Introduction

AirPods are designed to provide a seamless and wireless audio experience, but sometimes users encounter the frustrating issue of their AirPods being connected to their device while the sound continues to come from their phone. This problem can disrupt the convenience and functionality that AirPods are known for, making it crucial to understand the underlying causes and solutions. The easiest and simplest solution of this problem is to restart your Airpods by putting them in their case, closing the lid, waiting for 30 – 60 seconds and the reopen the lid and reconnecting them to your phone.

Several factors can contribute to this issue, ranging from software glitches and Bluetooth connectivity problems to incorrect audio output settings. By systematically troubleshooting these potential causes, users can typically resolve the issue and enjoy their AirPods as intended. This guide will walk you through the common reasons for this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to get your AirPods working properly again.

Initial Checks

Ensure Proper Connection

The first step in resolving the issue of your AirPods being connected but sound coming from your phone is to ensure a proper connection. Start by making sure that your AirPods are fully charged and the charging case has sufficient battery life. Sometimes connectivity issues can be cause by low battery levels.

Next, check the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or other connected device. Open the Settings app, navigate to Bluetooth, and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. In the list of connected devices look for your AirPods. If they are not showing up or appear as “Not Connected,” try re-pairing them. To do this, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case after placing your AirPods in the charging case and opening the lid, until the status light flashes white. This puts your AirPods into pairing mode, allowing you to reconnect them through the Bluetooth settings on your device.

Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that your AirPods are selected as the audio output device. Sometimes, even if the AirPods are connected, the audio might still be routed to the phone’s speakers. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center, and then press and hold the audio card in the upper right corner. Tap on the AirPlay icon and select your AirPods from the list of available devices. This action directs the audio output to your AirPods, ensuring you hear the sound through them rather than from your phone.

By following these steps, you can confirm that your AirPods are correctly connected and selected as the audio output device, which often resolves the issue of sound coming from the phone instead of the AirPods. If the problem persists, further troubleshooting will be necessary to identify and address any other underlying causes.

Volume and Output Settings

After ensuring a proper connection between your AirPods and your device, the next step is to check the volume and output settings. Misconfigured settings can often lead to the issue of sound coming from the phone instead of your AirPods.

Firstly, verify that the volume is turned up on both your device and your AirPods. Sometimes, the volume may be inadvertently set to a low level or muted. Use the volume buttons on your device to increase the volume and see if this resolves the issue.

Additionally, when your AirPods are in use, there should be a volume control specifically for them in the Control Center of your device. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center and ensure the volume slider for the AirPods is appropriately adjusted.

Next, it’s important to confirm that your AirPods are selected as the output device. On an iPhone, you can do this by going to the Control Center and long-pressing the audio card in the upper right corner. Tap the AirPlay icon and select your AirPods from the list. On a Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods under the output device options. On other devices, navigate to the sound settings and ensure that your AirPods are selected as the audio output.

Sometimes, the audio output may revert to the phone’s speakers due to an interruption or software glitch. To prevent this, it can be helpful to disable other nearby Bluetooth devices that might interfere with the connection. Turn off Bluetooth on devices not in use or forget the AirPods from those devices to ensure a stable connection with the device you are currently using.

By carefully checking and adjusting the volume and output settings, you can often resolve the issue of sound coming from your phone instead of your AirPods. If this step does not fix the problem, additional troubleshooting steps may be required to address any remaining issues.

Common Causes and Solutions

Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth interference is a common culprit when it comes to connectivity issues with AirPods, resulting in sound coming from the phone instead of the AirPods. Bluetooth technology, while convenient, operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by many other wireless devices. This can lead to congestion and interference, affecting the performance of your AirPods.

Explanation of Bluetooth Interference and Its Impact: Bluetooth interference occurs when multiple devices use the same frequency band, causing signal disruptions and reducing the quality of the connection. Common sources of Bluetooth interference include Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones, and other Bluetooth devices. When interference happens, it can lead to dropped connections, reduced audio quality, or, as in this case, audio being routed incorrectly to the phone’s speakers instead of the AirPods. Interference can be particularly problematic in environments with many active wireless devices, such as offices or homes with numerous smart gadgets.

Solution

• Turn Off Other Bluetooth Devices: One of the simplest solutions to mitigate Bluetooth interference is to turn off other Bluetooth devices that are not in use. This reduces the number of active signals competing for the same frequency band. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone or other connected device and disconnect any unnecessary Bluetooth devices.
• Move Away from Potential Sources of Interference: Another effective strategy is to move away from potential sources of interference. For example, Wi-Fi routers and microwaves can emit signals that disrupt Bluetooth connections. Try to use your AirPods in a different location, away from such devices, to see if the connection improves. Additionally, keeping your phone and AirPods closer together can help maintain a stronger, more stable connection.

By addressing Bluetooth interference through these steps, you can enhance the connectivity of your AirPods and ensure that the sound is properly routed to them instead of your phone. If the issue persists, it might be necessary to explore further troubleshooting options to identify and resolve any remaining problems.

Software Glitches

Software glitches can also cause your AirPods to be connected but still have sound coming from your phone. These glitches may arise from outdated software or firmware on your device or AirPods. Keeping your iOS and AirPods firmware updated is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and resolving connectivity issues.

1. Importance of Keeping iOS and AirPods Firmware Updated: Updates for iOS and AirPods firmware often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhancements to Bluetooth connectivity. When your device and AirPods are running the latest software, they are better equipped to handle potential issues and provide a smoother, more reliable experience. Ignoring these updates can lead to compatibility issues and persistent glitches, such as the one where sound continues to come from your phone even when the AirPods are connected.
2. Steps to Update iOS and AirPods Firmware:

Updating iOS:

• Make sure that your iPhone is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Open the Settings app and navigate to “General.”
• Tap on “Software Update.” If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
• In order to complete the update follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your iPhone has sufficient battery life or is connected to a power source during the update process.

Updating AirPods Firmware:

• AirPods firmware updates are installed automatically when your AirPods are connected to an iPhone or iPad that is also connected to the internet.
• To check the current firmware version, connect your AirPods to your iPhone, open the Settings app, go to “Bluetooth,” and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
• Ensure your AirPods are in their charging case, connected to a power source, and within Bluetooth range of your iPhone or iPad. The update should install automatically if a new version is available.

By keeping both your iOS and AirPods firmware up to date, you can minimize the risk of software glitches that might cause connectivity problems. Regular updates ensure that your devices are running the latest features and fixes, providing a more seamless and trouble-free experience. If updating the software doesn’t resolve the issue, there may be other underlying problems that require further investigation.

Audio Source Issues

Even when your AirPods are properly connected and settings are correctly configured, sometimes the issue of sound coming from your phone instead of your AirPods can be traced back to the audio source itself. Ensuring that the app or media player you are using is set to output audio through your AirPods is essential.

Check if the Audio Source is Set to AirPods: Each app or media player you use might have its own audio output settings. Verifying these settings can help ensure that the sound is directed to your AirPods. Here’s how you can check and adjust the audio source in some common apps:

Specific Instructions for Common Apps:

Spotify

• Open the Spotify app and play a song.
• Tap on the “Devices Available” icon at the bottom of the screen, which looks like a speaker with a Wi-Fi signal.
• A list of available devices will appear. Select your AirPods from the list to ensure that the audio is being directed to them.

YouTube

• Open the YouTube app and start playing a video.
• Tap the screen to bring up the video controls, then tap on the “Cast” icon if it appears (it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal in the corner).
• If your AirPods are connected, they should appear in the list of available devices. Select them to route the audio through your AirPods.

Apple Music

• Open the Apple Music app and play a song.
• Tap on the “AirPlay” icon, which looks like a triangle with circles around it.
• Select your AirPods from the list of devices to ensure the audio is being played through them.

Podcasts

• Open the Podcasts app and start playing an episode.
• Tap on the player at the bottom of the screen to expand it, then tap the AirPlay icon.
• Choose your AirPods from the list of available devices to direct the audio to your AirPods.

By ensuring that the audio source within each app is set to your AirPods, you can often resolve issues where the sound is coming from your phone instead of your AirPods. If adjusting these settings still doesn’t solve the problem, further troubleshooting may be needed to address other potential causes.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Reset AirPods

If you’ve tried all the previous steps and your AirPods are still connected but sound is coming from your phone, resetting your AirPods can be an effective solution. Resetting your AirPods restores them to their factory settings and can resolve any persistent issues.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Reset AirPods:

Reconnecting AirPods to the iPhone After Reset:

Resetting your AirPods can often resolve issues that other troubleshooting steps can’t fix. By following these steps, you should be able to restore proper functionality and enjoy seamless audio through your AirPods. If problems persist even after a reset, there may be a deeper hardware issue, and contacting Apple Support might be necessary.

Restart Devices

If your AirPods are connected but sound is still coming from your phone, restarting both your iPhone and AirPods can help clear temporary glitches and restore normal functionality. Rebooting your devices refreshes their systems and can resolve various connectivity issues.

Instructions to Restart Both the iPhone and AirPods:

Restarting Your iPhone:

• For iPhone X and later

1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears.
2. Turn off your iPhone. Wait for about 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears to restart your device.

• For iPhone 8 and earlier

1. Until the power off slider appears, press and hold the Top (or Side) button.
2. Turn off your iPhone. After the device is off, press and hold the Top (or Side) button again until the Apple logo appears to restart it.

Restarting Your AirPods:

• Place Your AirPods in the Charging Case. Ensure both AirPods are in the case and close the lid.
• Wait for 30 Seconds. Keep the lid closed for about 30 seconds to allow the AirPods to fully power down. After waiting, open the lid of the charging case.
• With the lid open, follow the steps to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone as described earlier.

Importance of Rebooting to Clear Temporary Glitches

Restarting your iPhone and AirPods helps clear any temporary glitches that might be affecting their performance. Temporary software issues, such as minor bugs or connectivity hiccups, can often be resolved by rebooting. Restarting refreshes the operating systems of both devices, potentially resolving conflicts and restoring proper audio routing. This simple step can often fix issues that more complex troubleshooting methods might not address.

By following these restart instructions, you can resolve many common problems related to audio playback and connectivity with your AirPods. If the issue persists after restarting, further troubleshooting steps may be needed to address underlying causes.

Reset Network Settings

If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps and your AirPods are still connected but sound is coming from your phone, resetting your network settings might be necessary. This action can resolve issues related to network and Bluetooth connections that may be affecting the performance of your AirPods.

How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone

• On your iPhone, go to the “Settings” app.
• Tap on “General” to access general settings.
• Scroll down and tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
• Tap on “Reset” and then select “Reset Network Settings.”
• You will be prompted to enter your device passcode. Enter it to proceed.
• Confirm that you want to reset network settings. Your iPhone will restart, and the network settings will be reset to their factory defaults.

Precautions and What to Expect

1. Loss of Saved Wi-Fi Passwords: Resetting network settings will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords. You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-enter passwords after the reset.
2. Reconfiguration Required: You may also need to reconfigure any VPN settings or custom network configurations you had previously set up.
3. Bluetooth Connections: While this reset doesn’t specifically erase Bluetooth pairings, it can sometimes lead to the need to re-pair your Bluetooth devices. After the reset, your AirPods may need to be reconnected.

When to Seek Professional Help

Persistent Issues

If you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods are still connected but sound is coming from your phone, the problem might be more complex and potentially hardware-related. Identifying signs of hardware issues can help determine if professional assistance is needed.

Signs That the Problem Might Be Hardware-Related:

1. Inconsistent Connectivity:
   If your AirPods frequently disconnect or have trouble maintaining a stable connection with your device, this might indicate a hardware issue. Consistent connectivity problems, even after following all software troubleshooting steps, can be a sign of internal malfunctions.
2. Unresponsive Controls:
   If the touch controls or buttons on your AirPods are not responding as expected, or if they fail to register actions like pausing or skipping tracks, this could suggest a hardware fault.
3. Physical Damage:
   Any visible damage to the AirPods or their charging case, such as cracks, dents, or water damage, can affect their performance and connectivity. Physical damage may impact the internal components responsible for maintaining a stable connection.
4. Audio Issues:
   Persistent audio problems, such as distorted sound or one AirPod not working, despite following troubleshooting steps, may point to hardware defects.

Contacting Apple Support or Visiting an Apple Store:

1. Contact Apple Support:
   If you suspect a hardware issue, contacting Apple Support can provide guidance and determine if your AirPods are still under warranty. You can reach Apple Support via their website, app, or phone for assistance.
2. Visit an Apple Store:
   For a hands-on diagnosis, visiting an Apple Store or an authorized service provider is a good option. Apple technicians can perform detailed inspections and tests to identify and resolve hardware issues. They can also offer repair or replacement options if necessary.

By recognizing the signs of hardware issues and seeking professional help when needed, you can address persistent problems with your AirPods effectively. If hardware defects are found, Apple Support or an Apple Store can provide the appropriate solutions to restore your AirPods to full functionality.

Apple Warranty and Support

If your AirPods are still experiencing issues with sound coming from your phone despite following all troubleshooting steps, understanding Apple’s warranty and support options can help you determine the next course of action.

Overview of Apple’s Warranty and Support Options:

Apple provides a limited one-year warranty on AirPods, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, unauthorized modifications, or misuse. Additionally, Apple offers AppleCare+ for AirPods, which extends coverage for up to two years from the purchase date and includes protection against accidental damage, though there may be a service fee.

Apple Support offers various assistance channels, including online support, phone support, and in-store visits. You can get help with troubleshooting, service options, and repair or replacement requests. If your AirPods are still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, you may be eligible for a repair or replacement at no additional cost.

How to Check Warranty Status and Request Service:

1. Check Warranty Status:
   • Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website.
   • Enter your AirPods’ serial number, which can be found in the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone or on the original packaging.
   • After entering the serial number, you’ll see the warranty status and coverage details.
2. Request Service:
   • If your AirPods are within warranty or covered by AppleCare+, you can request service through the Apple Support website.
   • Select “AirPods” as the product and choose the issue you’re experiencing.
   • Follow the prompts to either start an online chat with an Apple Support representative, schedule a call, or set up an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
   • For in-store visits, bring your AirPods, the charging case, and proof of purchase if available.

Utilizing Apple’s warranty and support options can help address persistent issues with your AirPods. Whether through warranty service or AppleCare+, these resources provide valuable support and solutions for maintaining or restoring your AirPods’ functionality.

How to Check Warranty Status and Request Service:

• Check Warranty Status:

1. Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website.
2. Enter your AirPods’ serial number, which can be found in the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone or on the original packaging.
3. After entering the serial number, you’ll see the warranty status and coverage details.

• Request Service:

1. If your AirPods are within warranty or covered by AppleCare+, you can request service through the Apple Support website.
2. Select “AirPods” as the product and choose the issue you’re experiencing.
3. Follow the prompts to either start an online chat with an Apple Support representative, schedule a call, or set up an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
4. For in-store visits, bring your AirPods, the charging case, and proof of purchase if available.

Utilizing Apple’s warranty and support options can help address persistent issues with your AirPods. Whether through warranty service or AppleCare+, these resources provide valuable support and solutions for maintaining or restoring your AirPods’ functionality.

Conclusion

By properly understanding and implementing the given above guide you will very easily fix your Airpods and they will functioning properly.