like that big of trouble at first. Still, frequent instances of it become a hindrance for you very quickly, like who would like to get randomly disconnected while on a phone call or getting into the music mood—quite an irritating scenario.
Your AirPods keep disconnecting from the device because many, some easier to fix, others a bit harder. But before looking into the solutions to this, let us first explore the causes that might be responsible for this nuisance.
Three significant aspects that can be pinned to this Issue are:
- Pending software update or some accidental change in settings, i.e., SOFTWARE ISSUE.
- Since it is a wireless device, the most likely cause is interference in signal and connectivity.
- Or it may be the electronics of the AirPods that are causing the problem, i.e., HARDWARE ISSUE.
AirPods connection issues? Follow these steps:-
1- Check Your Battery Status
I know many of you, who have other issues, will find this step annoying but considering this is probably the most common reason, it has to be addressed. Trust me, not all of us keep that device charged all the time. So, whenever your AirPods randomly disconnect, make sure to check the battery status first. Your AirPods being wireless require a sufficient charge to function correctly.
To check how juiced up your AirPods are and how long they can be used without interruption, follow through with these steps:
- Pop your AirPods back in their case and leave the lid open.
- Place the point close to your iPhone or whichever device it is connected to.
- A pop-up window will appear displaying the remaining battery life on both the carry case and individual AirPods.
Another way to check the battery life is by assessing the battery widget on your iPhone.
Steps to follow:
- Swipe right on the home screen and scroll down till you find the edit button
- Tap on the edit button and add the Batteries Widget.
And for the lazy folks, ask Siri to tell you what your AirPods battery percentage is.
2- Bluetooth Connectivity
Aside from battery issues, and Bluetooth-related problems, falling off could be the other common reason for your disconnecting AirPods. Any topic related to Bluetooth will possibly affect your AirPods connection with the device and even many times it is seen that disconnecting Airpods causes the loss of Airpods.
Firstly, check if the Bluetooth is enabled; this may be obvious but, there is no harm in checking. If it is on, the ever-helpful “turn it off and on again” method can also be tried here. When you turn your Bluetooth back on, and your AirPods are not shown as connected to the device, select your AirPods from “My Devices,” and it’ll click to your device in a few seconds.
You can also try unpairing your AirPods from your device and reconnecting them again, though you should know this will unpaid your AirPods from other devices that are linked to the same iCloud account.
To unpair:
- Open Bluetooth in the settings.
- Search for your AirPods in the list of devices and tap on the “i” button.
- Now tap on Forget this device option.
For reconnecting the AirPods back to the device:
- Keep your home screen unlocked and pop your AirPods in its case.
- Keep the case lid open and hold it close to your device.
- Tap the “connect” option on the setup pop-up.
- Complete the setup process.
Another reason here could be your Bluetooth version. Your AirPods work best with Bluetooth 5.0 devices. In the case of older Bluetooth versions, they lower their connection to match the audio devices, hindering the range and connection quality.
3- Disable Device’s Wi-Fi
Turning off the Wi-Fi on your device to see if they are the cause of the issue is done more as a troubleshooting step. There is no logical explanation for the same. It may have something to do with the Wi-Fi interference, but again there is no clear explanation. Another thing that can be done is to reduce the distance between the device and AirPods. Distancing from wireless cameras, baby monitors, microwaves, etc., is also recommended.
4- Audio Device Settings
Sometimes, when your AirPods aren’t correctly connected to your device, Airpods keep disconnecting. Make sure you have chosen your AirPods as the audio device.
5- Auto Ear Detection and Cleaning Your AirPods
AirPods come with the feature of “automatic ear detection,” i.e. when you remove the AirPods from your ears, they’ll stop functioning on their own. This feature is great for conserving your AirPods battery but could also be the reason why your AirPods keep disconnecting. Disabling this feature may solve your issue.
To disable:
- Open Bluetooth via settings
- Look for your AirPods in the list of devices and tap on the “i” icon next to it.
- Turn off the Automatic ear detection.
Similar to this, another feature that was introduced with iOS 14 is “Automatic switching.” This feature allows your AirPods to switch between Apple devices on their own when there are multiple devices at home. This feature could lead to random AirPods connection issues, so disabling it can be helpful sometimes.
Other than this, cleaning your AirPods could also sometimes solve the problem of disconnecting AirPods. The use of microfiber cloth to clean dust particles and AirPods bud to clean the speaker is best advised.
6- Outdated iOS Version
You have seen AirPods connection issues in your AirPods because your AirPods may sometimes malfunction if your iOS version is not updated, as you’ll continue to encounter bugs and errors that have been fixed in the latest update.
AirPods firmware updates should also be checked from time to time to ensure proper functioning and compatibility.
7- Change in Settings
To ensure a consistent connection between your AirPods and the device, make sure to configure your device with the correct settings. To maintain a good relationship, review your Bluetooth settings from time to time.
When connecting AirPods to Android, the connection isn’t as seamless as when using AirPods with Apple, and a few setting nips are needed here.
8- Hardware Troubles
Often time the problem lies within the electronics of the Airpods and not the connection. If your AirPods have undergone some physical damage over time, there’s a possibility that the electronics inside have been damaged too, causing the performance issue.
With AirPods being a portable device, it goes anywhere and everywhere with you, making them more prone to easy damage and should be taken care of as best as possible. Aside from safekeeping them in their protective case, cleaning your AirPods can also prevent damage to the hardware.
Ending Words
In this article, we have tried to mention every possible way to help solve the AirPods connection issues, which have been a prevalent problem among many AirPods users.
There’s a great possibility that you’ll find a solution to your problem using one of the methods mentioned here. However, if the problem persists, it might require more attention due to some other underlying issue.
In such cases, it’ll be beneficial to contact an expert or get in touch with your nearest Apple Store to get them checked.