15 Ways to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound when Connected

PDF download Download Article
Troubleshoot AirPods that aren’t working with this ultimate guide
PDF download Download Article

If your AirPods aren’t playing audio even when it says they’re connected, there may be another bug or issue causing the problem. Typically, it only takes a small adjustment to your settings or a quick update to get your AirPods working again, no matter what kind you have. We spoke with phone repair specialist James Bell for the best advice on repairing your AirPods, so keep reading so you can start listening again.

How to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound

Phone repair specialist James Bell recommends unpairing your AirPods and reconnecting them to your device for the easiest fix. Double-check that you have your AirPods have a full charge and that you select them as the audio output device.

1

Put the AirPods back in the case.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once your AirPods are inside, leave them for about 30 seconds before opening the case next to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Wait until your device shows the AirPods battery level on screen. After a few seconds, remove the AirPods from the case and try to use them again. [1]
    2. Advertisement
2

Unpair and pair the AirPods again.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Phone repair specialist James Bell says unpairing is the easiest solution and the first thing to try.
    • On iPhone, iPad, and Android:
      • Open the Settings app.
      • Tap Bluetooth
      • Tap i next to your AirPods and then Forget This Device .
      • Open the AirPods case next to your device to pair them again. If your AirPods don’t appear, hold down the button on the case until they show up. [2]
    • On a Mac or PC computer :
      • Open the Bluetooth menu from the settings.
      • Click Disconnect on your AirPods.
      • Open the AirPods case and hold down the button.
      • Click Pair on your computer.
3

Set the AirPods as your default output device.

PDF download Download Article
  1. While the audio output normally switches when you connect AirPods, there’s a chance it didn’t work.
    • On an iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center and click on the AirPlay symbol on the audio player. Tap on your AirPods to set them as the audio output. [3]
    • On a Mac, click on the speaker icon in the top menu bar and open the Sound preferences. Select your AirPods from the available devices.
    • On an Android, open the Bluetooth settings and select “Connected Devices.” Then, tap on your AirPods to choose them as the output device.
    • On Windows 10, open Settings → System → Sound → Output → select your AirPods. On Windows 11, Output will be Choose where to play sound . Select your AirPods. Click the arrow beside your AirPods. In the Properties menu, select Is default for audio for the Set as default sound device drop-down menu.
    2. Advertisement
4

Clean your AirPods.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Clean your AirPods . Dirt and debris can get lodged in the small openings in your AirPods, which can lead to muffled sounds or no sound at all. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface of each AirPod. To clean the speaker grooves, use an anti-static brush or a clean, dry toothbrush with a gentle brushing motion. [4]
    • Avoid cleaning your AirPods with sharp objects or submerging them underwater because you could damage them and cause more audio issues.
5

Turn off Automatic Ear Detection in your settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. AirPods normally stop audio right when you take them off and start playing again if you put them back on. If the setting bugs out, your device won’t detect that you put them on. To change the setting: [5]
    • Go to Settings and click Bluetooth .
    • Tap the “i” next to the name of your AirPods.
    • Turn off the “Automatic Ear Detection” option.
    2. Advertisement
6

Increase the volume limit on your device.

PDF download Download Article
  1. iPhone and iPad users can set headphone volume limits to prevent loud noises and hearing damage. If you accidentally turn on the setting or set it too low, it may seem like your AirPods aren’t working even if they’re connected. To access the setting: [6]
    • Go to the Settings app and select “Sounds & Haptics”
    • Tap on “Headphone Safety”
    • Adjust the Reduce Loud Sounds slider to a higher level, or turn the setting off completely.
7

Adjust your computer’s audio balance.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The audio balance changes how much audio plays from the left and right AirPod. When the audio is out of balance, then it may sound muffled or play no audio from the other side.
    • On a Mac, open Settings (or Preferences ) and select Sound. Under the Output tab, move the slider to the mark in the center. [7]
    • On Windows 10, open Settings → System → Sound → Output → select your AirPods. Click Device properties and adjust the Left and Right balance to 50.
    • On Windows 11, Output will be Choose where to play sound . Select your AirPods. Click the arrow beside your AirPods. In the Properties menu, adjust the Left channel and Right channel underneath Output settings .
    2. Advertisement
8

Update the firmware on your AirPods.

PDF download Download Article
  1. AirPods firmware automatically installs when they’re charging and near an Apple device connected over Wi-Fi. If you recently updated your device, plug your AirPods in, wait a couple of minutes, and then try using them again. The latest firmware versions as of June 2024 are: [8]
    • AirPods Pro (2nd generation): 6F7
    • AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation) 6A321
    • AirPods Max: 6A325
    • AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8
9

Update your computer’s Bluetooth driver

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open the Device Manager on your computer. Expand the Bluetooth section by clicking the arrow. Then, right-click your AirPods, and then click Update driver . Select Search automatically for drivers to find the correct one, and restart your computer to ensure it runs properly. [9]
    2. Advertisement
10

Restart your device.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you leave your device on without the occasional restart, it could run slower and make your AirPods work improperly. Simply restart your computer , phone, or tablet and try reconnecting to your AirPods.
    • To restart iPhones and iPads , press and hold either volume button and the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
    • On iPhones with a home button, press and hold the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
11

Update your phone, tablet, or computer.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're running an older version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad, your AirPods may not play sound as expected. Update to the latest iOS , and try connecting your AirPods again.
    • Check for updates in the Settings menu of your Mac, PC, or Android. If there are any updates available, install them right away.
    • Updating an Apple device may also update your AirPods firmware.
    2. Advertisement
12

Wait for a full charge.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check the battery level on your AirPods to see if either of them has a low battery. If they don’t have a lot of power, charge your AirPods by placing them in the case and plugging it into a Lightning cable. Alternatively, use a QI-certified charging pad to charge them wirelessly. Once your AirPods have a full charge and the status light on the case turns green, try using them again. [10]
    • If you’re in a rush to use your AirPods, charging them for 5-15 minutes usually gives you a couple of hours of listening time.
13

Reset your device’s network settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Network settings errors can also affect Bluetooth devices, so resetting them completely may get rid of your issue. Just keep in mind resetting your network settings erases any Wi-Fi or VPN settings you have as well.
    • On an iPhone, open Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings .
    • On a Mac, open Settings → Network . Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and click on the minus sign in the bottom-left corner.
    • On Windows 10, open Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network Reset → Reset now . Click Yes to confirm.
    • On Windows 11, find Network Reset in the Advanced network settings tab.
    2. Advertisement
14

Factory reset your AirPods.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Completely resetting your AirPods can wipe problems with the settings. If your AirPods are still struggling to connect, clearing all the settings may be able to restore them. To run a factory reset: [11]
    • Put your AirPods inside the case and close the lid.
    • Press and hold the button on the back of the Charging Case.
    • Wait for the status light to flash yellow, and then white.
    • Pair your Airpods to your device again.
15

Contact Apple for a repair or replacement.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If none of the fixes worked for you, your AirPods may be old or faulty. Contact Apple and see the options for your specific warranty. In most cases, you’ll be able to send your AirPods to Apple to repair them for free. If they’re unable to be fixed, then they may send a replacement.
    • Bell mentions that AirPods “are not meant to last more than two [or] three years at the most.” If you have an older pair of AirPods, it may be time to replace them.
    2. 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

      Video

      Tips

      • Double-check the volume level and make sure you’re near your device so there aren’t any connection issues.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Some phone repair shops also specialize in repairing AirPods. Contact a few shops in your area and ask if they can help you troubleshoot the issue.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      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

      Warnings

      • Avoid trying to take apart AirPods yourself because they’re delicate and easy to break.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Pair Mismatched AirPods with One Case, Plus Troubleshooting
      3 Simple Ways to Locate Your Lost Dead AirPods
      How to
      Get Rid of a Headphone Dent (And Prevent a Future One)
      How to
      Fix Earphones when One Side Is Silent
      How to
      Tell if AirPods Pro Are Charging: Battery Status & More
      How to
      Fix Water Damaged Airpods
      AirPods or Case Blinking Orange Light? Here's How to Fix It
      Easy Ways to Tell if Sony Headphones Are Fake or Authentic
      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
      10 Easy Ways to Keep Earbuds from Falling Out of Your Ears
      How to
      Connect a HyperX Cloud Headset
      4 Easy Ways to Disconnect AirPods from All Devices
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/100494
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/13810309?hl=en
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105068#ios
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/pTqlt5uDG8o?t=66
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/change-settings-airpods-1st-2nd-generation-dev03e239777/web
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/iphone/iphb71f9b54d/ios
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-bluetooth-problems-in-windows-723e092f-03fa-858b-5c80-131ec3fba75c
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207012
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,097 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement