Top 8 Ways to Fix AirPods Connection Failed Error

Pairing AirPods with your device must be one of the easiest jobs in the world. However, this is not the case for some users who encounter an error popup that says ‘Connection Failed’. Try Again on iPhones and iPads. In this guide, we will walk you through some definitive AirPods troubleshooting solutions for this error.

If you pair the AirPods with your device incorrectly, this error window will appear on the screen. Software-related bugs are another common causal factor. Whatever the case, check out the methods below to connect AirPods to your device.

Note: The solution in this guide applies to all generations or versions of Apple AirPods – AirPods 1, AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro.

1. Re-Enable Bluetooth

AirPods connect to your devices via Bluetooth. You know it’s true? So address the connection first. Turn off your iPhone’s Bluetooth, turn it back on, and reconnect the AirPods. You can do this from the Settings menu (Settings > Bluetooth) or Control Center.

Also, you should know that if other devices connect to your iPhone at the same time, it may block the AirPods connection/pairing process. Have an audio device connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth? Disconnect. Then try to reconnect the iPhone to the AirPods. This time, there is no other Bluetooth device connected to your phone.

2. Keep the Charging Case Cover Open

Some users are encountering this error when trying to incorrectly pair AirPods with their iPhone. One of the most important prerequisites for pairing the AirPods with your phone is to keep the charging case lid open. Closing the lid during the pairing process may cause this ‘Connected Failed’ error. Therefore, avoid doing this.

3. Bring AirPods Closer to Device

As with any other wireless earbuds, there is a maximum distance that AirPods will not connect to your device. If the AirPods are far from your device, bring them closer and restart the connection process.

4. Forget and Reset AirPods

If your iPhone won’t connect to an AirPod, resetting the AirPods can help. But before proceeding, make sure to forget/remove AirPods from the list of previously connected devices in your phone’s Bluetooth Settings.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the info (i) icon next to the AirPods name. Finally, tap ‘Forget This Device’.

Now it’s time to reconnect the AirPods to your device. With both AirPods in the charging case (case), close the cover and open it again after about 30 seconds. Now press and hold the setup button located on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white. Bring the AirPods within 5 meters of your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompt.

5. Restart iPhone

You should do this if you still encounter the Connection Failed error after trying all the troubleshooting methods above. Once your iPhone is back on, try connecting/pairing another Bluetooth device to it. If the connection is successful, the problem may be with your AirPods; the battery may be low or not installed properly.

If no other device is paired with your iPhone, there is a problem with your device’s Bluetooth settings. In this case, move down to the next solution below.

6. Reset Network Settings

This will fix any Bluetooth related connectivity issues that prevent AirPods from pairing with your iPhone. Note that this will remove and reset AirPods and other previously connected Bluetooth devices from your iPhone. Your Wi-Fi settings will also be affected. You can learn more about what happens when you reset iPhone’s network settings in this guide.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and enter your device password.

7. Reset All Settings

Doing so will remove all personal settings and configurations related to network connection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, etc.), Sound, Display and other system settings. Your personal files and documents will be protected and unaffected. If the AirPods connection failed error persists after you reset network settings (in method #6), resetting all iPhone settings should definitely fix things.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings and enter your device passcode to continue.

8. Update iPhone

It’s common to experience connection issues with AirPods if your iPhone has an outdated or outdated version of iOS. Beta iOS versions are also unstable and come with numerous issues. For example, if you are running iOS 14 Beta, the Connection with AirPods Failed error can be a temporary glitch related to the error. Updating your iPhone’s operating system to the latest (and stable) version may fix this issue. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any updates available on the page.

connect

Always make sure that both the AirPods and the charging case are sufficiently charged before pairing them with your device. Otherwise, they may die during the connection process and result in a ‘Connection Failed’ status. ‘Try Again’ error. Finally, before you start pairing the AirPods with your phone, make sure they are properly placed in the charging case.

Next: Can’t get the most out of your AirPods because they won’t charge? Read the article linked below to know the easy fixes for common AirPods charging issues.