AirPods Connected But No Sound? 11 Quick and Easy Fixes!

What You Need to Know

• There are many reasons why your AirPods are connected but there is no sound
• Some common reasons include Bluetooth interference, low battery, or incorrect audio configuration
• Begin troubleshooting by checking that you are connected to the proper device, making sure they are charged, and turning up the volume
• Less common fixes include updating the firmware, cleaning the AirPods, and reconfiguring the Bluetooth connection

Introduction

Apple AirPods have become extremely popular over the last few years due to their audio capabilities and full feature set.  However, one common issue owners have experienced occurs when their AirPods are connected but there is no sound.  This issue is slightly different than situations when your AirPods audio is cutting out.

In this article we review the reasons why the sound on your AirPods is not working and give you the best solutions to this problem.

Are Your AirPods Connected But Have No Sound? Here Are the Reasons Why

Incorrect audio output selection

If you are having problems with the sound on your AirPods you should begin by making sure the Audio Output Setting on your iPhone is configured to use your AirPods.  For example, your iPhone might be set to use the built in speakers.

Bluetooth interference and instability

A poor or unstable Bluetooth connection can cause AirPods to not have sound.  Keep in mind that Bluetooth instability and interference is caused by several factors.  These include physical obstacles, other wireless devices using the same frequency, or too much distance between your AirPods and connected device.  Remember that a Bluetooth connection has a useable range of 30-60 feet.

Hardware issues can cause your AirPods to have no sound

It is uncommon, but a hardware problem can impact the sound on your AirPods.  For example, Apple issued a recall in 2020 for a small number of AirPods Pro that were experiencing sound issues. If you think you are experiencing a hardware issue contact Apple support to get professional assistance.

Steps to Fix the Sound on Your AirPods

Connect your AirPods to the proper device

AirPods have a feature called Automatic Device Switching which seamlessly connects your AirPods to the current device you are using.  For example, your AirPods will disconnect from your phone if you start using your MacBook.  Therefore, you may not be connected to your intended device.

To confirm you are connected to the proper device:

• Place your AirPods in your ears
• Open Settings on your iPhone
• Select Bluetooth

At this point, it should say “Connected” next to your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen.  However, if you see “Not Connected” next to your AirPods click your AirPods to attempt to connect.

If you find that Automatic Device Switching is happening too frequently you can disable this feature by following the steps in our article on stopping AirPods from connecting to other devices.

Turn up the volume on your iPhone

This is very obvious but make sure the volume is not muted and is properly set.  Typically this is more likely an issue on a Mac or PC than on a phone but check to be sure.

Make sure your AirPods are charged

Place your AirPods in the case and open the case next to your iPhone. A screen will pop up that shows you the battery charge for your AirPods and the case.  If the battery is low, plug your AirPods in until they are fully charged.

After you charge your AirPods repeat Step 1 to verify your AirPods are properly connected to your iPhone. Try playing something on your AirPods. If you still do not have sound proceed to the next step.

Confirm the audio output on your phone is set to use the AirPods

There is a chance your iPhone or other device is confused and is set to use the built in speaker.  In order to change this on an iPhone:

• Unlock your iPhone and swipe down on the upper right hand side of the screen
• Click the Audio connection icon
• Make sure your AirPods are selected

Typically, the steps above will fix your problem. But if the problem continues here are some additional, less common, steps you can take if the problem persists.

Troubleshoot Bluetooth connection

As we have mentioned, a poor Bluetooth connection can cause issues with your AirPods.  To start:

• Place your AirPods in the case
• Open Settings
• Select Bluetooth
• Turn off Bluetooth
• Wait 30 seconds and then turn Bluetooth back on
• Put your AirPods in your ears and verify they connect in Bluetooth settings

If your AirPods do not connect automatically click on them in Bluetooth settings to force a connection.  Check to see if the problem is solved.

Unpair and reconnect your AirPods with your iPhone

This will create a new bluetooth connection and hopefully resolve any miscommunication between the AirPods and your iPhone.

• Log on to your iPhone
• Select Settings
• Select Bluetooth
• Click the “I” next to your AirPods
• Select “Forget this device”
• Place your AirPods are in the case
• Open the case next to your iPhone
• Now press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light is flashing white. (On older AirPods the light is inside the case, on newer versions it is on the front of the case.)
• You will receive a prompt to connect on your phone – click connect.

Play something using your AirPods and see if the problem is resolved.

Clean AirPods microphone and speaker grills

Often dust and dirt can clog your AirPods speakers and microphone.  To clean them, use a dry cotton swab to clean the microphone and speaker mesh.  To remove any debris from the grill use a dry soft bristled brush.  Don’t get your AirPods wet when you are cleaning them!  You should also look inside the case and make sure that is clean as well.

Reboot your iPhone to fix the sound on your AirPods

Rebooting your phone will do a soft reset of your bluetooth connections.  Press and hold the Volume Up button and Side Button at the same time on your iPhone.  Swipe to reboot your phone and allow your phone to shutdown.  After shutdown press and hold the Side Button until you see the Apple symbol and let the phone reboot.  Login to your phone and place your AirPods in your ears and verify they connect.  Now try playing something with your AirPods.

Make sure you are running the latest firmware on your AirPods

It’s alway best practice to be running the latest software versions with your Apple products. Apple frequently releases updates to correct compatibility and performance issues.  Unlike your MacBook or iPhone, the firmware on your AirPods is automatically updated when they are not in use.

You can check your version by going to Settings > Bluetooth > Clicking the “I” button next to your AirPods > Scroll to the bottom and check the version.  Place the AirPods in their case and leave the case near your phone to update.

Update IOS on your iPhone to latest version

In addition to making sure your AirPods are running the latest software, you should make sure you are running the latest version of IOS on your iPhone.  You can check if you are running the latest version of IOS go to settings > General > Software Updates.  If there is an update available it will show up on this screen.  Keep in mind that IOS software updates can take an extended period of time depending on how large they are so make sure you have enough time available for the update to complete.  Install the update and when completed test your AirPods.

Connect your AirPods to another device and test if audio works on that device

This step allows you to verify the issue is with your AirPods and not your phone.  If you have access to another phone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV you can put your AirPods in pairing mode (hold the button on the back of the case until the light is flashing white) and use the following steps to connect to the appropriate device:

• For iPhone: Hold next to iPhone and click connect on iPhone when prompted
• For iPad: Hold next to iPad and click connect on iPad when prompted
• For Mac: Click the Bluetooth icon on your Mac Desktop, select your AirPods to pair with the Mac
• For Apple TV: Click settings > Bluetooth > Remotes and Devices > Select your AirPods to complete pairing

After connecting to your alternate device test your AirPods for audio.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your AirPods might have sound issues.  These include Bluetooth interference, incorrect audio settings on your phone, or possible hardware issues.

In order to correct the problem we have outlined many solutions to this problem.  However, the most common fixes are to check that you are connected to the correct device, check the volume settings, and make sure your AirPods are fully charged.