I’m an AirPods owner and recently, I noticed a red flashing light on the case. I was confused and frustrated because I had no idea what it meant. After doing some research, I found out that the red light is actually a warning sign and it can mean a few different things. In this blog post, I’m going to explain what the red flashing light on the AirPods case means and share some of the solutions I found to help resolve the issue. So, if you’re having the same problem, keep reading to find out what it could mean and how to fix it.
A flashing red light usually means that there is a pairing error or that the AirPods are charging.
The easiest solution is to just reset your AirPods. To do this, put your AirPods in the case, open the lid then hold the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes orange and then white.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Red flashing light on AirPods case | Pairing error or charging issue | Reset your AirPods: Put your AirPods in the case, open the lid, hold the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes orange and then white |
| AirPods case flashing red and not connecting | Outdated firmware | Update the firmware: Charge your AirPods fully and then update the firmware |
| Pairing issue | Reset your AirPods and make sure they are selected as your default audio device in the Bluetooth settings on your device | |
| AirPods flashing red | Pairing error | Forget the AirPods from your device’s Bluetooth settings, then reset your AirPods and pair them again with your device |
| AirPods case flashing red while charging | Battery not fully charged or error | Reset your AirPods to sync them with each other, then pair them with your device |
Table of Contents
Why is my AirPods case flashing red and not connecting?
Before we talk about the remedies for this, let us understand what different colors mean. When your Apple AirPods flash a steady red light when it is not inside the charging case, it means that the AirPods do not have a full charge.
If your AirPods flash a steady red light when it is connected to the charger, it indicates that the earbuds are being charged. Finally, if the AirPods (or AirPods Pro) flash a red light, it signifies that there is a pairing issue.
The best solution for this last issue is to reset the AirPods. However, we suggest checking the firmware version first. Outdated firmware often results in glitches.
We have observed that Apple devices (AirPods, phones, and tablets) work smoothly when they run the latest firmware. In order to update the firmware, first, charge your AirPods fully. And then update the firmware.
The same principle applies to resetting your Apple AirPods. Make sure they are fully charged before you attempt resetting them.
Then, head to the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device and turn it on. Under the Bluetooth settings, you should see a list of audio devices.
Make sure that you have selected your AirPods as your default audio device. After doing this, close the AirPods charging case, and open it after around twenty seconds. Locate the setup button on the charging case of your AirPods, and press and hold until you see the case start flashing white.
In most situations, this should address the “red light flashing” issue. In case it does not, charge both your Apple AirPods and its charging case.
Then, remove the earbuds and check the light on the charging case. If it is fully charged, you should see a solid green light. And if there is an insufficient charge, you should see solid amber light on the case.
Read more: Can AirPods be used with 2 devices at the same time?
What to do about my AirPods flashing red?
A pairing error, as mentioned earlier, can cause your charging case (AirPods’) to flash a red light even when it is fully charged. Let’s talk about what you can do to reset your AirPods to fix the pairing error. Open your Apple iPhone and go to the Bluetooth menu.
Try finding your AirPods under the devices there. Next to your AirPods, you should see an “i” icon/text Tap on it and select “Forget This Device”. Tap again to confirm when you see a popup.
Put your Apple AirPods in its charging case. Open the cases’ lid, and press and hold the reset button until you see a flashing white light. This suggests that you have successfully paired your AirPods with your Apple device.
For iOS users, bringing your AirPods near it, and following the animation on your device will allow you to connect your device with ease.
For Android users, the process is a bit different. Go to the “Settings” menu on your Android smartphone/tablet and turn the Bluetooth on.
Once you find your AirPods under the Bluetooth devices, tap on it to confirm pairing the AirPods with your Android device.
Read more: What does the red light on the AirPods case mean?
Why is my AirPods case flashing red while charging?
If your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro case is flashing red light while charging, it could mean that either the battery is not fully charged, or there is an error.
We have also come across complaints that just one of the AirPods is flashing red. This basically means that the earbuds are not paired with the other one, or that they didn’t pair with your Apple device.
The best (and the simplest) tip here is to reset your Apple AirPods to sync your AirPods with each other. Only after you finish this, try pairing them with your Apple device.
Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro definitely come with a wide array of benefits. However, these small issues can come in the way of fun.
I am sure, with these tips, you can address the “AirPods case flashing red light” issue, and make the best out of your day!
Pros
- Explains what the red flashing light on the AirPods case means and provides solutions to resolve the issue.
- Provides detailed instructions on how to reset and update the firmware on AirPods.
- Provides instructions for both iOS and Android users.
- Tips on how to address the “AirPods case flashing red light” issue.
Cons
- Does not provide detailed instructions on how to pair AirPods with a new device.
- Does not provide any information about how to fix a pairing issue with a device other than an Apple device.
