As an AirPods owner, I have been frustrated when my AirPods don’t show up on my Bluetooth list. After some research and testing, I decided to share my experience and the solutions I discovered to help others who might be having the same issue. In this blog post, I will explain why AirPods might not show up on Bluetooth and how to fix it.
| Tips for Troubleshooting AirPods Connection |
|---|
| – Low battery charge can cause AirPods to not show up on Bluetooth. |
| – AirPods can get stuck in pairing mode, which can be fixed by resetting the earbuds. |
| – Make sure Bluetooth is switched on, and check for any device software updates. |
| – Clean the AirPods and their charging case to remove any debris. |
Why AirPods Aren’t Showing on Bluetooth and How to Fix It
You’ll usually have no problem pairing AirPods with almost any Bluetooth device. Yet, sometimes, they just won’t pair up.
It may seem like they’re doing this out of the blue. Yet, trust us, there’s always a reason for their erratic behavior.
- Low Battery Charge
When your devices aren’t pairing, you should first check the battery status on both devices. If the battery on either one is running low, it can stand in the way of their pairing with other devices.
To check the battery level on the earbuds, place your AirPods in their charging case and connect the case to a charging station. Then, look inside the case for the following:
- Amber light: the AirPods need to be charged
- Green light: the AirPods are fully charged
- AirPods Stuck in Pairing Mode
For no apparent reason, AirPods sometimes get stuck in pairing mode. This is when the status light doesn’t stop blinking. It could also be that the small setup button on the back of the case is unresponsive.
When this happens, your best course of action is to rest the earbuds like this:
- First, open the Bluetooth settings on your device and select ‘Forget this Device.’
- Next, place the AirPods in their case and open up the lid.
- Then, press the setup button on the case for 10–20 seconds until the light flashes amber.
- As soon as you see the status light blinking three times, release the button.
- Finally, press and hold the button again until the light starts flashing white, which signals that auto-pairing has begun.
- Bluetooth Is Switched Off
We often take the Bluetooth function for granted. You often come to pair your devices and the Bluetooth isn’t even turned on.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Accessing Bluetooth on most devices is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is tap on ‘Settings’ then ‘Bluetooth’ to turn it on.
Yet, the problem is sometimes with the device itself and not the AirPods. Try to pair the device with others that feature Bluetooth-compatible hardware. If the device can’t pair with any of them, the issue will likely be with the device, and your AirPods aren’t at fault.
Read more: Do AirPods charge one at a time?
- Debris on the AirPods Charging Case
Many times, the reason for the problem is a simple case of dirty earbuds. When dust piles up on the charging case or the AirPods themselves, it can interfere with the electrical connections located at the bottom of the charging case.
Try to fix this problem by wiping the AirPods with a slightly damp cloth to remove debris or dust residue. However, if the issue persists, you may need to get a replacement.
- Your Device Needs an Update
Are you tired of trying to pair your AirPods without seeing a blinking light on the case? The reason could be that your device needs an update.
Start by making sure the firmware on the device is up-to-date. Then, check for any update notices in the device settings.
Here are software requirements for AirPods and Apple hardware:
- Mac: macOS Sierra or later
- Apple Watch: watchOS 3 or later
- iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch: iOS 10.2 or later
- Your Device Needs to Restart
Simple, but effective. Sometimes all you need is to simply restart your device. Then, turn on the Bluetooth function and try again.
Read more: Is it worth buying AirPods for Android?
- Your Device Needs a Reset
If you’ve tried everything, but to no avail, then it’s time for a reset. This quick fix can help straighten out any sync issues happening between the earbuds and your device.
Resetting your device won’t necessarily remove any data. Yet, it’ll restore the device to factory default, which means you’ll need to re-enter information, such as your various usernames and passwords.
This is why it’s considered a more extreme measure to take. So, before resetting your device, make sure you’ve exhausted all the other options once or twice.
What to Do if AirPods Are Still Not Connecting?
Have you gone through all the fixes mentioned above and still can’t get your devices to go into pairing mode? Then, it’s time to get the people at Apple involved.
Contact Apple online support and send them a message detailing the problem. Another option is to head to your nearest authorized Apple service provider or Apple Store for some advice.
A Final Note
Don’t be alarmed if your AirPods aren’t showing on Bluetooth. Use our handy guide to help you walk through possible reasons why this is happening and how to fix it.
If none of them work, you’ll need to get some help from Apple themselves. They can help give you some handy tips on what to do next to get your devices connected once again.
