Why are my AirPods not automatically connecting/switching?

As an AirPod owner, I’ve had my fair share of frustration with the AirPods not automatically connecting or switching between devices. After doing some research, I was able to find several solutions to this problem, and I’m excited to share with you what I’ve learned.

In this post, I’ll explain why your AirPods may not be automatically connecting or switching, and I’ll provide some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your AirPods.

Key Takeaways
1. Make sure your devices are using the same Apple ID and are signed into the same iCloud account.
2. Make sure the automatic connection feature is turned on.
3. Forget the AirPods from your device then reconnect them.
4. Reset and reconnect the AirPods.
5. Update the software on your Apple devices if your AirPods still will not connect automatically.

Table of Contents

Why Are My AirPods Not Automatically Connecting/switching?

Below are likely reasons why your AirPods are not automatically connecting to your devices.

Your devices are using different Apple IDs

If your AirPods are not automatically switching between devices, one possible reason is that they are not signed into the same iCloud account. If your devices have different Apple IDs and are signed into different iCloud accounts, it won’t be possible for automatic switching to work. This is because the automatic switching is actually controlled via the iCloud network.

Forgotten from your device or a problem with the connection

It might be the case that you have forgotten your AirPods from your device. It would help to check that your AirPods are actually listed on your device’s Bluetooth settings.

Alternatively, it could be the case that there is an issue with the connection between the AirPods and the device. To fix this, forget your AirPods from the device then repair the AirPods to the device by putting them in the case, opening the lid, and pressing the button until the light flashes white. Then you can pair your AirPods with your device again.

You have turned off the auto connect feature

If you are using an iPhone or iPad, it could be the case that you have turned off the automatic connection feature. To check this, do the following:

Go to settings
Go to Bluetooth

Click the “i” icon next to your AirPods
Click “Connect to this iPhone”
Make sure “Automatically” is selected

You are not using an Apple device

The automatic switching feature that AirPods have, where they will connect to the device you are currently using, only works when you are using an Apple device. Automatic switching does not work on Android devices or Windows devices.

It is also the case, that AirPods do not always automatically connect to Android or Windows devices when you take the AirPods out of the case. Usually, it will be necessary for you to manually connect to the AirPods from the Bluetooth settings on your device.

You need to reset and reconnect your AirPods

It could also be the case that you need to reset and reconnect your AirPods. To do this, do the following:

Forget your AirPods from your devices
Put your AirPods in the case
Open the lid

Hold the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes orange then white
Reconnect your AirPods to your devices

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.

How to fix AirPods not automatically switching or connecting

Follow these steps to fix your AirPods not automatically switching or connecting to devices:

Make sure you are using devices that are logged into the same AppleID

Forget your AirPods from your devices then reconnect your AirPods

Make sure that you have the automatic connect feature turned on as explained above

Reset and reconnect your AirPods as explained above.

Pros

Automatic connection feature is convenient and easy to use.

Compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
Easy to reset and reconnect.
Can be updated with new software for better connectivity.

Cons

Automatic connection may not always work as expected.
Does not work with Windows devices.
Manual connection may be required when switching between devices.