If you’re an AirPods user, you may have experienced the issue of your AirPods connecting while in the case. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to save battery life. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this problem, and we’ll cover them in this article.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand why your AirPods might be connecting while in the case. This issue can be due to charging problems or software issues. If the charging unit is damaged, your AirPods may connect randomly while in the case. Additionally, outdated software can also cause this issue.
In this article, we’ll cover the top solutions to fix AirPods connecting while in the case. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, so you can easily follow along and resolve the issue. Whether you’re an avid AirPods user or a new owner, these solutions will help you fix this problem and enjoy uninterrupted listening.
Check AirPods Firmware
If your AirPods are still connecting while they are in the case, checking the firmware may be the next step to take. Firmware updates can fix bugs and glitches that may cause your AirPods to malfunction. Here are some steps to check your AirPods firmware:
- Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
- Hold the charging case close to your iPhone.
- Open the lid of the charging case.
- On your iPhone, a setup animation should appear. Tap the “Connect” button.
- On the next screen, tap “Done.”
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “General.”
- Tap “About.”
- Scroll down to find your AirPods listed, and the firmware version should be next to them.

If your AirPods firmware is not up to date, follow the instructions provided by Apple to update it. This can be done through your iPhone or Mac. Keeping your AirPods firmware up to date can help prevent any issues from occurring in the future.
Reset AirPods
If your AirPods keep connecting while in the case, resetting them may help fix the issue. Here are the steps to reset your AirPods:
- Place both AirPods in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button at the back of the case for at least 15 seconds until the LED light on the case flashes amber.
- Open the lid and bring your AirPods close to your device. Follow the instructions on your device’s screen to reconnect your AirPods.
Resetting your AirPods will remove them from all devices and clear any saved settings. You will need to set them up again as if they were new.
If resetting your AirPods does not fix the issue, try cleaning them or contacting Apple support for further assistance.
Resetting the AirPods can also help you fix left AirPods not working issue as well.
Clean AirPods and Charging Case
Clean Charging Case
The charging case of your AirPods can accumulate dirt and debris over time, which can interfere with the charging process and cause connectivity issues. To prevent this, it’s important to clean the charging case regularly. Here’s how:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the charging case.
- If there is dirt or debris in the charging port, use a dry toothbrush or a clean, dry toothpick to gently remove it.
- For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the charging case. Be sure to dry the case thoroughly before using it again.
Clean AirPods
The AirPods themselves can also accumulate dirt and debris over time, which can affect the sound quality and cause connectivity issues. Here’s how to clean them:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the AirPods.
- If there is dirt or debris in the speaker mesh, use a dry toothbrush or a clean, dry toothpick to gently remove it.
- For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the AirPods. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.
It’s important to note that you should never use water or any liquid cleaner on your AirPods or charging case, as this can damage the electronics and cause permanent damage.
Disable Automatic Ear Detection
If your AirPods keep connecting and disconnecting while in the case, it may be due to the Automatic Ear Detection feature. This feature is designed to pause audio playback when you remove one or both AirPods from your ears, and resume playback when you put them back in. However, it can sometimes cause connectivity issues, especially if the sensors are dirty or malfunctioning. Here’s how to disable Automatic Ear Detection:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Toggle off the switch next to Automatic Ear Detection.

On a Mac, you can disable Automatic Ear Detection by following these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- Click Bluetooth.
- Click the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Toggle off the switch next to Automatic Ear Detection.
Once you’ve disabled Automatic Ear Detection, your AirPods will no longer pause or resume playback automatically. However, you can still use the double-tap gesture to control playback manually. To customize the double-tap gesture, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Select Left or Right under Double-Tap on AirPod.
- Choose an action from the list, such as Siri or Play/Pause.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix any connectivity issues caused by Automatic Ear Detection. If you’re still experiencing problems, try resetting your AirPods or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Contact Apple Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still won’t connect while in the case, it may be time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Apple Support provides several options for getting in touch, including phone, chat, and email support.
Before contacting Apple Support, make sure you have your AirPods and charging case with you, as well as any relevant information such as your Apple ID and serial numbers. You may also want to have a list of the troubleshooting steps you have already tried, so you can provide that information to the support representative.
To contact Apple Support, follow these steps:
- Go to the Apple Support website.
- Click on “Contact Support” at the bottom of the page.
- Select your device (in this case, AirPods) and the issue you are experiencing.
- Choose how you would like to contact Apple Support (phone, chat, or email).
- Follow the prompts to provide your contact information and describe the issue you are experiencing.
- Wait for a support representative to contact you with further instructions.
Apple Support can help you troubleshoot your AirPods issue and may be able to provide a solution or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary. Keep in mind that if your AirPods are still under warranty, you may be eligible for free repair or replacement.