AirPods connecting while in the case? Here’s how to stop it

⚡ Fast fix

• Clean charging contacts: Dirt can stop your AirPods® case from recognizing that your earbuds are docked.
• Charge the case: A low battery can prevent the case from detecting your AirPods when you place them inside the slots.
• Review your Bluetooth® settings: Automatic pairing can reconnect your AirPods to your phone, even when you don’t want them to.

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AirPods® are supposed to take the hint when you put them back in the case. So when your iPhone® keeps sending music, calls, or videos to earbuds you aren’t even wearing, something clearly isn’t working the way it should.

At Asurion, our experts know the little connection quirks that can make otherwise convenient tech a lot less convenient. Here’s what to check when your AirPods keep connecting from inside the case—and how to get them to disconnect when they should.

Wipe down the charging contacts

Use a dry, soft cloth to gently wipe the charging contacts on your AirPods. You can use a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove residue from the case’s charging slots. Blowing into the slots can help remove dust.

Dirt build-up on charging contacts can prevent the case from detecting your AirPods, which may keep them connected to your phone.

Check your Bluetooth connection settings

After the initial pairing, AirPods automatically connect to your iPhone® by default when you remove them from their case and turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Changing this setting on your phone can reduce unwanted reconnections:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Bluetooth and under My Devices, look for your AirPods in the list of paired devices.
3. Tap the More Info button (the lowercase “i” in a circle) next to your AirPods.
4. Tap Connect to This iPhone near the bottom of the screen, and switch your connection option from Automatically to When Last Connected to This iPhone.

Switching from Automatically to When Last Connected to This iPhone can prevent your AirPods from reconnecting automatically to your iPhone. However, it only works if your iPhone wasn’t the last device you used your AirPods with.

This setting can also keep your AirPods from switching between devices you’ve paired them with in the past.

Reset your AirPods

If cleaning the charging contacts and changing your Bluetooth settings don’t fix the problem, a temporary malfunction is another common AirPods glitch worth ruling out.

Resetting your AirPods can resolve glitches that may be causing them to stay connected or to reconnect while they are in the case.

First, forget your AirPods on your iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth. Under My Devices, tap the More Infoicon next to your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device. Tap Forget Device when prompted to confirm.

From there, you can reset your AirPods using the charging case:

1. Place your AirPods inside the case, close the lid, wait for 30 seconds, then open the lid again.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber and then white. This will take about 15 seconds.
3. Pair your AirPods with your iPhone again by turning on Bluetooth and following the steps on your screen.

AirPods connecting while in the case, even after resetting them? Try troubleshooting broader Bluetooth connection problems.

Keep the case charged

Keeping your AirPods case charged can help it recognize when your earbuds are docked and disconnect them from your phone. If the battery is too low, the case may fail to detect your AirPods, leaving them connected to your iPhone. While you're at it, make sure you're properly cleaning your AirPods clean, too.

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FAQ

Why do my earbuds keep connecting while in the case?

Your charging case may have earbud detection issues, leaving your AirPods connected to your phone even when docked.

Can I connect my AirPods to my phone while they are in their case?

No. AirPods are designed to connect when you remove them from the case. If they connect while they’re still inside, the case may not be detecting them properly.

Why are my AirPods playing while in the case?

Dirty charging contacts, pairing glitches, and low-battery issues can cause AirPods to connect with your phone while in the case.

Why is only one AirPod working?

One AirPod not working is usually caused by dirt that blocks sound or prevents the other AirPod from charging properly. If you’re only hearing sound out of one AirPod, try cleaning your earbuds and checking your audio balance settings.