Can’t Find AirPods Using Bluetooth

AirPods are the most popular wireless earphones used by Apple and Android users alike. They have unmatched sound quality and some models can last up to 5 hours on a single charge. However, sometimes your AirPods might have trouble pairing with certain devices. 

If your device can’t find your AirPods, it’s likely because the AirPods’ batteries are low, there’s a problem with your device’s Bluetooth, or the AirPods are damaged. You can solve this problem by charging the AirPods, resetting Bluetooth on your device, or updating your device’s software. 

Let’s look at the possible reasons why your AirPods aren’t connecting to Bluetooth and how you can easily fix the issue. Before you know it, you’ll be listening to your favorite tunes once again.  

Why Aren’t My AirPods Showing Up?

If your AirPods aren’t showing up on your device, it could be due to Bluetooth being off or disabled, low charge, problems with your device, or damage to the AirPods. In some cases, the AirPods won’t connect when they get stuck in pairing mode. 

Here are some of the common reasons why your AirPods won’t connect: 

Your Device’s Bluetooth Is Off or Disabled

Even though this is the first thing that most people check, it’s easy to overlook Bluetooth connectivity if you don’t use your AirPods regularly. You may have turned the Bluetooth off, or the Bluetooth may have been disabled after an update. 

Sometimes, there may be a problem with the Bluetooth on your device, which may cause connectivity problems, even if the Bluetooth is on. However, in most cases, switching the Bluetooth off and on or restarting the device will solve the problem. 

The AirPods Have Low Charge

AirPods (on Amazon) can last up to five hours on a full charge, but most people don’t charge their AirPods fully. If your AirPods are low on charge, they may not connect to Bluetooth.

To check the battery level of the AirPods, place them inside the casing. The status light will stay on for 8 seconds and indicate whether the AirPods are charged or need charging. 

If the light is green, your AirPods are fully charged. An amber light means that the AirPods and case need to be charged. Fortunately, a fully charged case can charge your AirPods several times before running out of battery. 

Your Device’s System Is Too Old

The latest AirPods will only pair with Apple devices that have iOS 12.2 or later, while first-generation AirPods will work with iOS 10 or later.

If you have a MacBook, you’ll need to have macOS Sierra or later. If you have an Android device, Smart TV, or other non-Apple devices, they will work with most AirPods. 

The AirPods Are Stuck in Pairing Mode

While it’s not a common error, sometimes the AirPods can get stuck in pairing mode. When this happens, the AirPods won’t charge or connect to Bluetooth. Fortunately, this is a minor glitch, and resetting the AirPods should resolve it. 

The AirPods Are Damaged

If the AirPods get damaged, or the AirPod charging case doesn’t charge or work, it may affect the Bluetooth connectivity. If the charging case gets damaged, the AirPods won’t charge. You’ll notice when there’s something wrong with the case if a light doesn’t flash when the AirPods are on charge. 

How Do You Get Your AirPods to Show Up on Bluetooth?

If your AirPods aren’t connected to Bluetooth, you can usually fix it by resetting the AirPods, recharging them, or fixing Bluetooth problems on your device.

Here are five ways to get AirPods to show up on Bluetooth: 

1. Charge the AirPods

Charge the AirPods when the battery is nearly empty and avoid waiting until they die before charging them since the AirPods won’t show up on Bluetooth if the battery is low. While there’s no way to know how much battery is left by looking at the AirPods, you can see the exact battery level on your iPhone. Also, the AirPods make a sound when the battery is low at 10 percent.

To check the battery level of your AirPods, go onto ‘Today View‘ and scroll down to ‘Batteries.’ You’ll see the battery level of your iPhone, AirPods, and charging case.

If you’re not connected to an iPhone, place the AirPods in the charging case. Wait for the light to flash green, indicating the AirPods and casing are fully charged. 

2. Make Sure Bluetooth Is Switched On

Whether you’re using an iPhone or other device, Bluetooth needs to be enabled for the AirPods to connect. You can easily find Bluetooth in the quick access menu on most phones. If not, go onto settings, select ‘Bluetooth‘ and make sure it’s on.

Sometimes, Bluetooth won’t work if the device is on Airplane mode or after an update. Restart the device, switch off Airplane mode, and reconnect with Bluetooth. 

3. Update Your Device

The latest AirPods won’t work with iPhones with systems older than iOS 12.2, while 1st generation AirPods can work with iOS 10 and later. If your device’s operating system is too old, you’ll need to update it for the AirPods to connect properly. 

To update an Apple device, go to the Settings and select ‘General.’ Select ‘Software Update‘ and make sure the device is running on the latest iOS version. Also, turn on automatic updates, so you always have the latest operating software. 

4. Repair or Change the AirPods

If the AirPods are damaged, they won’t connect to Bluetooth or may produce sound distortion. In this case, the best solution is to repair or replace the AirPods. If you have the latest version, you may have a warranty on them. Otherwise, you’ll have to get new ones. 

5. Reset the AirPods

If the AirPods aren’t connecting because of a glitch or are stuck in pairing mode, you’ll need to reset them. You can also try restarting your device to resolve the problem.

After resetting your AirPods and restarting the device, you’ll need to pair them again. While this is a simple fix, it works in most cases when AirPods don’t show on Bluetooth. 

Follow these steps to reset your AirPods: 

1. Put the AirPods in their case and wait 30 seconds. If you don’t see a light flash on the case, then connect the AirPods to a power source and wait an hour or two. 
   
2. Leave the AirPods inside the charging case and open the case’s lid. 
   
3. Go onto the Bluetooth settings on your device and pair it with the AirPods. If you can’t pair them, click on ‘Forget Device.’
   
4. Hold the setup button on the case for 15 seconds and wait for the status light to flash white. 
   
5. Reconnect the AirPods to your device.