FIXED: AirPods Connected But Sound Coming from Phone

Key Takeaways
  • Reasons for sound coming from phone instead of AirPods include incorrect audio output selection, Bluetooth signal problems, app settings interference, software issues, or AirPod damage.
  • To fix the issue, try resetting Bluetooth, charging the AirPods, restarting the iPhone, resetting network settings, cleaning the AirPods, and ensuring they are selected as the audio output device.
  • If these steps fail, seeking professional help from Apple Support or an authorized service provider is recommended. You can also lookup tutorials on YouTube to DIY if you're confident.

AirPods are highly popular earbuds renowned for their durability, exceptional sound quality, and sleek design. Beyond just music, possessing AirPods has become a style statement, though they may come with a higher price tag. However, like all tech products, AirPods are not without their issues.

Occasionally, even when your AirPods are connected to your device via Bluetooth, the audio might still play through your phone instead of your AirPods. If you are encountering this issue where your AirPods are connected, but the sound does not play through them, you may be curious about the cause and the solution.

This guide will assist you in understanding why sound might still emanate from your phone when your AirPods are connected and how to fix it when your connected AirPods are not functioning correctly.

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

AirPods are user-friendly and equipped with advanced technology. Yet, they can encounter issues, just like any tech product. A frequent challenge arises when the AirPods are connected, but audio still plays from the phone. Several factors can lead to this frustrating situation:

  • You might have chosen an incorrect sound option in your phone’s settings.
  • Interference with Bluetooth signals could disrupt the connection between your AirPods and phone.
  • Certain apps might alter your phone’s settings, affecting AirPods audio output.
  • Software deficiencies can influence AirPods performance. Therefore, verifying and updating their software is recommended.
  • The AirPods might be damaged or malfunctioning.

How to fix this issue?

How to fix connected AirPods that aren’t working?

Below are some simple yet effective solutions to address the issue of your AirPods being connected but not playing sound correctly.

1. Reset Bluetooth

If your AirPods are connected, but you’re still hearing sound from your phone, a basic step you can take is toggling your phone’s Bluetooth off and then back on. Frequently, this will fix the issue. Here is the process:

  1. Navigate to your phone’s Settings and select Bluetooth.
    Tap Bluetooth
    Tap Bluetooth
  2. Switch Bluetooth to OFF and wait for a few seconds.
    Turn Bluetooth Off
    Turn Bluetooth Off
  3. Turn Bluetooth ON again, select your AirPods from the list, and try reconnecting them.
    Turn Bluetooth On
    Turn Bluetooth On

You may also perform this by quickly swiping downward on your phone’s home screen and tapping the Bluetooth icon to deactivate it (it will appear grey). Wait, then tap it again to activate it (it will turn blue).

2. Charge the AirPods

Charge your AirPods

On occasion, if your AirPods are connected but the sound persistently plays from your phone, they may merely need recharging. Place your AirPods in their charging case and connect the case to a power source.

  • If the case light is red, this indicates your AirPods are charging.
  • When the light changes to white, your AirPods are fully charged.

3. Restart your iPhone

If your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, but the audio plays from the phone, restarting your device might resolve the problem. Follow these steps for various iPhone models:

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

  1. Start by quickly pressing and releasing the “Volume Up” button.
  2. Repeat this with the “Volume Down” button: quickly press and release.
  3. Press and hold the “Side Sleep/Wake” button. Continue holding it until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.
Restart iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X and iPhone 8 series

↪ For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Press and hold both the “Volume Down” and “Sleep/Wake” buttons simultaneously.
  2. Maintain this hold until the Apple logo appears on-screen, then release.
Restart iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

↪ For iPhone 6, iPhone SE, and older

  1. Press and hold the “Sleep/Wake” and “Home” buttons simultaneously.
  2. Hold these buttons until the Apple logo becomes visible, then release both.
Restart iPhone 6, iPhone SE, and older

After restarting your iPhone, reconnect your AirPods to determine if the sound now plays through them. If issues persist, consider resetting your AirPods.

4. Reset your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods can often resolve connectivity issues. Here’s the procedure:

  1. Initially, remove your AirPods from your phone’s memory. Go to your phone’s Settings and select “Bluetooth.”
    Tap Bluetooth
    Tap Bluetooth
  2. Locate your AirPods in the list and click the “info icon” (indicated by a small “i“) next to them.
    Click "i" button next to your AirPods
    Tap “i” button next to your AirPods
  3. Select “Forget This Device” to disconnect them from your phone.
    Tap on Forget this device
    Tap on Forget this device

Following this, unpair your AirPods and perform a fresh pairing with your phone to reset and establish a new connection.

5. Reset the iPhone’s network settings

If your AirPods continue to malfunction, resetting your iPhone’s network settings might help. This deletes all your phone’s existing network settings, so you must configure them again afterwards. Here’s how:

  1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and navigate to the “General” section.
    Go to General
    Go to General
  2. Tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
    tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone
    Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone
  3. Select “Reset” from the available options.
    Tap Reset
    Tap Reset
  4. When the list appears, choose “Reset Network Settings.” This action clears all network settings on your iPhone.
    Tap on Reset Network Settings
    Tap on Reset Network Settings
  5. Enter your passcode to confirm the reset.
    Enter your passcode
    Enter your passcode

6. Turn off Auto Ear Detection

The AirPods feature Automatic Ear Detection, which pauses playback through the AirPods and shifts to the device’s speakers if both earbuds are removed. Although advantageous, this function might interfere with audio from your AirPods. Here’s how to disable it:

  1. Navigate to your iPhone’s Settings and select “Bluetooth.”
    Tap Bluetooth
    Tap Bluetooth

7. Update the software

Keeping your iPhone’s software current is essential, and outdated software might cause connectivity problems with your AirPods. This could be why your AirPods are not outputting sound. Ensure compatibility by checking for software updates, as follows:

  1. Access your iPhone’s “Settings” app and proceed to the “General” section.
    Go to General
    Go to General
  2. Scroll down and find the “Software Update” option. Tap on it to determine if updates are available.
    Tap on Software Update
    Tap on Software Update
  3. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install” to start updating your iPhone.
    Download and install if update is available
    Download and install if update is available

After completing the update, reboot your iPhone to assess if the AirPods sound issue resolves.

8. Clean AirPods and charging port

Clean AirPods and charging port

Debris, earwax, or dust accumulating on your AirPods can cause issues, such as audio output from the phone instead. Therefore, routinely cleaning your AirPods, their charging port, and case is crucial. Use a q-tip, a lightly moistened cleaning wipe, or a cotton bud to clean your AirPods gently.

NOTE: Avoid direct use of water or alcohol on your AirPods unless familiar with the correct method, as it might cause damage.

9. Adjust the audio balance volume

Follow these instructions to adjust the audio balance volume on your iPhone:

  1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and select “Accessibility.”
    tap "Accessibility
    Tap Accessibility
  2. Find and tap “Audio/Visual.”
    Tap on Audio/Visual
    Tap on Audio/Visual
  3. Locate the “Balance” slider, ensuring it’s set to the center position. This guarantees balanced audio on both the left and right channels.
    Adjust the audio balance
    Adjust the audio balance

10. Select AirPods as the output device

Occasionally, your phone may not automatically choose your AirPods for audio output. To ensure your AirPods are selected on an iOS device, follow these instructions:

  1. Swipe down from the screen’s top-right corner. Press and hold the music playback widget until further options display.
    Tap and hold on Music Widget
    Tap and hold on Music Widget
  2. Search for a triangle icon with three circular lines and tap on it.
    Tap on the icon
    Tap on the icon
  3. From the list, tap on your AirPods to select them as the audio output device.
    Select your AirPods from the list
    Select your AirPods from the list

11. Seek help from a professional

If all previous troubleshooting steps fail, seeking professional assistance is recommended. Schedule a visit to your nearest Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider for help.

Explain the issues encountered and the steps undertaken. If your AirPods are still under warranty, repairs or replacements may be covered. Additionally, the professional can offer tips on properly maintaining your AirPods to avoid future issues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Khalid Ali


Khalid is a versatile analyst honing his expertise for the past 5 years. With certifications from Google and IBM to back him up, his knowledge extends far beyond the routine coverage of the latest trends and in the industry.