FIXED: AirPods Connected But Sound Coming from Phone

AirPods are trendy earbuds. People like them because they are strong, sound good, and look nice. Having AirPods is not just about the music; it’s also a style thing, even though they can be pricey. However, AirPods can have problems like any tech product.

Sometimes, even when they’re connected to your phone with Bluetooth, the sound might still come out of your phone, not the AirPods. If you’re facing this issue where your AirPods are connected, but the sound isn’t playing through them, you might wonder why this happens and how to solve it.

This guide will help you understand why sound is still coming out of your phone when your AirPods are connected and how to fix it when your connected AirPods aren’t working properly.

Why is sound coming out of phone when AirPods are connected?

AirPods are easy to use and have great technology. But, like any tech product, they can have problems. A common issue is when your AirPods are connected, but the sound still comes from your phone. There are several reasons why this annoying issue happens:

• You might have picked the wrong option for sound in your phone’s settings.
• Problems with Bluetooth signals could be messing up the connection between your AirPods and phone.
• Some apps might change the settings on your phone, causing problems with the sound from your AirPods.
• Issues with the software can affect how your AirPods work. It’s a good idea to check and update their software.
• AirPods might be damaged or broken.

SEE ALSO: AirPods are connected but no sound? Try these fixes ➜

How to fix this issue?

Here are some simple and quick solutions to fix your AirPods if they’re connected but not working properly.

1. Reset Bluetooth

If your AirPods are connected, but you’re still hearing sound from your phone, the first thing to try is turning your phone’s Bluetooth off and then on again. This often fixes the issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings and choose Bluetooth.
   

   

2. Turn Bluetooth OFF, and wait for a few seconds.
   

   

3. Turn Bluetooth ON again, pick your AirPods from the list, and try connecting them.
   

   

You can also do this quickly by swiping down on your phone’s home screen and tapping the Bluetooth icon to turn it off (it’ll turn grey). Wait and then tap it again to turn it on (it’ll turn blue).

2. Charge the AirPods

Sometimes, if your AirPods are connected but the sound is still playing from your phone, they might just need charging. Put your AirPods in their charging case. Connect the case to a power source.

• If the light on the case is red, your AirPods are charging.
• When the light turns white, your AirPods are fully charged.

READ MORE: Why is my AirPods case not charging? How can I fix it? ➜

3. Restart your iPhone

If your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, but the sound is coming from the phone, you might need to restart your iPhone. Here’s how to do it for different iPhone models:

↪ For iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X, and iPhone 8 series

1. First, quickly press and release the “Volume Up” button.
2. Then do the same with the “Volume Down” button: quickly press and release.
3. Next, press and hold the “Side Sleep/Wake” button. Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.

↪ For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

1. Press and hold both the “Volume Down” and the “Sleep/Wake” buttons simultaneously.
2. Keep holding these buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release it.

↪ For iPhone 6, iPhone SE, and older

1. Press and hold the “Sleep/Wake” and “Home” buttons together.
2. Hold these buttons until you see the Apple logo, then release both.

After your iPhone restarts, connect your AirPods again to see if the sound comes from them. You may need to reset your AirPods if you still can’t hear sound from your AirPods.

4. Reset your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods is a simple process that tends to solve most people’s problems. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, you need to remove your AirPods from your phone’s memory. To do this, go to your phone’s Settings and select “Bluetooth.”
   

   

2. Find your AirPods in the list and click the “info icon” (it looks like a small “i“) next to them.
   

   

3. Choose “Forget This Device” to remove them from your phone.
   

   

Now that your AirPods are no longer connected to your phone, you’ll need to pair them again. This is how you reset your AirPods and give them a fresh connection with your phone.

READ MORE: How to Fix AirPods Paired but won’t Connect ➜

5. Reset the iPhone’s network settings

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can also help if your AirPods malfunction. This will clear all your phone’s network settings, so you must set them up again afterward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and go to the “General” section.
   

   

2. Find and tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
   

   

3. Then, select “Reset” from the choices given.
   

   

4. In the list that appears, choose “Reset Network Settings.” This action will clear all the network settings on your iPhone.
   

   

5. You will need to enter your passcode to confirm this action.
   

   

6. Turn off Auto Ear Detection

The AirPods have an Automatic Ear Detection feature that stops playback through the AirPods and switches to the device’s speakers if you take both earbuds out. Although it could be useful, it could also prevent the sound from your AirPods. Here’s how to turn it off:

1. Go into your iPhone’s Settings and tap on “Bluetooth.”
   

   

2. In the list of devices, find your AirPods and tap the small “i” icon next to them.
   

   

3. You will see a toggle switch next to “Automatic Ear Detection.” Turn this switch off.
   

   

7. Update the software

Sometimes, if your iPhone’s software isn’t up to date, it can cause problems with how it connects to your AirPods. This might be why the sound is not playing through your AirPods. You should check for any available software updates to ensure everything is compatible. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and tap the “General” section.
   

   

2. Scroll down and find the option that says “Software Update.” Tap on it to see if any updates are waiting.
   

   

3. If there’s an update available, select “Download and Install” to begin updating your iPhone.
   

   

After the update, restart your iPhone to check if the sound issue with your AirPods is resolved.

READ MORE: iOS 16 Jailbreak: Current Status & Everything to Know ➜

8. Clean AirPods and charging port

Sometimes, dirt, earwax, or grime on your AirPods can cause problems like sound coming from your phone instead. So, keeping your AirPods, their charging port, and the charging case clean is important. You can use a q-tip, a slightly damp cleaning wipe, or a cotton bud to clean your AirPods gently.

9. Adjust the audio balance volume

To adjust the audio balance volume on your iPhone, just follow these steps:

1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and tap “Accessibility.”
   

   

2. Then, look for “Audio/Visual” and tap on it.
   

   

3. Under the “Balance” section, you’ll see a slider. Make sure this slider is set right in the middle. This ensures that the sound in both the left and right channels is even.
   

   

10. Select AirPods as the output device

Sometimes, your phone might not automatically choose your AirPods for playing audio. To make sure your AirPods are selected on an iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen. Press and hold the music playback widget until more options appear.
   

   

2. Look for a triangle icon with three circular lines and tap on it.
   

   

3. Tap on your AirPods from the list to select them as the audio output device.
   

   

11. Seek help from a professional

If all the previous troubleshooting methods fail to fix your AirPods, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. You can visit the nearest Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider, preferably with a prior appointment.

Explain the issues you’ve faced and the steps you’ve taken to resolve them. If your AirPods are under warranty, repairs or replacements might be covered. The technician can also provide useful tips on the care and maintenance of your AirPods to prevent future issues.

READ MORE: iPhone 9 | 4 Reasons Why Apple’s Lost iPhone Doesn’t Exist ➜

Final Thoughts

There’s no need to worry when you encounter the AirPods connected, but the sound comes from a phone issue. This guide has provided easy-to-follow steps to resolve it. Remember, simple solutions like resetting Bluetooth, charging your AirPods, restarting your iPhone, or resetting the AirPods often work wonders.

Additionally, updating your iPhone’s software, cleaning the AirPods, disconnecting from other devices, adjusting audio balance, and ensuring your AirPods are set as the output device are all practical fixes. So, the next time this happens, just try these tips, and you should be able to solve the problem.