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Bluetooth and audio

My AirPods will not connect to my iPhone. What should I do?

AirPods are convenient when they work and maddening when they do not. Start with charge and Bluetooth before resetting them.

The short answer

Put both AirPods in the case, charge them, open Bluetooth settings, forget the AirPods if needed, then reconnect them near the iPhone.

Now try it on your device

Choose your path

Pick the device or situation that matches the screen in front of you.

2 options

Steps for iPhone

  1. 1Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
  2. 2Open Settings, then Bluetooth.
  3. 3If the AirPods appear, tap the info button and choose Forget This Device.
  4. 4Open the AirPods case near the iPhone and follow the connection prompt.

One safety note

Do not reset the AirPods before checking charge.

Before you change settings

1Make sure the case and both AirPods have charge.
2Keep the AirPods close to the iPhone while reconnecting.
3Check whether the AirPods are already connected to another Apple device nearby.

What to know first

What this usually means

  • The case or one AirPod is not charged.
  • The AirPods are connected to another device.
  • The old Bluetooth pairing is stuck.
  • The case lid was not opened close enough to the iPhone.

Do not do this yet

  • Do not reset the AirPods before checking charge.
  • Do not buy a replacement until each AirPod is confirmed charging.
  • Do not enter Apple ID passwords from links in unofficial support pages.

Copy this to Emily

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My AirPods will not connect to my iPhone. I see [message/no message], and [one/both] AirPods show charge. What should I try?