Why are my AirPods connected for calls but not audio?

ByJael Lawler

It can be frustrating when your AirPods are connected for phone calls but not for listening to audio or music. This usually indicates some type of connectivity issue between your AirPods and iPhone. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common reasons why your AirPods might connect for calls only and provide potential solutions to get them working properly again.

Check Bluetooth Settings

The first step is to ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone or other device that the AirPods are paired with. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure the toggle is switched on. If Bluetooth is disabled, enable it and see if this resolves the issue with only calls but not audio working on the AirPods.

You may also need to unpair the AirPods from the device and pair them again. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the AirPods, tap the “i” icon next to them and select Forget This Device to unpair them. Then hold down the button on the back of the AirPods case until the light starts flashing white to put them in pairing mode. Go back to Settings > Bluetooth on your device and select the AirPods to re-pair them.

Repairing the AirPods can help get calls and audio working properly again if there was an issue with the Bluetooth connection. As Apple notes, “If your AirPods are connected, make sure that the volume is turned up” (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207974).

Update Software

One of the most common reasons AirPods may connect for calls but not audio is outdated software. To resolve this, start by updating the iOS, macOS, or watchOS software on your connected devices to the latest version available. You can check for updates and install them through the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.

Next, update the firmware on your AirPods themselves. Firmware updates contain important bug fixes and performance improvements. Open the case with your AirPods inside and place next to your iOS device. The firmware will automatically update after connecting. You can check your current firmware version by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the “i” icon next to your AirPods. If the firmware isn’t updating, leave your AirPods nearby for at least 20 minutes to allow time for the update to complete. See About firmware updates for AirPods for more details on the process.

Keeping both your devices and AirPods up-to-date with the latest software is key for maintaining connectivity and audio performance.

Check Audio Sources

One reason your AirPods may connect for calls but not audio could be an issue with the audio sources you are trying to use. Try playing audio from different apps and sources to see if the problem persists.

First, try using a different built-in iOS app like Music, Podcasts, or YouTube to play audio. If the AirPods work for audio here but not in other apps, it points to a problem with that particular app.1

You can also try playing audio from a streaming service like Spotify or Pandora. See if the issue persists across different audio apps and sources.2

Additionally, check your audio routing settings, both on iOS and in any problematic apps. Make sure the AirPods are set as the audio output device. Sometimes the routing can get switched to the iPhone speakers even when AirPods are connected.

Trying a variety of audio sources helps determine if the problem is isolated to a particular app. If the AirPods work for calls but not any audio, it likely points to a different issue.

Reset AirPods

One troubleshooting step to try is resetting your AirPods to factory settings and re-pairing them with your device. This can resolve connection issues caused by software bugs or configuration problems. According to Apple Support, you can reset AirPods by following these steps:

  1. Open the AirPods case and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber then white.
  2. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth to forget the “AirPods” device.
  3. Close the lid on the AirPods case and leave it closed for 30 seconds to fully reset the AirPods.
  4. Reopen the case near your iOS device and follow the onscreen prompts to set up and connect your AirPods again.

Resetting your iOS device’s network settings can also help fix connectivity issues. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will wipe saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings so you’ll need to reconnect afterwards.

Clean AirPods

Cleaning your AirPods can help resolve issues with audio connectivity and quality. Start by inspecting your AirPods and the charging case for any visible debris or damage. Pay close attention to the speaker meshes, microphones, and electrical contacts.

To clean the earbuds, use a dry cotton swab or soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any dust or earwax around the speaker mesh and microphone. Avoid inserting anything into the speaker opening. You can wipe down the hard plastic surfaces with a slightly damp lint-free cloth, but don’t get any moisture into the openings (Apple Support, https://support.apple.com/en-us/102672).

For the case, use the same damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris. Check the Lightning port and clean it out carefully with a dry cotton swab if needed. Be very gentle when cleaning the electrical contacts to avoid bending or damaging them. Let all components air dry fully before attempting to use your AirPods again.

If you notice any physical damage or your AirPods still don’t work after cleaning, you may need to contact Apple Support or take them in for service.

Disable Automatic Switching

One potential cause of AirPods connecting for calls but not audio is having automatic switching between devices enabled. With this feature, AirPods are supposed to seamlessly switch connections between your iPhone, iPad, MacBook and other Apple devices. However, sometimes this can cause intermittent connection issues.

To disable automatic switching as a troubleshooting step:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap “Bluetooth”.
  3. Find your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
  4. Turn off “Connect Automatically”.

With automatic switching disabled, you’ll have to manually select your AirPods each time you want to connect them to a device. However, this may resolve any bugs causing inconsistent connections. You can re-enable the feature later if the issues persist after testing without it.

According to a MakeUseOf article, turning off automatic switching can fix AirPods that won’t connect properly or change audio sources as expected.

Restore iPhone

Restoring your iPhone software can help resolve connectivity issues with your AirPods by erasing settings and content (Apple Support). Before restoring, it’s important to backup your iPhone data either using iCloud or iTunes. Once your data is backed up, you can erase your iPhone and set it up as new to start completely fresh.

To backup and restore your iPhone using iTunes (Apple Support):

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
  • Select your iPhone and go to Summary > Back Up Now to backup your data.
  • Then go to Summary > Restore iPhone and follow the on-screen steps.

Restoring your iPhone will remove all settings, data, and content. Make sure your backup is complete so you don’t lose anything important. After the restore, setup your iPhone as new and test your AirPods connectivity again.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the previous troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact Apple Support for further diagnosis and repair options (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209581). There may be an underlying hardware problem with your specific AirPods.

An Apple Support representative can run diagnostics and determine if your AirPods are still under warranty. If they are defective due to a manufacturing issue, Apple will repair or replace them free of charge. If the warranty has expired, you may need to pay a fee for the repair or replacement.

When contacting Apple Support, make sure to have your AirPods serial number ready, as well as proof of purchase. This will allow the representative to look up your device’s repair history and warranty status. You can use Apple’s online support chat, make a Genius Bar appointment, or call Apple Support to speak with a representative.

Describing your troubleshooting steps and the specifics of your audio issue will help the Apple technician diagnose the problem and determine next steps. Be ready to answer questions about when the problem started, which audio sources are affected, and what you’ve tried so far.

Summary

If your AirPods are connected for calls but not audio, here are some steps to take:

Double check Bluetooth settings and make sure your AirPods are connected. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for your AirPods. Make sure they are actually connected.

Update your iPhone and AirPods to the latest software version. Outdated software can sometimes cause connection issues.

Check audio sources and make sure sound is being routed to AirPods. Swipe up to access Control Center and long-press the audio card to select AirPods.

Reset your AirPods by forgetting them in Bluetooth settings, resetting them, and then repairing. This can clear up any bugs.

Clean the mesh grille on each AirPod with a dry cotton swab to remove debris that may be interfering with connectivity.

Turn off Automatic Switching if you have multiple Apple devices. It can sometimes cause connectivity problems between devices.

As a last resort, restore your iPhone to factory settings to eliminate any software bugs. Backup first.

If all else fails, contact Apple Support for further troubleshooting assistance.

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