Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting on Apple Devices?

Are you frequently facing disconnection issues with your AirPods on iPhone? Do your AirPods Pro keep disconnecting on Mac now and then, especially during important work calls? Have you bought the AirPods Max headphones recently but unable to enjoy your favorite music due to connection issues?

Well, you are not alone. Many AirPods users struggle with disconnection-related issues, which lead to frustration, hamper their listening experience and sometimes even affect their work. After all, AirPods users expect nothing but perfection from these popular Apple earbuds and headphones. 

There are different reasons why your AirPods keep disconnecting, such as low battery, interference with other Bluetooth/wireless devices, outdated firmware, and so on.

However, you don’t need to worry because we’ve got you covered. In this quick guide, we’ll explore different causes of AirPods disconnection and provide you with troubleshooting tips to fix your AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Read further to know more.

Why Do AirPods Keep Disconnecting on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac?

Here are some common reasons why AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max encounter connection issues on iOS:

1. Low Battery

The first and most common cause of disconnection in AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max is insufficient battery. 

So the next time you notice your AirPods case blinking red or flashing orange/amber while getting disconnected, you can be sure it’s a battery life issue.

Similarly, in the case of AirPods Max, a battery issue can lead to frequent disconnection. If you notice an amber light on the right ear cup of your AirPods Max after pressing the Noise Control button, you can be sure the low battery is causing the disconnection issue.

2. Outdated Firmware of AirPods

Your AirPods’ firmware is the software that controls how they function and communicate with source devices.

Therefore, outdated firmware can lead to connection issues with your AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

3. Interference From Other Bluetooth/Wireless Devices

When other Bluetooth devices are near your AirPods and source device, their Bluetooth signals can interfere with your AirPods’ Bluetooth connection and disrupt the connection. 

Bluetooth uses ultra high-frequency (UHF) radio waves to establish connection between two devices. These radio waves can be affected by other wireless devices (and their signals).

4. Physical Obstructions Between AirPods and Audio Source

Bluetooth radio waves can easily get impacted by physical obstructions such as furniture, walls, and so on. The same is the case with the Bluetooth connection between your AirPods and source devices.

These obstructions can disrupt the Bluetooth connection between your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max and source device, or lead to signal attenuation.

5. Software Issue With Source Device

Your source device’s software controls how it functions with your AirPods. Therefore, if your source device’s software is outdated, contains a bug or has a compatibility issue, you can face connection issues.

For example, if your iPhone or Mac is running on an old iOS or MacOS version, it can cause pairing issues with your AirPods. 

6. AirPods’ Settings

If none of the reasons highlighted above are causing connection issues between your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, and source device, then we highly recommend checking the following settings:

Automatic Ear Detection on AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Automatic Head Detection on  AirPods Max

Apple’s Automatic Ear/Head Detection feature can sense when you are wearing or not wearing your AirPods. Accordingly, this feature plays and pauses music playback on your device. If the Automatic Ear Detection feature is not working properly, you can experience disconnection.

Active Noise Cancelation and Transparency Modes on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max comprise two notable noise control modes — Active Noise Cancelation and Transparency. These modes allow AirPods users to adjust how much surrounding noise they want to hear or block external noise.

If either of these settings is not functioning properly, you can encounter audio issues with your AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, leading you to think there’s been a disconnection.

Automatic Switching on AirPods (2nd and 3rd Generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

The Automatic Switching feature allows AirPods users to switch between multiple Apple devices. However, sometimes, this feature drives your AirPods to switch between two Apple devices so quickly that you’ll feel you are experiencing connection issues. 

7. Your Device’s Microphone Setting

Your device’s microphone setting can impact the AirPods connection, especially if you are using AirPods for phone calls or video calls. 

If your device’s microphone setting is set up to use the device’s built-in microphone, the AirPods will not be recognized as the primary microphone input device. This may be mistaken as a connection issue by users as their Airpods’ microphone is not being recognized.

8. Wax and Dirt Buildup

Lastly, dirt and wax trapped inside your AirPods’, AirPods Pro’s or AirPods Max’s speakers or other internal components can affect their ability to charge properly or pair with other Bluetooth devices, leading to connection issues. 

How to Fix AirPods Disconnection Issue?

Now that you have identified the potential causes of connection issues with your AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max on iOS devices, here are some quick fixes to help you.

1. Ensure Your AirPods Are Properly Charged

If your AirPods keep disconnecting due to low battery, we recommend you fully charge them before using them. Disconnection issues resulting from low battery are the easiest to fix. 

Per our experience, AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with at least 30% battery do not experience connection issues. However, as soon as the battery begins draining beyond 30%, you may start experiencing frequent disconnection.

We recommend checking the battery levels of your AirPods regularly. 

How to Check the Battery Level of Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max on Your iOS Device?

• Open the lid of your AirPods’ case with the AirPods inside.
• Hold the case close to your device (iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad). 
• Allow your device a few seconds to display the battery level of your AirPods. 

How to Check the Battery Level of Your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max on Your Mac?

• Open the lid of your AirPods’ case with the AirPods inside.
• Hold the case close to your Mac.
• Click the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar to display your AirPods’ battery level.

Remember not to overcharge your AirPods to avoid damaging their internal components.

2. Reset the Bluetooth Connection on Your Device

If charging your AirPods’ battery does not resolve the disconnection issue, reset your device’s Bluetooth connection. 

How to Reset Bluetooth on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?

Enable/Disable Bluetooth on Your Device

• Open “Settings” on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
• Toggle off Bluetooth.
• Then wait for about 10 seconds.
• Toggle on Bluetooth and re-pair your device and AirPods.

Forget All Bluetooth Devices

If simply enabling/disabling Bluetooth on your source device does not work, we recommend refreshing your device’s Bluetooth cache (list of all paired or recognized devices) and removing all existing paired Bluetooth devices to resolve the AirPods disconnection issue. 

• Open “Settings” on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
• Click “Bluetooth.”
• Click “i” next to the paired device in the list.
• Click “Forget this device.” Repeat this step for all the connected devices in the list.
• Restart your iOS device and re-pair your AirPods.
• Ensure your AirPods and iOS device are in close proximity for quick pairing.

How to Reset Bluetooth on Mac?

Here’s how you can reset Bluetooth on different Mac versions.

How to Reset Bluetooth on MacOS Ventura (Latest) and Monterey?

• Open Terminal command on your Mac.
• Type the command “sudo pkill bluetoothd.”
• Enter your Mac’s login password and wait for about 5 to 10 seconds.
• Now start using Bluetooth again and set up your AirPods.

How to Reset Bluetooth on MacOS Big Sur and Other Older Versions?

• Press and hold “Shift + Option” and click the Bluetooth icon on the Apple menu bar.
• Click “Debug,” followed by “Reset Bluetooth Module.”
• Click “OK” once you see the pop up.
• Restart your Mac and set up your AirPods again.

3. Reset Network Settings to Default on iOS

At times, simply resetting your device’s Bluetooth or clearing the iOS Bluetooth cache doesn’t help. In such cases, we suggest resetting your device’s network settings to default to fix the AirPods disconnection problem.

Upon resetting your device’s network settings, you will remove all saved VPN settings, Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth-device connection. You need to set them up again.

This method is somewhat cumbersome; however, it may resolve the AirPods disconnection issue in a jiffy.

How to Reset Network Settings on Your iOS Device?

• Open “Settings” on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
• Click “General.”
• Click “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
• Click “Reset.”
• Click “Reset Network Settings.”
• Enter your device’s passcode to complete the reset process.

Once your device’s network settings are reset, set up the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and VPN settings again. Re-pair your AirPods and assess if the disconnection issue persists. 

Macs do not have the “Reset Network Settings” feature.

4. Update Your AirPods’ Firmware

If your AirPods are continuously disconnecting because of an outdated firmware, we recommend upgrading to the latest firmware immediately.

Even though Apple’s firmware updates are typically delivered automatically, it’s a good idea to check your AirPods’ firmware to ensure they’re updated. 

How to Check the Firmware of Your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max?

Follow these steps to check your AirPods’ firmware version on iPhone or iPad:

• Ensure your device has the latest iOS/ iPadOS version.
• Open “Bluetooth” and then click “Settings” on your device.
• Click the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
• Scroll down to the “About” section to determine your AirPods’ firmware version.

Follow these steps to check your AirPods’ firmware version on Mac:

• Ensure you have the latest MacOS version.
• Press and hold the “Option” key on your Mac, while clicking Apple Menu, and then click “System Information.”
• Click the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
• Click Bluetooth to determine your AirPods’ firmware version.

How to Update the Firmware Version of Your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max?

Follow these quick steps to update your AirPods’ firmware using iPhone:

• Place your AirPods inside their charging case.
• Connect the AirPods case to the power socket using the lightning to USB cable or wireless charger.
• Ensure your iPhone has a stable internet connection.
• Move your iPhone close to the AirPods case or AirPods Max headphones.
• If there are any pending updates, your AirPods will automatically install and apply them.

Follow these steps to update your AirPods’ firmware using Mac:

• Place your AirPods inside their charging case.
• Connect the AirPods case to your Mac using the USB-C to lightning cable.
• If there are any pending updates, your AirPods will automatically install and apply them.

Latest Firmware: Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max 

Here are the latest firmware details for different AirPods versions:

5. Switch Off Nearby Bluetooth/Wireless Devices

To prevent connection issues caused by signal interference from other Bluetooth devices near your AirPods and source device, we recommend switching off Bluetooth on all nearby devices.

If you cannot switch off Bluetooth on nearby devices, we suggest removing them from your AirPods’ vicinity or moving your AirPods and source device away from them. 

While using AirPods, we also recommend staying away from other wireless and cellular devices, such as microwaves, ovens, baby monitors, wireless video cameras, and cordless phones to prevent signal interference and connection issues.

6. Remove Physical Barriers Between Your AirPods and Audio Source

If you think physical barriers (furniture, walls, etc.) between your AirPods and source device are responsible for connection issues, we highly recommend moving your AirPods close to the source device (or ensuring both AirPods and source device are within the Bluetooth range) and maintaining a clear line of sight between them.

Remember, different AirPods models use different Bluetooth versions with different ranges. 

Ensure your AirPods and source device are in the same room.

Disclaimer: The range of your AirPods may not be the same as the range of the used Bluetooth version.

7. Ensure Your Source Device’s Software Is Upgraded

If you have determined that your source device’s software is causing the disconnection issue, we recommend fixing or upgrading it to ensure it functions properly or is compatible with your AirPods’ firmware.

If your source device is iOS-based, ensure the device comprises the latest 16.3.1 iOS or iPadOS version. An older iOS and iPadOS version can cause connection errors or bugs. 

How to Update Your iPhone or iPad’s iOS Version?

• Back up your device’s data on iCloud.
• Ensure your device is properly charged and has a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Open “Settings,” “General,” followed by “Software Update.”
• Click “Download and Install” to upgrade to the latest iOS or iPadOS version.

If your source device is a Mac, ensure you have the latest MacOS version, MacOS Venture 13.2.1.

How to Update Your MacOS Version?

• Open “System Settings” from the Apple Menu on your Mac.
• Click “General,” followed by “Software Update.”
• If the software update finds a new software, click “Upgrade Now” to install it.

8. Turn Off the Potential “Trouble-Maker” Settings

As discussed before, AirPods’ features, such as Automatic Ear Detection and Automatic Switching can cause connection issues. Therefore, we recommend turning them off to fix the disconnection problem.

How to Switch Off Automatic Ear Detection in AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max?

• Wear and connect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac.
• Click “Settings” on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, and “Apple Menu,” followed by “System Settings,” on Mac.
• Click the name of your AirPods.
• Toggle off Automatic Ear/Head Detection.

How to Switch Off Automatic Switching on AirPods (2nd and 3rd Generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods Max?

On iPhone and iPad

• Wear and connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
• Click “Settings” on iPhone or iPad and find your AirPods’ name.
• Click the “i” next to the name.
• Click “Connect to this iPhone/iPad.”
• Click “When Last Connected to this iPhone/iPad.”
• If you wish to turn this feature on again, click “Automatically.”

On Mac

• Wear and connect your AirPods to your Mac.
• Click “Apple Menu,” followed by “Settings” and “Bluetooth.”
• Click “Options” next to your AirPods’ name.
• Open the “Connect to this Mac menu.”
• Click “When Last Connected to this Mac.”
• If you wish to turn this feature on again, click “Automatically.”

9. Restart Your AirPods

If none of the fixes listed above help resolve the disconnection issue, reset your AirPods/AirPods Pro or reset your AirPods Max and re-pair them with your device.

10. Make AirPods Your Device’s Primary Microphone Input/Output

If your device is using its built-in speaker as audio input/output during phone and video calls, we recommend making AirPods the primary audio input/output device to resolve disconnection issues, prevent call drops during important meetings and ensure good audio quality.

How to Make Your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max the Primary Audio Input/Output Device?

• Wear and connect your AirPods to your iOS device.
• Open “Settings.”
• Click your AirPods’ name. 
• Click “Microphone.”
• Select “Automatically Switch AirPods” if you are fine with either AirPods acting as microphones, or “Always Left or Always Right,” if you want only one AirPods to act as a microphone.

11. Clean Your AirPods

If wax and dirt stuck in your AirPods’ or AirPods Max’s speaker grill or ear cups is causing the disconnection issue, try cleaning your AirPods (the right way).

How to Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro the Right Way?

• Ensure you are using a dry, soft and lint-free cloth to clean your AirPods.
• If your AirPods or AirPods Pro are stained, ensure you use a mildly wet cloth to clean them. Don’t forget to dry them using a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Do not use your AirPods or place them in their charging case until they are completely dry.
• Avoid spilling liquid inside the AirPods’ speaker or microphone.
• Do not use sharp objects to remove wax, dirt or debris from your AirPods.
• If you determine that your AirPods Pro’s ear tips are dirty or stained, remove them gently and wash them using plain water at room temperature.
• Dry the ear tips thoroughly before reattaching them to your AirPods Pro.

How to Clean AirPods Max the Right Way?

Follow the same steps mentioned above for the basic cleaning of your AirPods Max:

• If you want to clean your AirPods Max’s cushions and headband, use a mix of 250 ml water and 5 ml liquid detergent.
• Dip a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth into the mix and rub the slightly wet cloth on the cushions and headband for approximately 1 minute (less than 1 minute is fine but definitely not more) to clean them.
• Use a separate dry, soft and lint-free cloth to dry the cushions and headband. Hold the headphones upside down while cleaning the headband to prevent liquid from trickling down into the headphones’ speakers.
• Leave the cushions and headphones to dry for at least a full day before you assemble and begin using them.

12. Contact Apple Support

Lastly, if your AirPods still keep disconnecting and none of the hacks mentioned above work, we advise you to get in touch with the Apple support to get your AirPods repaired or request for a replacement.

Sometimes, AirPods with damaged internal components (for instance, if you dropped your AirPods in water) experience frequent disconnections, which cannot be resolved by resetting them, tweaking their network and microphone settings, or cleaning them. In such cases, it’s best to speak to an expert to prevent further damage to your AirPods. 

Each pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max comes with one-year hardware repair coverage with Apple’s limited warranty and up to 90 days of additional (complementary) tech support. 

However, if your AirPods are older than one year and you have the AppleCare+ subscription, you can pay a basic service fee of $29 (taxes extra) and get your AirPods fixed with the help of an Apple Care expert. 

Final Words

The next time you wonder “why do my AirPods keep disconnecting” on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac, you know the possible reasons behind the disconnection issue and how to resolve them.

In our humble opinion, it makes sense to try and test all the fixes discussed in this guide. But you also need to keep in mind not to overdo any DIY hack to prevent further damage to your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.

You may also end up rendering your product warranty void if you play around too much with these fixes. The Apple Support is always there to assist you!