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AirPods out of sync (Causes and Fixes)

As an owner of AirPods, I know the frustration of having them out of sync with each other. Recently, I experienced this problem and decided to do some research and testing to find a solution. After some trial and error, I was able to get them back in sync and I wanted to share my experience and the other solutions I discovered in case anyone else is having the same issue. In this post, I will discuss the causes and fixes of AirPods out of sync.

Likely reasons why your AirPods are out of sync are that you need to reset them inside the case, you need to reconnect your AirPods with your device, you need to reset the network settings on the device or that the AirPods are faulty.

IssuePossible CausesSolutions
AirPods Out of SyncNot properly paired with each otherReset and pair the AirPods together, following the steps mentioned above
Connection issue with the deviceForget AirPods from the device and reconnect them
Network settings issueReset network settings on the device
Faulty AirPodsTake them to an Apple store
Software update neededUpdate the AirPods by placing them in the case and charging near a connected device

Why are my AirPods out of sync

Below are likely reasons why your AirPods are out of sync.

They are not paired with each other

It might be the case that the AirPods are not paired with each other properly and it is causing them to be out of sync. This would be more likely if they are AirPods that came from different sets, but it could even be the case if they both came together.

To fix this, try the following:

  1. Forget your AirPods on your devices
  2. Put your AirPods in the case
  3. Open the lid
  4. Hold the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes orange then white
  5. Now you should be able to reconnect your AirPods and they should work like normal

They need to be reset

It might also be the case that your AirPods need to be reset. To reset the AirPods, follow the exact same steps to pair them together.

A problem with the connection with the device

It could also be the case that your AirPods have a bad connection with the device you are using them with and that this is causing them to be out of sync.

This would be more likely if it only happens when you use your AirPods with one device in particular. In that case, it would help to forget your AirPods from the device and then to re-pair your AirPods with the device.

You need to reset network settings

A number of users have found that it is necessary for them to reset their network settings. To do this on an iPhone, go to settings, then general, then reset, and then go through the steps to reset network settings.

Faulty AirPods

Read more: Why won’t my AirPods flash white

It could be the case that you have faulty AirPods. This would be more likely if your AirPods are still not working properly after being reset. In this case, the best option would be to take them to an Apple store.

Software update

Read more: Why are my AirPods connected but there is no sound

AirPods do receive updates and it could be the case that a bug is causing your AirPods to be out of sync. To update your AirPods, put them in the case, charge the case, and put an iPhone, Mac or iPad, that is connected to the internet, next to the case. The AirPods should then automatically update.

AirPods
AirPods

How to fix AirPods out of sync

To fix out of sync AirPods, try the following steps:

Pair your AirPods together again and reset them by following the steps mentioned above
Forget your AirPods from your device and reconnect them
Reset the network settings on the device
Update the AirPods
Take them to an Apple store