AirPods provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for listening to music, making phone calls, and more. However, sometimes you may encounter an issue where your iPhone 14 Pro fails to connect to AirPods. This issue can be frustrating, but it is not uncommon. In this article, I’ll explain why your iPhone 14 Pro is not connecting to AirPods and show you steps you can take to fix this issue.
Please Note: Information in this article apply to the following AirPods and iPhone models:
- AirPods 1st generation
- AirPods 2nd generation
- AirPods 3rd generation
- AirPods Pro 1st generation
- AirPods Pro 2nd generation
- AirPods Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
There are several potential reasons why AirPods won’t connect to an iPhone 14 Pro, and understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
why are AirPods Not Connecting to iPhone 14 Pro?
- Bluetooth connectivity issues: AirPods connect to iPhones via Bluetooth, and if there is a problem with the Bluetooth connectivity, it can prevent the devices from pairing.
- Software updates: Like any electronic device, AirPods and iPhones need regular software updates to function correctly. If you haven’t updated your iPhone 14 Pro or AirPods to the latest software version, it may be causing the connection issue.
- AirPods are out of battery: When your AirPods are out of battery, they may have trouble connecting to your iPhone 14 Pro.
- AirPods are out of range: AirPods have a maximum range of about 30 feet (10 meters) from your iPhone 14 Pro, so if you are too far away, they won’t connect.
- Hardware issues: In rare cases, a hardware problem with your AirPods or iPhone 14 Pro could be causing the connectivity issue.
Now that you know the potential reasons why AirPods won’t connect to your iPhone 14 Pro, follow the steps below to fix the problem.
How to fix AirPods Not Connecting to iPhone 14 Pro Issue
1. Make Sure Bluetooth is Turned On
Bluetooth is the wireless technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances, and it’s what AirPods use to connect to your iPhone. If Bluetooth is turned off on your iPhone 14 Pro, your AirPods won’t be able to connect to it. This is why it’s important to ensure that Bluetooth is turned on before attempting to connect your AirPods to your iPhone 14 Pro.
To check if Bluetooth is turned on, swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center, and look for the Bluetooth icon. If it’s grayed out, that means it’s turned off. Tap on the icon to turn it on, and then try connecting your AirPods again.
2. Check if Your AirPods are Charged
The next step in fixing this issue is to check the battery level of your AirPods. If your AirPods are out of battery, they won’t connect to your iPhone 14 Pro. To check the battery level of your AirPods, put them in their case and open the lid. The battery level of both AirPods and the case will be displayed on your iPhone.
3. Check if Your AirPods Are Connected to Another Device
If your AirPods are connected to another device, such as an iPad or Mac, they may not connect to your iPhone 14 Pro. To fix this issue, you need to disconnect your AirPods from the other device. To do this, go to the Bluetooth settings on the other device, and disconnect your AirPods. Once you have disconnected your AirPods from the other device, try connecting them to your iPhone 14 Pro again.
4. Update Your iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods
If none of the above steps work, the next step is to update your iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods to the latest software version. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Apple updates the AirPods firmware from time to time to fix bugs, introduce new features, and tweak their performance. Sadly, unlike iOS, there’s no button or setting to force-update the AirPods. Apple automatically downloads and installs these software updates in the background. The company states that for this to work, the AirPods should be connected to a power source and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
5. Restart Your iPhone
If the above steps do not work, the next step is to restart your iPhone. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connectivity issues between your iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the Side button and either of the volume buttons until the slide to power off option appears. Swipe the slider from left to right to turn off your iPhone, and then turn it back on after a few seconds.
6. Reset Your AirPods
If restarting your iPhone does not work, you may need to reset your AirPods. To reset your AirPods, put them in their case and close the lid. Then, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber. After the status light flashes amber, it should turn white, indicating that your AirPods have been reset. Try connecting them to your iPhone again.
7. Forget and Re-pair Your AirPods
If resetting your AirPods did not work, you may need to forget and re-pair them with your iPhone 14 Pro. To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list of devices, and tap the i icon next to them. Then, tap Forget This Device and confirm. After forgetting your AirPods, put them back in their case and open the lid. Follow the instructions on your iPhone to re-pair them.
8. Check for Interference
If your AirPods are still not connecting to your iPhone 14 Pro, it is possible that there is interference from other wireless devices in your area. To check for interference, move your iPhone and AirPods to a different location and try connecting them again. You may also want to turn off other Bluetooth devices in the area to reduce interference.
9. Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case
Sometimes, debris or dirt can accumulate on the charging contacts of your AirPods or inside the charging case, which can cause connectivity issues. To clean your AirPods and charging case, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the charging contacts on both the AirPods and the charging case. You can also use a small brush or a dry cotton swab to remove any debris that may be stuck in the charging contacts.
10. Reset Network Settings
If your AirPods are still not connecting to your iPhone 14 Pro, you can try resetting the network settings on your iPhone. To do this, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset all your network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. After resetting the network settings, try connecting your AirPods to your iPhone 14 Pro again.
11. Reset Your iPhone
If all else fails, you can try resetting your iPhone 14 Pro to its factory settings. This will erase all the data and settings on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup of your data before doing this. To reset your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. After resetting your iPhone, set it up as a new device and try connecting your AirPods again.
12. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, it may be a hardware issue with your AirPods or iPhone 14 Pro. In this case, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to provide a solution or recommend repairs or replacements if necessary.
Conclusion
If your iPhone 14 Pro is not connecting to your AirPods, it can be frustrating, but the troubleshooting steps discussed in this article will help you fix this issue. By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue and enjoy your AirPods once again.