Fix AirPods Disconnecting: 16 Proven Ways

'Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting?' is a common question among AirPods users. The exact cause is not always obvious, so the fastest fix is usually to check the most likely hardware, battery, and settings issues one by one.

In this guide, I'll walk you through 16 practical ways to troubleshoot your AirPods. You'll also see when it makes sense to contact Apple if the problem continues after these fixes.

1. Reconnect It With Your iPhone

Re-establishing the connection between your iPhone and your AirPods can clear minor pairing errors. If the Bluetooth link became unstable after a glitch, reconnecting often restores a clean connection.

Way 1: Re-establish the connection with your iPhone

1. Put the AirPods in the charging case and wait for a few seconds.
2. Take them out of the case and reconnect them.


Reconnect your AirPods

Note: Putting your AirPods in the case automatically disconnects them from your iPhone.

Way 2: Forget your AirPods and pair them again

1. Put the AirPods in the charging case.
2. On your iPhone, Open Settings > Bluetooth.
3. Locate your AirPods' name on the list of devices and hit theblue circled “i” icon next to it.
4. Tap Forget This Device.


Forget your AirPods, then reconnect

5. Bring the AirPods case close to your iPhone, open the lid, and then pair your AirPods with your iPhone afresh.

2. Check the AirPods' Battery Level

Due to the truly wireless nature of AirPods, battery life significantly impacts their performance. So, while this is not always the case, a low battery can make your AirPods disconnect from a device. Charge your AirPods regularly to avoid connectivity issues. Here's a quick guide on checking your AirPods battery status:

Way 1: Check the AirPod battery percentage pop-up

1. With your AirPods inside the case, open the lid and hold them close to your iOS device.
2. The remaining charge percentage will pop up on your screen after a few seconds.


AirPods battery percentage popup

Way 2: Use the iPhone battery widget

1. Go to the Home page and swipe left, then scroll down.
2. If you haven't added the batteries widget on your iPhone, scroll down and tap Edit, then add Batteries.
3. This widget will show your AirPod battery percentage and the charge status of your other Apple devices, such as an Apple Watch.


iPhone battery widget

3. AirPods Keep Disconnecting From Mac

If you only experience this problem when you connect your AirPods to your Mac, resetting the sound settings on your Mac can resolve it. You only need to set your AirPods as the output source.

Steps:

1. Go to System Preferences > Sound.
2. Under the Output tab, select AirPods. If the Output tab is set to AirPods, switch back to the Computer Audio, wait 10 seconds, then choose AirPods again.


How to fix AirPods disconnecting from Mac

3. Do the same for the Input tab.

4. Disable Automatic Ear Detection

Automatic Ear Detection is convenient because it automatically plays or pauses audio depending on whether you are wearing your AirPods.

However, it can be a problem if it thinks you have removed your AirPods when you haven't. This can happen if your AirPods are a bad fit or you fidget with them while wearing them. Disabling this feature can stop your AirPods from disconnecting.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list of devices and tap thecircled “i” logo next to them.
3. Tap the switch next to Automatic Ear detection to disable it.


Disable Automatic Ear Detection

5. Deactivate Automatic Switching

AirPods can automatically switch the audio source between Apple devices that use the same Apple Account.

For example, if your AirPods are connected to both your Mac and iPhone, they may jump to the device that starts playing audio or takes a call. That behavior can look like a disconnect, so disabling automatic switching is a useful test.

Steps On iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the circled “i” icon next to their name.
3. Tap Connect to This iPhone (or iPad).
4. Select When Last Connected to This iPhone (or iPad). Do this on all your iOS/iPadOS devices.


Disable automatic switching on iPhone/iPad

Steps On Mac:

1. Go to System Preference > Bluetooth.
2. Click on Optionsnext to your AirPods.
3. Next to Connect to This Mac, select When Last Connected to This Mac.


Disable automatic switching on Mac

6. Reset Your AirPods

Resetting often clears stubborn AirPods issues, including repeated disconnects. It removes the current pairing data and gives you a fresh setup, which is helpful when the problem follows your AirPods across more than one device.

Steps:

1. Forget your AirPods on your iOS device by pressing Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Tap the circled “i” icon next to your AirPods name, then tap Forget this device.
3. Put your AirPods in their charging case and ensure they have a battery percentage of at least 75%.
4. Open the charging case, then press and hold the setup button at the back of the case for about 20 seconds. Wait for the light to go from flashing Amber to white, which indicates a successful reset.


AirPod setup button

5. Reconnect your AirPods and check to see if the issue is gone.

7. Check and Update AirPods Firmware

Outdated firmware can also contribute to repeat disconnects. Apple installs AirPods firmware automatically, so there is no manual update button, but updates are more likely to complete when the AirPods are charging and close to a Wi-Fi-connected Apple device.

You can check the current firmware version by going to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods.

1. Then, tap the circled blue “i” icon next to your AirPods and scroll to About.
2. Suppose they are not on the latest version. You can connect them to an iPhone with internet access, place them close to the AirPods, and wait for 30 minutes.


Check your AirPods firmware

Note: AirPods firmware updates install automatically while the AirPods are charging and close to a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

8. Try Using Just One AirPod

If the problem persists, check whether the issue affects only one earbud. That helps you tell the difference between a general Bluetooth problem and a fault on a single AirPod.

To do this:

Wear one AirPod at a time and test whether it stays connected. Start with the right AirPod while audio is playing, then repeat the same check with the left one. If only one side keeps dropping, service or replacement is more likely than a settings issue.

Wear just one AirPod.

9. Remove the Interference Between Your AirPods and Your Device

You probably know this, but the further the distance between your AirPods and iPhone, the higher the chances of disconnection. To stay safe, keep this distance below 30 feet.

Wireless interference when using AirPods

Also, wireless interference can hinder your AirPods from functioning correctly. Sources of wireless disruption include open power cables, microwaves, wireless speakers, and so on. Move away from such devices to prevent your AirPods from disconnecting.

10. Clean Your AirPods

If you rarely clean your AirPods, dirt, wax, and other debris can build up inside them and cause Bluetooth interference. This can result in your AirPods constantly disconnecting. To eliminate this possibility, clean your AirPods.

Steps:

1. Lightly dampen a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use the damp fabric to clean your AirPods' surface.
2. Use the swab to clean the crevices you couldn't access with the cloth.


Clean your AirPods

3. Get a soft-bristled toothbrush or an old toothbrush, and use it to clean the loose debris.
4. Wipe over your AirPods with the lint-free cloth.

Note: Clean your AirPods gently to avoid damaging the speaker mesh or pushing dirt further into the AirPod.

11. Check The Bluetooth

The Bluetooth technology in AirPods is significantly better than in other earbuds in the past. However, it is still susceptible to distance and obstacles. Hence, if your AirPods keep disconnecting, keep your iPhone or other audio sources close. Wherever possible, please keep it in a clear line of sight to your ears, such as on the tabletop.

Disable and Re-Activate Bluetooth

Disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth can fix intermittent Bluetooth connection issues by eliminating any technical glitches.

Steps:

1. Open the Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off. Tap the icon again to turn it on.
2. Alternatively, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then toggle the switch next to Bluetooth to turn it off. Tap the switch again to turn on Bluetooth.


Disable then enable Bluetooth

12. Check Audio Device Settings

If you have not selected your AirPods as the output device on your iPhone, they will not work when you play audio. This can give the illusion that the AirPods are disconnecting.

However, you only need to select them as the audio output device. Typically, your iPhone should do this automatically, but a glitch can get in.

Steps:

1. Play audio on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Airplay icon below the track.
3. Select your AirPods.


Set your AirPods as the output device

If you experience connection issues while on a call, check if you have selected your AirPods in the audio output options you see on your call screen. To change the audio source during a call, tap the speaker icon and select an output device.

13. Select the AirPods as Sound Device

Setting your AirPods as the primary sound output device can also eliminate the disconnection problem on Mac and Windows.

Steps On Mac:

1. Ensure your AirPods are connected to the Mac.
2. Go to the Menu bar and click on Bluetooth or Volume control.
3. Select your AirPods as the output device.


Set AirPods as primary sound output device on Mac.

On Windows:

1. Go to the Windows search box and type 'Sound'.
2. Click on Sound.
3. Select AirPods as Audio Device under the Choose your output device.

Set AirPods as output device on Windows.

14. Reset Network Settings on iOS

An incorrect network setting on your iOS device can be why your AirPods keep disconnecting. Unfortunately, it is hard to identify which exact setting is the problem. The quickest solution is resetting your iPhone/iPad network settings. This deletes all your saved network information but is effective.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad) > Reset. Depending on your iPhone model, you can also go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap Reset Network Settings.


Reset Network Settings on iPhone/iPad

3. Enter your iPhone passcode if required, then tap Reset Network Settings again.
4. Once the reset procedure is over, connect your AirPods and check if the issue is gone.

15. Update Your iPhone

Some software errors and bugs can disrupt the connection between your AirPods and your iPhone, causing disconnection. If you have not updated your iOS, you may encounter problems fixed in an earlier iOS update. Updating your iPhone can automatically eliminate this issue.

Steps:

1. Back up your iPhone to avoid data loss, then plug it into a power source.
2. Go to Settings > General > Software update.
3. Tap Download and install on the available iOS update. If there are no pending updates, try restarting your device.


Update Your iOS Version

16. Consult an Apple Genius

Sometimes, the problem originates from a hardware component inside your AirPods. This is especially possible if your AirPods suffer some form of physical damage. Only a professional can fix such, so you need to contact an Apple Genius via their support page.

You can then choose whether to communicate via chat or phone. Using chat enables you to include pictures or screenshots. But before calling them, check if your AirPods are still under warranty.

Contact Apple Support

1. Do AirPods Function the Same Way on Android and Windows Devices?

AirPods connect to an audio source via Bluetooth, so they can connect and work on any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Unfortunately, many features, such as automatic ear detection and battery life check, are only accessible on iOS. You also need an iOS device to check for AirPod updates. However, some third-party apps available online add much-needed functionalities for your device with AirPods.

2. What Should I Do if I Have Tried All These Methods and My AirPods Are Still Disconnecting?

Your AirPods may not be the problem; the issue could be with the phone, tablet, or computer you are using. Check that device's Bluetooth settings, then pair the AirPods with a second device to see whether the same disconnect happens there.

3. Should I Stay Away From Wireless Devices When Using My AirPods?

Routers, wireless keyboards, and Bluetooth broadcast at 2.4GHz. Hence, when used near other wireless devices, your AirPods will experience interference. This can cause them to disconnect. Therefore, it is best to avoid close wireless devices when listening on your AirPods.

4. Why Does One of My AirPods Keep Disconnecting?

An individual AirPod can disconnect due to a low battery level, unbalanced audio volume, or a dirty charging case. If one AirPod has trouble in any of these areas, it can disconnect and leave the other one functioning.

5. Why Is the Volume in My AirPods Not the Same?

This can also be caused by various reasons, such as a broken internal hardware component, a software error, incorrect settings, dirt, or even a poorly fitting ear tip. To solve this, you can follow the detailed guide we prepared.