Troubleshooting: AirPods Connected But Sound Coming From Phone

If you find yourself in a situation where your AirPods are connected to your device, but the sound continues to play through the phone’s speakers instead of the AirPods, it can be quite frustrating. However, several troubleshooting steps can help you resolve this issue and get your AirPods working correctly.

When experiencing the issue of AirPods being connected but sound emanating from the phone instead of the earbuds, several troubleshooting steps can be undertaken to resolve the issue. Firstly, ensure that the AirPods are correctly paired with the device by navigating to the Bluetooth settings and selecting them as the audio output device. If this fails to rectify the problem, try disconnecting and reconnecting the AirPods or resetting them entirely by holding the setup button on the charging case until the status light flashes amber.

Additionally, check for any obstructions or debris in the AirPods’ speaker grills, as this could impede sound transmission. Finally, consider updating the device’s firmware and the AirPods’ firmware if available, as software glitches can sometimes cause audio routing issues. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can likely resolve the issue and enjoy uninterrupted audio playback through your AirPods.

## 1. Check AirPods Connection

The first step is to ensure that your AirPods are indeed connected to your device. Open the Bluetooth settings on your device and verify that your AirPods are listed as connected. If they’re not connected, select them from the list and pair them with your device.

## 2. Restart Bluetooth

Sometimes, a simple restart of the Bluetooth connection can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off Bluetooth on your device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Reconnect your AirPods and check if the sound now plays through them.

## 3. Reconnect AirPods

If restarting Bluetooth doesn’t work, try disconnecting and reconnecting your AirPods. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your device, select your AirPods, and choose to “Forget” or “Disconnect” them. Then, pair your AirPods with your device again and check if the issue persists.

## 4. Reset AirPods

If the problem persists, you can try resetting your AirPods to their factory settings. To do this, put your AirPods in their case, open the lid, and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber a few times, then white. After resetting, reconnect your AirPods to your device and check if the sound plays through them.

## 5. Check Audio Output Settings

Ensure that your device’s audio output settings are configured to play sound through your AirPods. Go to the sound or audio settings on your device and verify that the output device is set to your AirPods. Adjust the settings if necessary and test the sound again.

## 6. Update Device Software

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Bluetooth devices like AirPods. Check for any available software updates for your device and install them. Updating your device’s software may resolve any underlying issues causing the sound to play through the phone instead of the AirPods.

## 7. Test with Another Device

To rule out any issues with your device, try connecting your AirPods to another compatible device and see if the sound plays through them correctly. If the issue persists on multiple devices, it’s likely a problem with the AirPods themselves.

## 8. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide troubleshooting steps specific to your device and AirPods model or advise on any potential hardware issues that may need addressing.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your AirPods being connected but the sound still coming from your phone.