AirPods Flashing White but Not Connecting? 13 Quick Fixes

AirPods are popular wireless earbuds designed and manufactured by Apple. They offer great convenience and excellent sound quality, making them a popular choice for many users. These tiny accessories are compatible with a number of iPhone models, as recent as iPhone 14 Pro Max and as old as iPhone SE. However, like any electronic device, AirPods can develop serious issues. They can experience connectivity issues from time to time, such as flashing white but not connecting. If you encounter this issue, don’t worry. Below, we have shared some steps you can take to fix it.

How to Fix AirPods Flashing White but Not Connecting

A common AirPods issue many users face is when the AirPods flash white but do not connect. This can be caused by various factors, from simple connectivity issues to more complicated hardware problems. Below, we’ll go over some troubleshooting steps you can take to fix your AirPods if they are flashing white but not connecting.

1. Recharge Your AirPods

Sometimes, a low battery can prevent your AirPods from connecting to your iPhone or Mac. If this is the case, the first and most obvious step is to check if your AirPods are sufficiently charged. You can charge your AirPods following these steps:

1. Place your AirPods in their case. Make sure both pods sit correctly in their sockets.
2. Next, close the AirPod case’s lid.
3. Your AirPods will shut down and start charging automatically, and an amber light will appear on the case.
4. If you don’t see the amber light, you may need to charge the AirPods case. To do that, connect your AirPods case to a power source via a Lightning to USB Cable. Alternatively, you can place the case on your MagSafe charger if it supports wireless charging.
5. Leave them to charge for at least 15 minutes before connecting them again.

2. Clean Your AirPods and Their Case

One of the main causes of pairing failure with AirPods is a hindered flow of electricity between the charging pins on the AirPods and the case. This can occur due to dirt or debris buildup on the AirPods or the case. To rule out the possibility of dirt or earwax causing your AirPods to flash white, you must clean them properly by following the steps below:

1. Dampen a microfiber cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean both the AirPods and the case with a damp cloth. Make sure you don’t wet the sound grill and other apertures.
3. Use an alcoholic-soaked Q-tip to wipe down the audio grill and the charger ports inside the case.

3. Disable/Enable the Bluetooth

Another way to fix the AirPods flashing white but not connecting issue is to turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Toggle off Bluetooth.
4. Wait for a few seconds and turn your device on.

You can also do it via the Control Center. The Control Center location may differ depending on your iPhone model. For instance, if you have an iPhone 13 Pro Max or later, swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it on and off. 

4. Disconnect and Forget Your AirPods

If your AirPods are not connecting, you can try disconnecting them from your device and forgetting them. To do this:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods and tap the i icon next to them.
4. Then, tap Forget Device and confirm.

Your AirPods will successfully disconnect from your device. You can wait a while and try reconnecting to resolve the flashing white light.

5. Connect AirPods Separately

Some AirPods users claim pairing each AirPod individually can fix the problem of the white light flashing. You can try connecting each AirPod separately to see if one is causing the issue. To do so, you should follow these steps:

1. Place one AirPod in the charging case.
2. Open the case’s lid and place it close to your device, allowing it to connect with the AirPod.
3. Remove the AirPod that has just been connected and replace it with the other AirPod.
4. Repeat step 2 to connect the second AirPod to your device.

6. Restart Your Device

Resetting your device by restarting it can often fix AirPod connectivity issues. You can follow these steps to force restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. If you have a new or used iPhone 13, 12, 11, or X, simultaneously press the volume down and power buttons to restart your iPhone.
2. Wait till you see the power-off slider and drag it to turn off your iPhone.
3. Let it stay off for about 30 seconds, then restart your iPhone by pressing the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

7. Update Your AirPods

Firmware updates for AirPods are typically aimed at fixing bugs and glitches that might be causing problems. These updates also ensure the earbuds remain compatible with newer devices. So, ensure your AirPods are updated with the latest firmware.

Due to the excellent wireless connectivity of AirPods, firmware upgrades are automatically installed whenever a new update is released. However, if your AirPods have not updated to the latest firmware, here are the steps to trigger the automatic update using an iOS device:

1. Place your AirPods (Gen 1, 2, 3) or AirPods Pro in the charging case.
2. Then, connect the charging case to a power socket with a charging cable. If using a wireless charging pad, connect it to a power source.
3. Connect your iOS device to a working internet connection and place the AirPods charging case next to it.
4. If a new firmware update is available, your AirPods will download and install it automatically. Do not remove the AirPods from the charging case or move the case away during the process.

Unfortunately, this automatic update feature only works with native Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads.

8. Update your Device

If your AirPods are not connecting, it may be due to an outdated version of your device’s software. Make sure your iOS device is up to date by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Here, you’ll see your iOS version and available updates.
5. If an update is available, install and download it.

9. Reset Your Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can be a helpful troubleshooting step when experiencing device connectivity issues. Here are the general steps to reset your network settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Reset.
4. Select Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your device passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm if you want to reset your network settings.

Note: This will reset all network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

10. Hard Reset your AirPods

Hard resetting your AirPods can be helpful if they are experiencing connectivity issues or not functioning as expected. A hard reset can help troubleshoot connectivity problems and restore your AirPods to their default settings. By performing a hard reset, you can remove the current pairing information from your AirPods and disconnect them from any previously connected devices. Here’s how to perform a hard reset on your AirPods:

1. Put your AirPods in their case and close the lid.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid of your AirPods case.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back of your AirPod case until the status light flashes amber a few times, then flashes white continuously.

Your AirPods have been reset, and you can pair them with your new or used iPhone 13 Pro Max. Remember that resetting your AirPods will also remove them from any devices they were previously connected to.

11. Check Your AirPods’ Authenticity

If you purchase AirPods from an unreliable seller, it’s possible that they are not authentic. You can check their authenticity by following these steps:

1. Look for the serial number: Every pair of AirPods has a unique serial number printed on the device. You can find it on the underside of the lid of the charging case, or you can also find it on the original packaging of the AirPods.
2. Verify the serial number: Once you have the serial number, you can go to Apple’s official Check Coverage website to verify it. Open the site and enter the serial number. If the AirPods are authentic, you should see a message indicating they are eligible for support and service from Apple.
3. Check the physical characteristics: Authentic AirPods should have a smooth finish. There should be no rough edges or seams. The charging case should have a hinge that opens and closes smoothly, and the LED light on the case should be bright and visible. The earbuds should also be uniform in shape and size, with no obvious defects or inconsistencies.
4. Use the Find My app: If you have already set up your AirPods with an Apple device, use the Find My app to verify their authenticity. Open the app and look for your AirPods on the list of devices. They will likely be authentic if they appear, and you can see their location.

If you are still unsure about your AirPods authenticity, you can take them to an Apple Store or authorized Apple reseller for verification.

12. Visit an Apple Service Center

If none of the above steps work, you may need to visit an Apple service center. They can diagnose the problem and provide a solution. Plus, if your AirPods are still under warranty, you may be able to get them repaired or replaced for free.

13. Buy New AirPods

Sometimes, the AirPods flashing white light issue occurs for an unknown reason, and no solution may work. In this case, buying new AirPods from a reliable retailer is the only way out. Look for stores with a positive rating and only invest in authentic AirPods to avoid issues in the future.

Conclusion

If your AirPods are flashing white but not connecting, don’t panic. You can take several steps to fix the issue. Start by recharging your AirPods and cleaning them and their case. Then, try disabling and enabling Bluetooth, forgetting your AirPods, connecting them separately, restarting your device, and updating your AirPods and device.

If none of these steps work, consider resetting your network settings, hard resetting your AirPods, checking their authenticity, or visiting an Apple service center. Although one of these fixes should resolve your issue, it may be time to buy a new pair if the problem persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my AirPods keep blinking white?

Your AirPods may keep blinking white due to several reasons. They may blink white if there’s a connection problem with the charging case or the case is damaged. You may also face this issue if your AirPods are out of battery, broken, or unclean. If your AirPods are not authentic, they can also show a blinking white light.

What does a green light on the AirPod case mean?

A green light on the AirPod case means the AirPods have finished charging and are ready to use. It indicates the AirPods have reached their maximum battery capacity and are now fully charged.

Why is there an orange light on my AirPods case?

Your AirPods case has an orange light to indicate the AirPods are currently charging. The light will turn green once the AirPods have fully charged and have reached their maximum battery capacity.

No light on AirPods case. What does it mean?

No light on the AirPods case means the case battery is depleted or the AirPods are not properly seated in the case. In either case, the AirPods will not charge until the case battery is recharged or the AirPods are properly seated in the case.

How do I know if my AirPods & charging case is charging?

To know if your AirPods and charging case are charging, ensure the AirPods are properly seated in the charging case. Then, look for an LED light on the front of the case. If the light is on, the AirPods and the case are charging.