Apple’s AirPods are one of the most notable inventions. Since the release of AirPods, most Apple fans have prioritized this wireless device over other costly headphones.

AirPods allow you to make and receive calls, listen to music, and, most importantly, Siri can be accessed through AirPods.

However, AirPods users have recently claimed that their AirPods are connected, but there is no sound on their Apple devices. In simpler words, AirPods stopped playing music on their iPhones. So, what should be done to resolve AirPods sound issues?

If you have the same problem with AirPods attached but no sound on your iOS device, keep reading to find how you can fix it.

How Can You Fix Airpods Connected But No Sound Issue?

Luckily, you can follow these simple steps to fix your issue. These methods work for several Apple users so that you can have hope. Here are a few solutions:

Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection and Restart the Paired Device

If your AirPods are paired, but the sound is coming from speakers, you need to repair them. Then, restart your paired device, such as an Apple iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Google Android, or Windows 10 device, and attempt pairing again. 

Disable the Automatic Ear Detection feature on your iPhone or iPad and then re-enable detection. This approach to solving AirPods audio cutting off may seem strange at first, but give it a shot; it just might work.

To do that:

  1. Open the Settings on your smartphone, Mac, or PC.
  2. Go to Bluetooth settings and select it.
  3. Choose AirPods.
  4. Turn the Automatic Ear Detection toggle to OFF/white.

Clean Your AirPods

After a long period of use, AirPods are generally covered in dirt and debris. However, it will not happen if you keep them clean and maintain them regularly.

Even a speck of dirt can prevent AirPods from charging, resulting in the same problem of AirPods shutting out at random. So you must maintain a good routine of cleaning your AirPods regularly. 

Remember, you should take caution when cleaning the AirPods, as any harsh or incorrect movement may cause harm to the AirPods.

To clean the AirPods safely, it is best to use a soft anti-lint cloth, an anti-static brush, or a new toothbrush.

Remove the Music Volume Limit and Adjust the Audio Balance

To fix the “AirPods connected but no sound coming through” problem, make sure the level on your AirPods is not too low to be heard. The Music app on iOS devices has a setting that allows you to change the AirPods volume limit.

The AirPods Volume Limit feature is turned off by default; if accidentally turned on, disable it.

On your Android:

  1. Open the Settings menu.
  2. Navigate to the Music app.
  3. Then choose to Turn off the Volume Limit.

If you are an iPhone user then, on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Then go to Audio/ Visual.
  4. Now Balance Left or Right.

Make sure you keep the slide position in the center so you enjoy equal sound on both left and right AirPods.

Update Your Devices

You must maintain your gadgets up to date, especially if you’re using Apple products.

When Apple publishes an update for AirPods, it is usually updated automatically when the iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. So, now you must check your iPhone for updates.

If you find any outstanding updates available on your device, make sure you install them to resolve your AirPods connected but no sound issue. 

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to General and then Software Update.

The latest software version available is iOS 15; however, for iPhone 6 and other earlier models, the software version is iOS 12.5.5.

Remove Any Other Bluetooth Devices from Your Phone

Many people connect their phones or iPhone to external speakers, Bluetooth headphones, and other devices. So, when you try to connect AirPods to iPhone later, these connections may cause problems.

You need to disconnect your iPhone from any other headphones or speakers to resolve this issue.

Once you have done that, pair your device with AirPods. To ensure that your iPhone is connected to AirPods, you may go to the Bluetooth menu in the Settings app.

Reset AirPods and Reconnect Them

When using Spotify, you might come across a specific app issue, such as your AirPods connected, but no sound comes through. If that happens, you must reconnect your AirPods. after forgetting them.

  1. Open the Settings menu.
  2. Select Bluetooth.
  3. Tap on info next to AirPods.
  4. Tap Forget This Device.

This will give your AirPods a fresh start, and you will pair them like the first time.

In addition, just like how you would reset your iPhone settings, you may reset AirPods as well.

Here is how you can do it:

  1. Put your AirPods in their charging case.
  2. Close the lid.
  3. Wait for a few seconds, and then open the lid.
  4. Now it’s time to open the cover.
  5. Press and hold the rear side button on the charging case until the status light starts flashing white light from amber.

Force Restart Your Device

If your mobile is glitching out and causing trouble, your device may have caught some minor bugs. A force restart or hard reset will fix AirPods if the errors are not that big.

The force restart process varies depending on the iPhone model you own.

Here is what you can do:

For iPhone with Face ID

  1. Press and keep holding the Volume Up button for a while.
  2. Similarly, press and keep holding the Volume Down button for a while.
  3. Finally, continue to hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. Once it appears, release the Power button.

For iPhone 8 and SE (2nd Generation)

  1. Press and keep holding the Volume Up button for a while.
  2. Similarly, press and keep holding the Volume Down button for a while.
  3. Finally, continue to hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. Once it appears, release the Power button.

For iPhone 7

  1. Press the Sleep/Wake button, and at the same time, press the Volume Down button as well.
  2. Keep holding the buttons until you see the Apple logo on the screen; once it appears, release both buttons.

For iPhone 6 and SE (First Generation)

  1. Press the Sleep/Wake button, and at the same time press the Home button as well.
  2. Keep holding the buttons until you see the Apple logo on the screen, once it appears release both buttons.

Factory Reset Your Device

If your device is affected by a glitch or a bug, force restarting could have done the job. However, if still your AirPods are connected but no sound comes through, you need to do a factory reset.

As hard as it may sound, factory resetting your iPhone is your way to go for resolving the issue.

However, it is important that you backup your important files and data before a factory reset. Here is how you’ll do it:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to Your Profile Name.
  2. Then, tap on iCloud.
  3. Select iCloud Backup.
  4. Tap Backup Now.

Once you have all your data safe, you are ready to factory reset your device:

  1. Go to the Settings app.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  5. Tap Confirm.

Now, your Apple device will reboot.

Reset Network Settings

Try toggling your Wi-Fi network settings on and off. In addition, you can reset network settings and reconnect to your Wi-Fi connection so to overcome any possible error

When you reset network settings, all connected Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi networks, and call settings will be removed.

Ensure that Your AirPods are Connected

There is a possibility that your AirPods are connected but no sound is coming through as a result of disconnectivity from your iOS device. The problem can be resolved by a step as small as resetting network settings.

Similarly, you may want to disconnect and connect your AirPods.

To check if the audio is coming from either your AirPods or your iPhone’s speakers, you can try playing a video or a song. If the sound is coming from the speaker, your AirPods are not connected to your iPhone.

In contrast, some other output devices may be connected to your iPhone instead of your AirPods. Here’s how you can check:

  1. First, go to the Settings app.
  2. Open Bluetooth settings.
  3. You will be able to see a list of every Bluetooth connection available.
  4. If another device is connected in place of AirPods, swipe down to open the Control Center.
  5. Tap on the Bluetooth icon to disconnect the device.

Contact Apple Support

After trying several troubleshooting methods, if your AirPods are still connected, but no sound comes through, you should get your devices checked as there is a potential that your devices are having a serious software or hardware issue.

If you can connect other speakers or earbuds to your Apple devices without facing any issues, the problem indeed lies within your AirPods.

You may take your devices to your local Apple store to have a check-up. The professionals there will find a way out of your problem.

However, whether or not you’ll get your services for free, will depend upon your warranty for the Apple device.

Final Thoughts

The AirPods connectivity issues may seem pretty serious; however, it is not. You are probably dealing with the issue as a result of a minor glitch or a bug. After you force restart your iOS device or update to a new iOS version, this problem will certainly go away. 

On the other hand, your issue might be because your Airdrops are not connected to your iPhone. You must reset your network settings before your try any other methods to resolve the problem. We’ve already discussed how you can resolve this as well.

In addition. all the troubleshooting mentioned above methods will not only fix your problem on iPhone but on all iOS devices as well. Yes, including your Apple watch.