How to Fix AirPods Paired but won’t Connect

The AirPods may show as “Connected” in Bluetooth settings but still fail to play audio or switch to the correct output, often leaving the user confused with no sound.
This behavior means the device recognizes the AirPods but fails to complete the connection needed for media or call audio routing.

The most common cause is driver-related Bluetooth issues on Windows or interference from previously paired devices. Other causes include outdated firmware or incorrect audio output selection.

Before you begin troubleshooting, restart your PC with your AirPods in your ears to see if that resolves the issue. Also, try disabling Bluetooth on all nearby Apple devices to ensure they are not interfering. Another quick step is to re-pair your AirPods (with the case lid open and the AirPods inside). Make sure you are signed in to your Microsoft account in the system’s Settings. Lastly, it’s helpful to check out our post on Fix: Bluetooth paired but not connected for additional Bluetooth connection solutions.

1. Use the Hardware and Bluetooth Troubleshooters

Windows comes with built-in troubleshooters for hardware and Bluetooth issues.

1. Press the Windows logo key and search for Command Prompt. In the results, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

   

2. Type and run the following command:

   msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

   

3. Follow the prompts to run the Hardware Troubleshooter and see if your AirPods can connect properly.

   

4. If your AirPods are still not connecting, press the Windows key again and go to Settings. Choose Update & Security, then click Troubleshoot in the left pane.

   

5. Select Additional Troubleshooters on the right side, and expand Bluetooth.

   

6. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions to finish.

   

7. Check if the AirPods are connecting normally now.

2. Adjust Your PC for Best Performance

Having your PC set for visual effects can sometimes reduce overall system performance, including Bluetooth capabilities. Adjusting your PC for best performance can help.

1. Press the Windows key, search, and open Advanced System Settings.

   

2. Under the Performance section, click Settings and select Adjust for Best Performance.

   

3. Click OK and check if your AirPods now work as expected.

3. Disable the Swift Pair Feature

The Swift Pair feature in Windows 10 is meant to help quickly connect Bluetooth devices, but it may interfere with AirPods. Disabling Swift Pair can help resolve the issue.

1. Press the Windows logo key, open Settings, go to Devices, and uncheck Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair.

   

2. Restart your computer and check if your AirPods connect properly.

4. Update the OS/Firmware of Your Devices

Both Microsoft and Apple regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve device functionality. AirPods may not work correctly if your system or firmware is not up to date.

1. Manually update Windows on your PC to the latest version and test your AirPods again.
2. If there’s still a problem, put the AirPods in their case and make sure they are near your iPhone.
3. Open the case and dismiss any notifications that pop up on the iPhone.
4. Go to Settings > General on your iPhone.

   

5. Choose About and tap AirPods to see their Firmware Version.

   

6. Compare your firmware version online to see if it’s current.

   

7. If your AirPods are not up to date, keep them in their case, connect it to the charger, and place it near your iPhone (with an active internet connection). Open the lid and dismiss any notifications.
8. Wait at least an hour, then check if your AirPods’ firmware has updated.
9. If the update was successful, try re-pairing your AirPods with your PC and see if the problem is resolved.

5. Edit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Settings on Your System

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) allows devices to communicate with low-power Bluetooth accessories, like fitness trackers. Incorrect BLE settings can prevent AirPods from connecting. Adjusting these settings can help, but note that you may need to repeat these steps after future Windows updates.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

   

2. Expand Bluetooth and right-click Microsoft Bluetooth LE Enumerator.

   

3. Select Disable, close Device Manager, and restart your PC.
4. If AirPods still don’t connect, open Device Manager again, expand Human Interface Devices (HID), and right-click on Bluetooth Low Energy GATT Compliant HID (or use Converted Portable Device Control Device if not present).
5. Select Properties, navigate to the Power Management tab, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power (if already unchecked, check and apply, then uncheck and apply again).

   

6. Click Apply/OK and repeat the process for AirPods Audio/Video Remote Control HID and AirPods Hands-Free Call Control HID.
7. Check if your AirPods are connecting now.
8. If not, try repeating the same steps for all Bluetooth Devices under the HID section and see if the AirPods can connect.

6. Uninstall the Problematic Windows Update

A recent Windows update might be causing the problem. You can remove a problematic update as follows:

1. Press the Windows key, go to Settings, select Update & Security, then choose View update history.

   

2. Click Uninstall updates and select the suspected update (Microsoft Edge updates are common culprits).

   

3. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Go back to Settings > Apps, find Microsoft Edge Update, click on it, and select Uninstall.

   

5. Restart your computer and check if your AirPods issue is fixed.

7. Disable Fast Startup

When Fast Startup is enabled, your PC does not fully shut down, which can affect networking and Bluetooth services. Try turning off Fast Startup:

1. Click on the Windows button and open Settings. Go to System, then Power & Sleep.

   

2. Select Additional power settings on the right, and choose What the power buttons do on the left.

   

3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck Turn on fast startup.

   

4. Save your changes and reboot your PC. Check your AirPods again.

8. Remove and Re-add the AirPods

Sometimes a glitch in the Bluetooth system can prevent your AirPods from connecting. Removing and re-adding the AirPods can fix the issue.

1. Unpair all Bluetooth devices from your PC, including AirPods. Then, right-click the Windows button and select Device Manager.
2. In Device Manager, click the View menu and select Show hidden devices.

   

3. Expand Bluetooth, right-click any greyed-out device, select Uninstall, and follow the prompts to remove it.
4. Repeat for all hidden (greyed out) devices, then restart your PC and see if AirPods can now connect.
5. If needed, also remove all AirPods entries from Sound, Video, & Game Controllers, System Devices, and Bluetooth in Device Manager.
6. Go to Settings > Devices and remove the AirPods.

   

7. Uninstall all Bluetooth adapters from Device Manager (both external and internal).

   

8. Restart your PC and pair your AirPods with the system again.
9. Press the Windows logo key, search for Control Panel, open it, go to Hardware and Sound, then click Devices and Printers.

   

10. Right-click on the AirPods icon and choose Properties.
11. On the Sound settings tab, right-click your AirPods device (stereo or handsfree), then click Connect and check if they work.

9. Edit the System’s Registry

If your system registry isn’t set up correctly, it can cause Bluetooth devices like AirPods to malfunction. Adjusting the relevant registry values may help.

Warning: Only make changes to the registry if you are comfortable doing so. Follow the steps carefully, as incorrect changes can cause problems.

1. Create a backup of your system registry first.
2. Press the Windows logo key, search for Registry Editor, right-click it, and choose Run as Administrator.

   

3. Navigate to the following path:

   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{e0cbf06c-cd8b-4647-bb8a-263b43f0f974}

4. In the right pane, right-click the white space, choose New.

   

5. Select String Value and name it PnPCapabilities.
6. Double-click PnPCapabilities and set its value to 24.

   

7. Restart your system and check if your AirPods now connect correctly.

If none of the above steps work, try using an external Bluetooth adapter (version 4.0 or higher, such as Jabra Link). Alternatively, you can also reset your AirPods to factory settings to see if that resolves the issue.