FIXED: AirPods Connected But Sound Coming from Phone

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?

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.
   

   

2. Switch Bluetooth to OFF and wait for a few seconds.
   

   

3. Turn Bluetooth ON again, select your AirPods from the list, and try reconnecting them.
   

   

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

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.

↪ 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.

↪ 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.

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.”
   

   

2. Locate your AirPods in the list and click the “info icon” (indicated by a small “i“) next to them.
   

   

3. Select “Forget This Device” to disconnect them from your phone.
   

   

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.
   

   

2. Tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
   

   

3. Select “Reset” from the available options.
   

   

4. When the list appears, choose “Reset Network Settings.” This action clears all network settings on your iPhone.
   

   

5. Enter your passcode to confirm the reset.
   

   

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.”
   

   

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.
   

   

2. Scroll down and find the “Software Update” option. Tap on it to determine if updates are available.
   

   

3. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install” to start updating your iPhone.
   

   

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

8. 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.

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.”
   

   

2. Find and tap “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.
   

   

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.
   

   

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

   

3. From the list, tap on your AirPods to select them as the audio output device.
   

   

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.