How to Pair Mismatched AirPods with One Case, Plus Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
Learn to pair mismatched AirPods with a case if you’ve lost one of your original ones
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve lost one of your original AirPods and had to order a replacement, don’t worry. As long as the new AirPod is compatible with your original set and the old charging case, you can connect two different AirPods to the same case. To get started, you’ll need to unpair your AirPods from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and set them up again. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it, as well as how to troubleshoot common problems.

Things You Should Know

  • Connect two mismatched AirPods to the same case by unpairing and re-pairing the AirPods from your device, then resetting the case.
  • Make sure both AirPods are the same generation and that they’re compatible with the case.
  • If you’re having trouble setting up your AirPods, make sure the AirPods and case are both fully charged.
Section 1 of 2:

Resetting Your AirPods and Case

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’ve had to replace one of your AirPods, Apple recommends unpairing your AirPods from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and then re-pairing them . [1] First, go to the Home Screen on your device and launch the Settings app.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s near the top of the Settings menu.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should see your AirPods listed under My Devices . Tap the Info button (it looks like a blue circle with a lowercase i inside) next to your AirPods. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    On the next screen, tap Forget This Device . A confirmation menu will pop up at the bottom of the screen. Select Forget Device . You may be prompted to tap it a second time to confirm your choice. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Put your new AirPod in the charging case along with the old one. Don’t close the lid. [4]
    • At this point, you should notice that the status light on the case is flashing amber. This means that the case recognizes a pairing or connectivity issue between your AirPods.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Locate the setup button on the back of the case and hold it down for a few seconds. This will reset the case and the AirPods . Once the process is complete, the light will begin to flash white. [5]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Return to the Home Screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and hold the AirPods case close to it. Keep the lid open and make sure both AirPods are in the case.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the AirPods are in range, a setup animation will pop up on your device’s screen. Select Connect , then tap Done to finish the connection process.
    9. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your AirPods are different generations or different models, you won’t be able to get them to work together. Before buying a replacement AirPod, check to make sure it’s the same kind as your other AirPod. You’ll also need to make sure the new AirPod is compatible with your charging case. Depending on which version of iOS you’re using, there are a couple ways to do this:
    • In iOS 14 and later, open Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, then select Bluetooth . Tap the Information button next to your AirPods (it looks like a blue circle with an i in it). You’ll see the model name and number listed in the About section. [6]
    • In earlier versions of iOS, open Settings , General , and then About . Locate your AirPods in your list of connected devices and tap their name for more information, including the model name and number.
    • You can also find the model number listed on the AirPods themselves.
    • Check out Apple’s list of AirPod and charging case models for compatibility information.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’ve tried holding down the reset button on the case but can’t get it to change from amber to white, the case might need to be charged. With both AirPods still inside, close the charger lid and connect it to a power supply for 20 minutes. [7] Open the lid and hold down the setup button again until it flashes white. [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you still can’t get your AirPods to work together, make sure both of them are charged. Check that the case is fully charged, then place the AirPods in it and let them charge for at least 30 seconds. Open the case near your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and look at the status display to make sure both AirPods are charging. [9]
    • If one of them still isn’t charging or doesn’t show up on the display, try resetting the AirPods again.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Two-Different-Airpods-to-One-Case-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your AirPods both seem to be charged and connected properly, but you still can’t hear out of one of them, it’s possible that dirt or lint is blocking up the speaker port. [10] Carefully clean your AirPods by wiping them down with a soft cloth. Brush the speaker ports with an anti-static brush to remove set-in grime. [11]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you’ve lost an AirPod, you don’t necessarily have to replace it. Try using the Find My app to track down the missing one. [12]
        Thanks
        Helpful 35 Not Helpful 59
      • If you’re running iOS 13 or later on your iPhone or iPad, you can connect two separate sets of AirPods to the same device.
        Thanks
        Helpful 19 Not Helpful 12
      • You won’t be able to pair two different sets of AirPods to the same case at the same time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 126 Not Helpful 45
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      3 Simple Ways to Locate Your Lost Dead AirPods
      How to
      Fix Earphones when One Side Is Silent
      How to
      Tell if AirPods Pro Are Charging: Battery Status & More
      How to
      Get Rid of a Headphone Dent (And Prevent a Future One)
      AirPods or Case Blinking Orange Light? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Fix Water Damaged Airpods
      How to
      Connect AirPods to a Lenovo Laptop: Easy Pair Guide
      How to
      Update and Check the Firmware on Your AirPods
      Easy Ways to Reset Astro A50 Headphones
      Easy Ways to Tell if Sony Headphones Are Fake or Authentic
      10 Easy Ways to Keep Earbuds from Falling Out of Your Ears
      15 Ways to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound when Connected
      4 Easy Ways to Disconnect AirPods from All Devices
      How to
      Fix Earbuds
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207827
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209580
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/HT207012
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207827
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209581
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209581
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208729
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207581

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 253,584 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement