Fix AirPods not automatically switching between Apple devices

Whenever you make a call, play some music, or watch a video on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your AirPods should automatically connect to each device. But a number of reasons - such as compatibility issues and outdated system software - can lead to your AirPods not switching between devices.

If that's what you're having at the moment, follow the troubleshooting steps below!

1. Make sure AirPods are compatible

All AirPods models - with the exception of the first-generation AirPods - support automatic device switching. If you're not sure which AirPods you're using (first and second-generation AirPods look alike), you can identify them by the model number.

Here's how to do it:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods.
5. Check the Model Number section.
   1. If you see an A1523 or A1722 listed next to it, you have a pair of first-generation AirPods that don't support automatic audio switching.
   2. If you see A2031 or later model number, your AirPods are compatible with auto-switch. In that case, move on to the next fixes.

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2. System software update

AirPods will automatically switch only for devices with iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS 11 Big Sur or later installed. So next, you should check the operating system version on each iPad, iPhone, and Mac you own and upgrade them if necessary.

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Even with the latest major update installed, you may still want to apply any incremental operating system updates that are available. That should patch any known bugs or issues that prevent AirPods from automatically switching between devices.

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3. Confirm you're using the same Apple ID

To use automatic AirPods switching, you must be signed in to the same Apple ID on all of your Apple devices. Otherwise, your AirPods won't automatically switch between them.

How to check 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 picture at the top of the list. You should see your Apple ID listed at the top of the following screen.

If necessary, use the Sign Out option to sign out and sign in with the same Apple ID as the rest of the devices.

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How to Check Apple ID on Mac

On a Mac, open the System Preferences app and select Apple ID. If you notice that your Apple ID is different from what you expected, switch to the Overview tab and use the Sign Out option to sign out of the device. Then sign in again with the exact same Apple ID you're using everywhere else.

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4. Turn on automatic audio switching

Each Apple device has a specific setting that allows AirPods to automatically switch to them. Confirm that this feature is enabled on each iPhone, iPad, and Mac you own.

How to enable automatic audio switching on iPhone and iPad

Follow these steps to turn on auto-switch on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
3. Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods.
4. Select Connect to This iPhone.
5. Select Automatically.

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Turn on automatic audio switching on Mac

Follow these steps to turn on automatic conversions on your Mac:

1. Connect your AirPods to your Mac.
2. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Select the Options button next to your AirPods.
5. Open the menu next to Connect to This Mac and select Automatically.
6. Select Done to save the changes.

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5. Upgrade the firmware of AirPods

AirPods won't switch between Apple devices if they're not running firmware version 3A283 or later. Usually, this is not something you need to worry about, as your AirPods will upgrade themselves to the latest firmware.

But if you've just started using a new pair of AirPods, you should double-check that they're up to date:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Settings app and select General.
3. Click About.
4. Tap your AirPods.
5. Check the firmware version.

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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, you can "push" your AirPods to upgrade the firmware.

To do that, place the AirPods in a charging case or Smart Case and connect them to a power source. Then, leave the iPhone next to the AirPods and check again in 15–30 minutes. The firmware on the AirPods should be updated automatically in the meantime.

6. Reset AirPods

If none of the above fixes helped, it's time to reset your AirPods. Usually that will solve common AirPods problems that keep them from working properly. Keep in mind that this will reset the headset's settings, but it shouldn't take long to change things back up.

Here's how to reset AirPods:

1. Place AirPods in the charging case or Smart Case.
2. Open. Then, hold the button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the status light changes from flashing white to amber. If you use a pair of AirPods Max, press and hold both the Noise Control and Digital Crown buttons.
3. Your AirPods are now reset. Go through the pairing process and reconnect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

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You don't have to reconnect your AirPods to each of your Apple devices; they will automatically pair using Apple ID.

Auto-switch is a great function that eliminates the hassle of manually connecting AirPods to different Apple devices. Hopefully the above troubleshooting methods have helped you get your headphones working properly.

Samuel Daniel

Update 28 December 2021