Whenever you make a call, play some music, or watch a video on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your AirPods are supposed to connect to each device automatically. But several reasons—such as compatibility issues and outdated system software—can result in your AirPods not switching between devices.
If that's what you're experiencing at the moment, work your way through the troubleshooting steps below to fix it.
1. Make Sure Your AirPods Are Compatible
All AirPods models—except for the first-generation AirPods—support automatic device switching. If you're unsure about the type of AirPods you use (the first- and second-generation AirPods look the same), you can identify them by model number.
Here's how:
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods.
- Check Model Number. If you see A1523 or A1722 listed next to it, you have a pair of first-generation AirPods that don't support automatic audio switching.
If you see A2031 or a later model number, your AirPods are compatible with automatic switching. In that case, move on to the rest of the fixes.
2. Update Your System Software
Your AirPods will only automatically switch for devices with iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS 11 Big Sur or later installed. Thus, you should next check the operating system version on each iPad, iPhone, and Mac that you own and upgrade them if necessary.
Even if you have the latest major update installed, you may still want to apply any available incremental operating system updates. That should patch out any known bugs or issues preventing your AirPods from switching between devices automatically.
How to Update the Operating System on iPhone and iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > About. You should see your device's current iOS or iPadOS version listed next to Software Version.
If you're running iOS 13 or earlier, head back to the previous screen and tap Software Update. As long as your iPhone or iPad is compatible with iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 or later, you should see an option to upgrade the system software here.
How to Update the Operating System on Mac
Open the Apple menu and select About This Mac to identify the macOS version installed on your Mac. If you're still running macOS 10.15 Catalina or older, select Software Update to upgrade to a newer version of the system software.
3. Confirm You're Using the Same Apple ID
To use automatic AirPods switching, you must be signed in to the same Apple ID across all of your Apple devices. If not, your AirPods will not switch between them automatically.
How to Check Your Apple ID on iPhone and iPad
To confirm that you have the same Apple ID on your iPhone and iPad, open Settings and tap your profile portrait at the top of the list. You will see your Apple ID listed at the top of the following screen.
If needed, use the Sign Out option to sign out and sign in with the same Apple ID as the rest of your devices. We've got a guide on how to reset your Apple ID password, if needed.
How to Check Your Apple ID on Mac
On your Mac, open the System Preferences app and select Apple ID. If you notice a different Apple ID than what you expect, switch to the Overview tab and use the Sign Out option to sign out of the device. Then sign back in with the correct Apple ID you're using everywhere else.
4. Enable Automatic Audio Switching
Each of your Apple devices has a specific setting that allows your AirPods to switch to them automatically. Confirm that this is enabled on each iPhone, iPad, and Mac you own.
How to Enable Automatic Audio Switching on iPhone and iPad
Follow these steps to enable automatic switching on an iPhone or iPad:
- Connect the AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
- Open the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods.
- Select Connect to This iPhone.
- Select Automatically.
Enable Automatic Audio Switching on Mac
Follow these steps to enable automatic switching on a Mac:
- Connect the AirPods to your Mac.
- Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Select the Options button next to your AirPods.
- Open the menu next to Connect to This Mac and select Automatically.
- Select Done to save your changes.
5. Upgrade Your AirPods' Firmware
Your AirPods will not switch between Apple devices if they don't run firmware version 3A283 or later. Typically, this isn't something you need to worry about, since your AirPods upgrade to the latest firmware on their own.
But if you just started using a new pair of AirPods, you should double-check that they're updated:
- Connect your AirPods to an iPhone or iPad.
- Open the Settings app and select General.
- Tap About.
- Tap your AirPods.
- Check Firmware Version.
If you see an outdated firmware version number (you can check the latest firmware version on the Wikipedia page for AirPods), you must install the latest firmware on your AirPods. While there's no option to do this manually, it's possible to "nudge" your AirPods into upgrading the firmware.
To do that, put your AirPods in their charging case or Smart Case and connect them to a power source. Then, leave your iPhone next to your AirPods and check back again after 15–30 minutes. The firmware on your AirPods should have updated automatically in the meantime.
6. Reset Your AirPods
If none of the fixes above helped, it's time to reset your AirPods. Usually, that should take care of common AirPods issues that prevent them from functioning normally. Keep in mind that this will reset their settings, but it shouldn't take long to change everything back.
Here's how to reset your AirPods:
- Put your AirPods in their charging case. or Smart Case.
- Open the lid. Then, hold down the button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the status indicator changes from flashing white to amber. If you use a pair of AirPods Max, press and hold down both the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown.
- Your AirPods are now reset. Go through the pairing process and connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac again.
You don't have to re-connect your AirPods to each of your Apple devices; they should pair automatically using your Apple ID.
Get Your AirPods Working Automatically
Automatic switching is an amazing functionality that removes the hassle of connecting your AirPods manually to different Apple devices all the time. Hopefully, the troubleshooting methods above helped you get it working properly.