Streaming music while using your AirPods is a great experience. Your AirPods may connect automatically to your iPhone or any other Bluetooth device. However, for some users, this might not be that easy. As they receive a pop-up notification telling them that their AirPods’ Connection Failed.’

However, you do not need to worry, as we have some troubleshooting methods to resolve this issue. Please read this post to find out how you can fix the AirPods connection failed error and why you are receiving it.

Reasons for Connection Failed on AirPods

If your AirPods connection is not established with your iPhone, there are several reasons for it. 

It might be a faulty software update or an interrupted Bluetooth connection. In addition, low-charged AirPods, hardware issues, and many other similar factors result in your AirPods connection failed error.

Regardless of your reason, you can try the following methods to fix the AirPods connection failure. Here have a look:

Keep the Charging Case Lid open

To fix AirPods connection failure, you must ensure that the charging case lid is open. In addition, you must check that your AirPods are within their case. As it turns out, some customers have encountered this connectivity issue because of pairing their AirPods incorrectly.

Since one of the most critical requirements for pairing your AirPods is to keep the charging case lid open. It would be best to keep the lid open while connecting, as closing it before the pairing is complete can result in the AirPods connection failed error.

Forget Your AirPods Connection

Establishing a new AirPods connection is another option for resolving the issue. You’ll need to forget your AirPods as the Output Device to do so. This will cause the old cache on your phone to be removed. In addition, a new connection will be established with your previously connected devices. You may follow these steps to do so:

  1. Close the lid of the charging case after putting your Apple AirPods inside. Then you may wait for at least 30 seconds. 
  2. Then, launch the Settings app and go to the Bluetooth icon.
  3. Click on the ‘i’ symbol present on the screen. You will find this icon next to the AirPods.
  4. Now, select the Forget This Device option on the follow-up screen.
  5. Once done, you may reopen the case lid and connect AirPods to your iOS device. This must fix the AirPods connection failed error.

Reset AirPods

If you can still not fix the AirPods connection failed error, you can reset your AirPods. The process is simple and will remove any software bugs or technical issues your AirPods connection may be facing. In addition, this will give your AirPods a fresh start and allow better connectivity. Here’s how you can reset your AirPods in a few easy steps:

  1. Place your AirPods in their case, and close the cover. Then, you may allow about 40 seconds to pass.
  2. After that, take the cover off.
  3. Now keep holding the setup button present on the rear side of your case until the status light flashes amber.
  4. Once done, the status light flashes white.
  5. Now, you have reset your AirPods successfully.

It would help if you tried connecting them after resetting the setup button. Hopefully, now this will fix the AirPods connection failed issue.

Reset Network Settings

The problem may be occurring because of your phone’s network settings. In such a situation, resetting network settings is a good option.

This will remove the old cache and bring your phone back to its default settings. However, you must note down your network credentials, as you may need them after the reset. 

Here’s how you can reset your phone’s network settings:

On Your Device: 

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Then, navigate to General.
  3. Tap the Reset option.
  4. Now, you mat tap Reset Network Settings.

Once done, log in to your networks and try connecting your AirPods. If the problem persists, try these other methods.

Toggle Bluetooth Off and On

Since AirPods need Bluetooth to connect to your Apple devices, it’s a good idea that you check your connection. 

This is because your device may be connected to any other gadget. Therefore, in some situations, your Bluetooth connection may experience interruption to software bugs. 

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Then tap Bluetooth.
  3. Then toggle the switch off next to Bluetooth and then turn it on.
  4. Now check if your Bluetooth device is connected to your AirPods or other devices.
  5. If you find any other device connected, disconnect it and connect AirPods. 

Keep AirPods within Bluetooth Range

Another reason you have received an AirPods connection failed error, is that you have walked out of your Bluetooth range.

If you are far away from your device, your AirPods will not connect. To fix the AirPods connection failed error, all you have to do is move closer to your Bluetooth device and reconnect your AirPods.

Restart Your Bluetooth Device

A lot of times, the solution to complex problems is pretty simple. Such is with your AirPods connection. If your AirPods are not connecting, you can try restarting your device. This will help remove software bugs and other technical issues from your iPhone. 

For more effective results, you can hard reset your device. This process for force restarting is different for many iPhone models. However, you can follow the steps for your relevant model:

For iPhone with the Home Button:

  1. Press and keep holding the side button simultaneously. You can also press and hold the Sleep/Wake button present on the upper side of your model.
  2. Now drag the slider that may appear on your screen. 
  3. Now, your iPhone will restart after the Apple logo appears on the screen. 

For iPhone with Touch ID

  1. Press and keep holding the side button and the Volume Up or Down button simultaneously. Do this until you see a slider appear on your screen. 
  2. Now, you may drag the slider. 
  3. Once the Apple logo appears on your iPhone screen, your iPhone will restart.
  4. Now try connecting your AirPods. This method may fix the AirPods connection failed error.

Update Your Device Software

It is possible that your AirPods connection is not established because of outdated software. This can affect your AirPods compatibility with your Bluetooth device. Therefore, you must make sure that your iPhone or iPad is up to date by checking the Software Updates section. 

Reset All Device Settings

If your AirPods connection is still lost, you may try resetting all your device settings. By doing so, you will remove all your settings and configurations. These may be related to your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and VPN connectivity. In addition, you will also reset your Display, Sound, and other system settings.

However, your files and other important documents will remain unaffected by the process. This will surely fix the AirPods connection failed issue.

Here’s how you can do so:

  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select Reset.
  4. Now, you may Tap on Reset All Settings.
  5. Then, enter your device’s password to proceed with the process.

Now try connecting your AirPods after adjusting the necessary settings for it. Your AirPods may connect now. 

Clean Your AirPods and Case

Your electronic gadgets tend to stop working correctly if they catch dirt, dust, or debris. This is because they hinder the connectivity and functionality of your devices. You can try cleaning your AirPods and their charging case in such situations. 

Here’s how you do it:

  1. Take a soft and lint-free cloth. Such that it may not break inside your AirPods.
  2. Then gently wipe your AirPods and their charging case to get any dust or junk out.
  3. If you need to clean any compact debris, you can also take an antistatic brush or a new toothbrush to clean that out.
  4. Once you have cleaned your AirPods, try connecting them. 

However, it would help if you avoided any sharp objects or abrasive to clean your AirPods and case. In addition, do not let moisture into your AirPods as it may permanently damage them. 

Final Thoughts

To fix AirPods connection failed error, you must ensure that they are charged enough, as if they are low on power, they may not connect. In addition, you must make sure that your check your iOS device, Mac and Apple tv software, and Bluetooth connection before pairing AirPods.

Your AirPods connection issue may be resolved by at least one of the above methods. If you are using a Mac, check the System Preferences settings. However, if that does not happen, you can try visiting your local Apple Store and get your AirPods professionally diagnosed.