15 Ways to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound When Connected

15 Ways to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound When Connected

If you're facing an issue where your AirPods are connected but not playing sound, you're not alone. Many users have encountered this frustrating problem, but fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot and resolve it. In this guide, we'll walk you through 15 effective solutions to fix your AirPods when they’re not playing sound. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or another device, you can find a solution that works for you. Let's dive into these troubleshooting steps and get your AirPods back to working properly.

1. Check the Volume Level

One of the simplest reasons your AirPods may not be playing sound is due to the volume being too low. It may sound obvious, but it’s always worth double-checking. Adjust the volume on your connected device to ensure it's set high enough for audio to be heard.

Quick Tip: Try pressing the volume up button on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and see if that resolves the issue.

2. Ensure Your AirPods Are Properly Connected

Sometimes, the connection between your AirPods and your device might be unstable. Disconnect and reconnect your AirPods to make sure they’re properly paired.

For iPhone/iPad: Go to Bluetooth settings and toggle your AirPods off, then back on.
For Mac: Click on the Bluetooth icon, disconnect and reconnect the AirPods.

This will often restore the connection and solve the sound issue.

3. Restart Your Device

If your AirPods are connected but no sound is coming through, restarting your device can help refresh the connection. Whether it’s your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a quick restart can clear temporary glitches and restore sound.

4. Check for Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth interference can prevent your AirPods from receiving a stable signal. Make sure there are no obstructions or other devices causing interference. You can also try turning off other Bluetooth devices nearby to rule out interference.

Pro Tip: Make sure your AirPods are within a reasonable range of the connected device, ideally within 30 feet.

5. Inspect AirPods for Debris

Sometimes, dirt or debris can get lodged in the AirPods' speaker mesh, affecting sound quality or blocking sound completely. Check for any visible obstructions and clean your AirPods gently with a soft cloth or a brush.

6. Check Audio Output Settings

If your AirPods are connected but you’re still not hearing any sound, check the audio output settings on your device. On iOS devices, swipe down the Control Center, and on macOS, click the sound icon in the menu bar to ensure the output is set to AirPods.

7. Reset Your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods can often solve many connectivity and sound-related problems. Here’s how you can reset your AirPods:

Put your AirPods in the charging case.
Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber.
Reconnect your AirPods to your device by following the pairing process again.

A reset can often resolve issues with sound not playing.

8. Update iOS or macOS

Software updates often include bug fixes for Bluetooth and connectivity issues. Make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. To check for updates:

For iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
For Mac: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Updating your software could resolve underlying issues causing sound problems.

9. Disable Automatic Ear Detection

Automatic Ear Detection is a feature that pauses audio when you remove one or both AirPods. If this feature malfunctions, it may cause your AirPods to stop playing sound when connected. You can turn this feature off by going to:

Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" next to your AirPods, and toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.

This may help restore sound if the feature is causing issues.

10. Check for Low Battery

Low battery levels in your AirPods or their charging case could be another reason for no sound. Check the battery status of your AirPods via your connected device or in the Battery widget on your iPhone.

If the battery is low, charge your AirPods for a few minutes, and then check if the sound returns.

11. Try a Different Audio App

The issue might be with the app you’re using to play audio. Try switching to a different app (e.g., Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube) to see if the sound works on other apps. If it does, the problem may be app-specific, and reinstalling the app could solve the issue.

12. Check for Firmware Updates

Sometimes, your AirPods need a firmware update to fix bugs or improve functionality. To check for firmware updates:

Connect your AirPods to your device.
Open the Settings app and check for any firmware-related information.

AirPods update automatically when connected to an iPhone or iPad with an active internet connection. Make sure your device is up-to-date.

13. Test with Other Devices

If your AirPods work with one device but not another, it might be a problem with your original device’s Bluetooth or settings. Try connecting your AirPods to another device (like another iPhone, tablet, or Mac) to see if the sound issue persists. This can help you determine if the problem lies with the AirPods or the device.

14. Turn Off Noise Cancellation (for AirPods Pro)

AirPods Pro come with Active Noise Cancellation, which can sometimes interfere with sound output if not functioning properly. Turn off Noise Cancellation by going to the Control Center on your device and adjusting the AirPods settings.

Alternatively, you can turn it off manually in the Bluetooth settings by selecting your AirPods and toggling the Noise Cancellation setting.

15. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, there may be a more serious issue with your AirPods. In this case, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or recommend a repair or replacement if needed. https://support.apple.com/contact

Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your AirPods in Top Shape

Keeping your AirPods working smoothly involves regular maintenance and ensuring they stay updated. By following these 15 steps, you can troubleshoot most issues related to AirPods not playing sound when connected. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a more serious problem, there’s a solution out there for you.

Pro Tip: Regularly clean your AirPods and ensure that software updates are installed to prevent any issues before they arise.

If you're still facing difficulties, remember that Apple’s customer support is just a call away.