If your AirPods are connected but sound plays through your device's speakers, first check your output device selection in Control Center or Sound Settings. You'll need to verify your AirPods are selected as the active audio output. If they're already selected, try turning Bluetooth off and on, or forget and re-pair your AirPods. Check that your AirPods have sufficient battery life and aren't connected to another nearby device. A quick device restart can often resolve persistent audio routing issues. For more stubborn cases, you'll find additional solutions by exploring advanced troubleshooting methods.
Quick Guide
- Check Control Center and tap the audio card to manually select AirPods as the output device instead of device speakers.
- Verify AirPods are correctly connected in Bluetooth settings and not simultaneously paired with another nearby device.
- Open Sound Settings to confirm AirPods are set as the default audio output device for your system.
- Reset your AirPods by placing them in the case, holding the setup button, and re-pairing with your device.
- Inspect automatic ear detection settings, ensuring the feature is enabled to properly route audio when wearing AirPods.
Common Causes Behind Speaker Output
Why do AirPods sometimes play audio through your device's speakers instead of the earbuds themselves?
The most common causes include incorrect output device selection in your settings, issues with automatic ear detection, and connectivity problems.
You'll also experience this if your AirPods are connected to another device or if they're experiencing software glitches that need updating. A quick check of your battery status can also reveal if your AirPods have enough power to function properly.
Quick Fixes for Connection Problems
To quickly resolve connection problems with your AirPods, first check that they're selected as the output device in your Control Center and confirm your Bluetooth is active.
You'll want to verify that your AirPods aren't connected to another nearby device, which can prevent them from connecting to your intended device. Additionally, ensure that your network is stable, as network connectivity issues can impact Bluetooth performance.
If you're still experiencing issues, try resetting your device's sound preferences by going to Settings, then Sound & Haptics, and ensuring all settings are properly configured. You may need to forget and re-pair your AirPods in Bluetooth settings if connection problems persist.
Check Output Device Settings
Proper output device settings play an essential role in resolving common AirPods sound issues.
First, check your device's Sound settings to guarantee AirPods are selected as the default output.
Right-click on Speakers/Headset and select Properties to verify the correct device.
Make certain volume levels aren't muted or set to zero, and confirm no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.
You can quickly verify your audio output selection by accessing the Control Center on your iPhone.
Verify Bluetooth Connection Status
Reliable Bluetooth connectivity serves as the foundation for ideal AirPods performance.
Check if Bluetooth is enabled by accessing your device's settings or Control Center. Confirm your AirPods are selected as the active audio output device, and verify they've sufficient charge.
If issues persist, try turning Bluetooth off and on, or reset the connection by re-pairing your AirPods.
Reset Device Sound Preferences
When AirPods experience sound issues, several quick resetting methods can restore proper functionality.
Head to your iOS Settings and select Bluetooth, then tap "Forget this device" next to your AirPods.
Place them in the charging case, hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the LED flashes, and reconnect them to your device following the on-screen prompts.
Check Your Sound Settings
Sound settings can be the root cause of most AirPods audio issues.
First, check your Control Center or Settings to guarantee your AirPods are selected as the output device.
Then verify volume levels on both your device and AirPods aren't muted or turned down.
Don't forget to check the audio balance settings in Accessibility to confirm they're properly centered and that volume limits aren't set too low.
Reset Your Audio Preferences
You'll need to reset your audio preferences to clear any problematic settings that might be affecting your AirPods' sound quality.
Start by resetting your Headphone Accommodations to their default values through Settings, and then force your device to use standard audio output settings by performing a factory reset on your AirPods.
If you're still having issues with sound quality, you can also reset your Music EQ settings to guarantee they're not interfering with your audio output. Additionally, ensuring that your device is kept up to date is crucial for optimal performance, as automatic updates can help prevent software-related audio issues.
Clear Audio Output Settings
Several sound issues with AirPods can be resolved by properly configuring your audio output settings across different devices.
On Mac, check System Preferences and select your AirPods as the output device.
For iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and tap the AirPlay icon.
Windows users should click the speaker icon in the taskbar to choose AirPods as their audio output.
Force Default Audio Device
When persistent audio issues plague your AirPods, resetting your device's audio preferences can help establish them as the default output device.
Begin by verifying your AirPods are properly connected in Bluetooth settings. Toggle Bluetooth off and on through the Control Center, then disable Automatic Ear Detection temporarily.
If issues persist, reset your AirPods to factory settings using the case's setup button.
Bluetooth Troubleshooting Steps
Through careful Bluetooth troubleshooting steps, most AirPods sound issues can be quickly resolved.
First, verify your Bluetooth is turned on and your AirPods are in pairing mode.
If problems persist, try resetting your Bluetooth settings by turning it off and on, forgetting your AirPods from device settings, and re-pairing them.
You'll also want to check for any interfering devices nearby. Additionally, ensure that your AirPods are not exposed to wet conditions as moisture can lead to audio issues.
Force Restart Your Device
If basic Bluetooth troubleshooting doesn't resolve your AirPods sound issues, a force restart of your device can often clear up persistent problems.
For iPhone, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to turn off.
Wait a few seconds before pressing the Sleep/Wake button again until you see the Apple logo appear. Additionally, ensuring that your device has a strong Wi-Fi connectivity can help improve overall audio performance.
Update Software and Firmware
Software and firmware updates play an essential role in maintaining ideal AirPods performance.
To update your AirPods' firmware, place them in their charging case while connected to a power source and keep them close to your iOS device.
You'll need to make certain your device's software is current, as firmware updates occur automatically when these conditions are met.
Clean Your AirPods
Regular cleaning is just as important as keeping your AirPods updated for ideal sound quality. Clean the meshes using micellar water and a soft-bristled children's toothbrush, brushing in circles for 15 seconds. Let them air-dry for two hours. Rinse the ear tips under tap water, and wipe the body with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using soaps or harsh chemicals. Additionally, maintaining your devices in good condition can enhance your overall streaming experience and prevent connectivity issues.
Apple Support Contact Methods
Several convenient options exist for getting help with your AirPods through Apple Support.
You can call 1-800-275-2273 in the US, visit getsupport.apple.com, or use the Apple Support app.
The app lets you chat with agents, find nearby stores, and access troubleshooting guides.
For quick assistance, you can also tweet @AppleSupport between 5 am and 8 pm daily.
Wrapping Up
If you've followed these troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still aren't working properly, don't give up. You can always contact Apple Support for additional assistance. Remember to keep your AirPods clean, updated, and properly maintained to prevent future audio routing issues. Most connection problems can be resolved through these basic fixes, ensuring you'll get back to enjoying your wireless audio experience quickly.