Why are my AirPods not showing up on my devices?

Answered by Tom Adger

There can be several reasons why your AirPods are not showing up on your devices. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

1. Check Bluetooth Settings: First, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on your device. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle the switch to turn it on. On a Mac, click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

2. Charge Your AirPods: If your AirPods are out of battery, they may not show up on your devices. Place both AirPods in the charging case and make sure they are charging. You should see an amber light indicating that they are charging. If the light doesn’t turn on, try using a different charging cable or charging adapter.

3. Check AirPods Connection: Open the lid of the charging case and check the status light. If the light is white, it means that your AirPods are ready to connect. If the light is amber, it means that your AirPods are not fully charged. Leave them in the case until the light turns white.

4. Reset AirPods: If your AirPods are not showing up, you can try resetting them. To do this, press and hold the button on the back of the charging case until the status light starts flashing amber. Release the button, and your AirPods will be reset. You will need to reconnect them to your devices afterward.

5. Forget and Re-pair AirPods: If the above steps don’t work, you can try forgetting your AirPods from your device and then re-pairing them. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list of devices, and tap the “i” icon next to them. Then, tap “Forget This Device” and confirm. Afterward, put your AirPods back in the charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light starts flashing white. Your AirPods should then appear as available devices for pairing.

6. Update Software: Make sure that your device’s software is up to date. Sometimes, compatibility issues can arise if your device is running outdated software. Check for any available updates and install them if necessary.

7. Check for Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other devices or objects. Make sure that there are no other devices nearby that could be interfering with the connection. Additionally, try moving closer to your device to see if that improves the connection.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that there may be a hardware problem with your AirPods. In this case, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

I hope these troubleshooting steps help you get your AirPods connected to your devices again.