11 Tips to Fix AirPods Keep Disconnecting from iPhone

User Concern

“It seems like my airpods keep getting disconnected started a couple of days ago...so everytime when I put airpods back to the charger, I have to re-connect. My iPhone keeps saying this is not my airpods. How could I fix this?”

Apple AirPods offer an excellent mix of sound quality and convenience. While they usually work smoothly, you might occasionally face an issue where your AirPods keep disconnecting from your iPhone. This can be especially frustrating when you’re listening to music or on a call.

If your AirPods keep disconnecting, you’re not the only one. In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons why this happens and share some effective solutions to help you fix the problem. Let’s get started!

Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting from My iPhone?

The AirPods disconnecting from iPhone issue can occur because of a variety of reasons. Some of them are as follows:

• Bluetooth Interference: Other devices, Wi-Fi signals, or physical objects can interfere with the Bluetooth connection.
• Out of Range: Bluetooth only works within a short distance. If you're too far from your iPhone, the AirPods might disconnect.
• iOS Bugs or Errors: Running an outdated version of iOS can lead to system glitches that affect your AirPods connection.
• Incorrect Settings: If your Bluetooth or AirPods settings are misconfigured, it may cause connection problems.
• Low Battery: AirPods need enough battery to stay connected. If the charge is low, they may keep disconnecting.
• Firmware Problems: Some AirPods users report connection issues after certain firmware updates.
• Hardware Damage: Drops, pressure, or other damage can affect internal parts and cause disconnection issues.

Now we know the possible reasons behind the AirPods keep disconnecting issue, let’s check out what we can do to solve it.

How Do I Stop AirPods from Disconnecting and Pausing?

Check the Battery Level of AirPods

AirPods will disconnect from your iPhone when they are running out of battery. Before trying any other solutions, what you should do first is checking the AirPods battery level. If the battery is low, you will need to charge it first. Put the AirPods in the charging case and check them after a while.

Keep Your AirPods and iPhone Closer Together

It is normal for the AirPods to disconnect from the iPhone if the devices are not close enough. The working range for Bluetooth is 30 feet, but sometimes the range is way smaller because of interference. So, consider keeping the iPhone and AirPods closer.

Disable iPhone Bluetooth and Re-activate It

Sometimes the disconnecting issue can occur due to a minor glitch with the Bluetooth on your iPhone. Consider disabling and reactivating the Bluetooth.

Just swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone (or swipe up from the bottom if it has a Home button) to open Control Center. Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off, wait about 10 seconds, then tap it again to turn it back on.

Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection

Automatic Ear Detection lets your AirPods know when they’re in your ears and plays audio accordingly. However, it can sometimes cause connection issues - especially if you adjust or move your AirPods often. If your AirPods keep disconnecting, try turning this feature off. Here’s how:

• Open the Settings and then go to Bluetooth.
• Press on the (i) icon next to the connected AirPod name.
• Scroll down to find "Automatic Ear Detection" and toggle it off.
• Now press on "Microphone" and choose "Always Left AirPod/Always Right Airpod."

Turn Off Automatic Switching

The Automatic Switching feature that lets the AirPods automatically switch between nearby connected Apple devices. You will need to switch off this feature on the other nearby Apple devices to prevent automatic switching.

• Open Settings and go to Bluetooth.
• Now tap on the (i) icon aside from the AirPods and tap on “Connect to This iPhone."
• Now choose "When Last Connected to This iPhone.” Repeat it on your other iOS devices.

Forget and re-pair the AirPods

Still having trouble with your AirPods disconnecting from your iPhone? Try removing them from your Bluetooth devices and pairing them again. This simple reset can often fix connection glitches. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
• Find your AirPods in the list and tap the “i” icon next to them. Select “Forget This Device” and confirm.
• Put your AirPods back in the charging case and open the lid.
• Press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
• Now follow the on-screen steps on your iPhone to pair them again.

Update Firmware on AirPods

Sometimes the firmware version of your AirPods can be outdated and cause various problems, including disconnecting. Consider updating the firmware version of the gadget.

Open Settings of your iPhone, then go to General > About > AirPods. Check the firmware version and find out whether it is the latest or not. If it is not, you will need to update it.

To update your AirPods firmware, place them in the charging case and plug it into power. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and kept close to the case. Wait about 30 minutes - the update should happen automatically during that time.

Update Your iPhone

Sometimes the problem can be with your iPhone's iOS version. If it runs on an outdated iOS, you will encounter various issues including AirPods keep disconnecting from iPhone. The only solution is to update your iPhone.

Open Settings and go to General > Software Update to update your iPhone. If there is any pending update, don't be late to download and install it.

Reset Your AirPods

If you are still encountering the problem after trying the above fixes, consider resetting the AirPods. Put them in the charging case and hold down the Status button. If you are using AirPods Max, you need to hold the Noise Control button and Digital Crown.

Let the button go when the indicator flashes amber. Now reconnect the AirPods to iPhone by following the on-screen guide.

Reset Network Settings on iPhone

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can fix any faulty network configurations that may be interfering with the connection to your AirPods. Here's how to do it:

• Go to Settings > General on your iPhone.
• Find "Transfer or Reset iPhone" and then press "Reset."
• Now press "Reset Network Settings."
• Enter the passcode and press "Reset Network Settings" again.

What If Your iPhone Is Causing AirPods Keep Disconnecting?

Is the problem still continuing even after trying all the solutions above? Well, the problem might be with your iPhone’s iOS system instead of the AirPods. In this case, the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery can be your best option to fix the issue.

This powerful repair tool is designed to fix various iOS system issues - including problems that affect your AirPods connection. Best of all, it can resolve the issue without deleting any of your data. And it works well with all iPhone models and iOS versions, even the newest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

How to fix AirPods keep disconnecting from iPhone with FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

Step 1: Download FoneGeek iOS System Recovery from its official site and install it on your computer. Launch it once the installation is done and choose “Standard Mode” to continue.

Step 2: Now plug your iPhone to the computer via USB cable. If needed, press "Trust" on your iPhone after unlocking it to complete the connection with the PC.

If the iPhone is not recognized, boot the device into the Recovery or DFU mode by following the on-screen guide.

Step 3: After completing the above step, you will see the device model and all available firmware versions. Next, select and install the preferred firmware package by pressing "Download."

Step 4: When the firmware is downloaded successfully, you will see a "Fix Now" button. Press on it to start fixing the problem. This should be done within a while and get your iPhone working normally again.

The Bottom Line

We hope that you will be able to fix the AirPods keep disconnecting from iPhone by utilizing the above guide. Note that if you are sure that the problem is not with your AirPods, you can skip all the fixes and just try the last one. If a system glitch on your iPhone is causing the issue, FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is your best bet. It can fix various iOS problems without deleting your data. Download it now to explore all its powerful features!