Apple’s AirPods are extremely popular wireless earbuds that seamlessly connect to iPhones and other Apple devices. As useful as AirPods are, sometimes issues can arise with maintaining a Bluetooth connection between your iPhone and AirPods. This article will cover how to check the connection status between your iPhone and various AirPods models to troubleshoot connectivity problems.
Table of Contents
Pairing AirPods to Your iPhone
Before you can use your AirPods with your iPhone, you need to pair them which establishes an initial Bluetooth connection. Here is a quick overview of the pairing process:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth and toggling it on.
- Open the lid on the AirPods charging case with the AirPods inside and hold it next to your iPhone.
- A popup will appear on your iPhone allowing you to connect to the AirPods. Tap “Connect” and follow any additional prompts.
- Once paired, your AirPods will automatically connect to your iPhone whenever you open the case lid as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Checking Connection Status
Once paired to your iPhone, verifying the connection status only takes a few quick steps:
All AirPods Models
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone
- Locate your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to them
- On the details screen you will see the connection status, indicating whether the AirPods are currently Connected or Not Connected
If your AirPods show as Not Connected even when they are in your ears, try the troubleshooting tips below.
AirPods Max Specifically
The over-ear AirPods Max have an additional way to view connection status:
- Press the noise control button on the top of the right ear cup
- The status light will indicate the connection status using these colors:
- White – Connected
- Amber – Connecting
- Red – Not Connected
Troubleshooting Tips
If your AirPods aren’t reliably staying connected to your iPhone, try the following troubleshooting solutions:
Update Software
Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Also update your AirPods by placing them in the charging case with the lid open next to your iPhone for at least 30 minutes.
Toggle Bluetooth
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle Bluetooth off and back on. Then reconnect your AirPods. This refreshes the Bluetooth connections.
Forget Device
If the above steps don’t work, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and choose “Forget This Device”. Then re-pair your AirPods to your iPhone.
Reset AirPods
As a last resort if your AirPods still won’t connect, resetting them erases any stored connection data and allows you to freshly re-pair them. Place both AirPods in the case and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15+ seconds until the status light flashes amber a few times. Then try pairing again.
Conclusion
Checking the Bluetooth connection status between your iPhone and AirPods only takes a few taps when you know where to look. If your earbuds won’t connect reliably, updating software, resetting Bluetooth, forgetting devices, and resetting AirPods can all help restore smooth connectivity. With the troubleshooting tips above, you can keep your AirPods seamlessly connected to call, stream music, or access Siri whenever you need them.
