AirPods have a bad rep for getting missing from time to time.
If you decided to get a replacement, you may feel satisfied with having complete AirPods once again.
What no one may have told you is that, when you get a replacement, there’s a possibility that your replacement AirPods will not pair. Trying to handle this issue without adequate information may be cumbersome and we’re here to make it less difficult for you.
We outlined the possible causes for your replacement AirPods not pairing and our best fixes in this post.
Replacement AirPods not pairing? Causes
When your replacement AirPods are not pairing to your device, it can be worrying, especially when you’re not sure what caused the pairing issue in the first place. Here are possible things that caused your replacement AirPods not to pair to your device:
Cause 1: Replacement AirPods came with a different firmware version
Firmware is a set of instructions programmed on a hardware device that offers a needed guide for the device to perform certain duties or interface with other devices.
Usually, when you receive replacement AirPods, they come with a more up-to-date firmware version. If you only replaced one AirPod, this may be the reason why your replacement AirPod is not pairing with your device. When both AirPods have uniform firmware versions, this problem may not ensue.
To check if your AirPods have the same firmware update, you can:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Open your AirPods case.
- Tap on AirPods on your screen and check for the firmware version.
Engage in some quick research on the latest firmware version available for your AirPods to be sure if yours are updated.
Cause 2: You failed to reset the AirPods after replacement
Your replacement AirPod. while a game-changer, will not automatically connect to the one you had previously. Hence, one would pair to your device and the other wouldn’t.
A replacement AirPod and the one you previously owned are not a matched pair like a pair directly from the store. What this means is that you need to reset your AirPods first so that the two unrelated AirPods can recognize each other and pair to your device in unison.
You can’t pair them to your device without them knowing each other first. This is one of the common reasons why your replacement AirPods will not pair.
Replacement AirPods not pairing? Best fixes
If your replacement AirPods have refused to pair correctly to your device. You don’t have to worry, there are ways out. Take a quick look at some fixes we recommend.
Fix 1: Reset Your AirPods and Reconnect Them to Your Device
Here’s how:
- Forget the AirPods from Bluetooth settings.
- Take out both AirPods from the charging case.
- Put in one AirPod in the case.
- Pair the AirPod by pressing the button behind the case till the LED flashes white.
- Take that AirPod out, put in the second one, and repeat the procedure.
- If you have done these, place both AirPods back into the case and connect them to your device at the same time.
- Your AirPods charging case should be blinking Orange because your AirPods are still not the same firmware version even though they have both been successfully connected to your device.
This leads to our next fix. Updating your firmware version.
Fix 2: Update your AirPods firmware
If you check the firmware version of your previous AirPod and it doesn’t match that of your replacement AirPod, you should opt for a firmware update.
We’d walk you through the process.
- Connect your AirPods case to a charger.
- Open the case.
- Leave the case sitting close to your device for about an hour.
- The process is complete when the LED light changes from blinking orange to a stable green.
- You can now conveniently re-pair both AirPods to your device.
Can You Pair AirPods In A Different Case?
Yes, you can pair AirPods in a different case.
Once they’re in a different case, the LED light will blink signifying that they are not yet paired with your device.
You can fix the blinking by pressing and holding the button behind the case till the blinking ceases. At this point, your case has been connected to the AirPods.
How do I connect my AirPods after I replace one?
- Forget the AirPods on your device.
- Pair your AirPods one by one.
- Update your AirPods firmware.
- Disconnect and re-pair the AirPods to your device.
Check out detailed instructions on these procedures we mentioned earlier.
Read also: Left or Right AirPod Keeps Disconnecting? Causes & Best Fixes
How Do I Pair Mismatched AirPods?
- Disconnect and forget the AirPods from the Bluetooth settings of the devices that they were previously paired with.
- Update the AirPods firmware by leaving them in the case, connected to power, and in close proximity to the undisturbed device for at least 30 minutes.
- Then pair them with the device you want to pair them with.
How do I reset mismatched AirPods?
- Open the lid of your AirPods while your AirPods are in the case.
- Hold down the button behind the case for about 5 seconds till a blinking amber light flashes three times.
- Close the lid of the AirPods.
- Forget the AirPods from your Bluetooth settings by taping “I” on the right side of your AirPods name and follow the procedure.
- After you have done that, reset the network settings on your phone; go to General >> Scroll to Reset >> tap Reset >> tap Reset Network Settings.
- Finally, once that has been done, open the AirPods case and repair them with your device.
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