Only a few things are more frustrating than getting ready to listen to your favorite tunes or take an important call, only to find that your AirPods aren’t showing up on Bluetooth. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry, you’re not the first.
In this article, we have provided a guide to some of the common causes of your AirPods not showing up on Bluetooth and provide you with some helpful fixes.
AirPods Are Not Showing Up on Bluetooth: Common Causes & DIY Fixes
There are several reasons why your AirPods are not showing up on your Bluetooth. Below are the most common causes and the fixes to apply.
Cause #1: Dead Battery
The most common cause of AirPods not showing up on Bluetooth is a dead battery. If your AirPods haven’t been charged, they won’t show up on Bluetooth. To check if your AirPods are charged, place them in their charging case and make sure the LED light on the case is green.
Fix: Charge Your AirPods
Simply charge your AirPods to fix this problem. Place them in their charging case and connect the charging cable to a power source. Wait for the LED light on the case to turn green, indicating that your AirPods are fully charged.
Cause #2: Bluetooth Connection Issues
Another common cause of AirPods not showing up on Bluetooth is a Bluetooth connection issue. This can happen if your AirPods aren’t paired correctly, or if there’s a problem with the Bluetooth connection on your device.
Fix: Reconnect Your AirPods
To fix this, try reconnecting your AirPods. Open the Settings app on your device, go to Bluetooth, and select your AirPods. If your AirPods are already connected, try disconnecting and reconnecting them. If this doesn’t work, turn off Bluetooth on your device and then turn it back on. Finally, reset your AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button on the back of the charging case until the LED light starts flashing amber.
Cause #3: Outdated Firmware
If your AirPods haven’t been updated in a while, they may not show up on Bluetooth. This can happen if there’s an issue with the firmware on your AirPods.
Fix: Update Your AirPods
To fix this, update your AirPods. Place them in their charging case and make sure they’re connected to your device. Then, open the Settings app on your device, go to General, and select About. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to download and install it. Follow the prompts to update your AirPods.
Cause #4: Interference
Interference can also cause AirPods not to show up on Bluetooth. This can happen if there are too many Bluetooth devices nearby or if there’s a physical obstruction blocking the signal.
Fix: Move to a Different Location
This might be the easiest fix to apply. All you have to do to get the Airpods pairing again is to move to a different location. If you’re in a crowded area, move away from other Bluetooth devices. If you’re in a room with thick walls, move closer to your device or try moving to a different room.
Cause #5: Software Issues on Your Device
Sometimes, issues with the software on your device can cause AirPods not to show up on Bluetooth. This can happen if your device has an outdated operating system or if there’s a bug in the software.
Fix: Update Your Device’s Software
To fix this, all you have to do is update your device’s software. Go to the Settings app on your device, select General, and then select Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it. Once the update is complete, try connecting your AirPods to Bluetooth again.
Cause #6: Physical Damage
If your AirPods have been dropped or otherwise physically damaged, it can cause them not to show up on Bluetooth. This can happen if the internal components are damaged or if the AirPods are not sitting correctly in the charging case.
Fix: Check for Physical Damage
Fixing this problem would require a physical inspection, you might need a light source to help you see properly. Simply, check for physical damage on your AirPods. Inspect them closely for any cracks or other signs of damage. If you notice any damage, contact Apple Support for further assistance. Additionally, make sure that your AirPods are sitting correctly in the charging case and that the case is closed properly.
Cause #7: Blocked Bluetooth Antenna
If the Bluetooth antenna on your device is blocked, it can cause AirPods not to show up on Bluetooth. This can happen if you’re using a case or cover that blocks the Bluetooth antenna.
Fix: Remove Any Obstructions
To fix this issue, you will need to check and remove any obstructions that may be blocking the Bluetooth antenna on your device. If you’re using a case or cover, remove it and try connecting your AirPods to Bluetooth again. If this doesn’t work, try moving to a different location or turning off any nearby electronic devices that may be causing interference.
Cause #8: AirPods Need to be Reset
If your AirPods have been previously connected to another device, they may not show up on Bluetooth when you try to connect them to a new device. This can happen if the AirPods are not reset before trying to connect them to a new device.
Fix: Reset Your AirPods
To fix this issue, you would have to reset your AirPods. Place them in the charging case and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light starts flashing white. Release the button and reconnect your AirPods to Bluetooth.
Conclusion
AirPods not showing up on Bluetooth can be quite problematic and there are several reasons why AirPods may not show up on Bluetooth, but most of them can be easily fixed. By following the above fixes, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue quickly. If you continue to experience problems, you might want to check out Apple Support to see if you can get it resolved.
