Top 10 Fixes to AirPods Connected but Audio Coming from Phone

For its strong features, good sounds, and nice look, AirPods has become a trendy earbuds. Even though it can be pricey, it indeed, is one of the most popular earbuds worldwide. But a common glitch occurs where your AirPods say "connected," but no sound is coming out of them. 

In this article, we'll discuss why this issue occurs and provide detailed steps on how to fix it. By the end, you'll have the top 10 solutions to ensure that your AirPods function as intended.

Why Are Your AirPods Connected but the Sound Is on Your Phone?

There are several reasons why your AirPods say connected but sound coming from phone, the followings are some common causes:
❌ Unstable connection between AirPods and iPhone.
❌ The audio output may be set to the iPhone.
❌ The sensors on your AirPods are dirty or malfunctioning.
❌ Multiple Bluetooth devices are paired to your iPhone.

It’s necessary to learn why this issue occurs in the first place. Now, it’s time to get solutions to fix the issue. Let’s move on.

How to Fix AirPods Connected but Audio Coming from Phone

This part offers you 10 fixes to the issue AirPods connected but sound coming from phone. Try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1# Reset Bluetooth

When your AirPods connected but sound from phone, the first thing you can check is your iPhone Bluetooth. You can turn it off and on again to fix the issue.

Go to your iPhone Settings app > Choose Bluetooth > Toggle off the switch next to Bluetooth, and wait for a few seconds.

Turn on the Bluetooth again, and try connecting your AirPods to the phone again.

2# Charge the AirPods

One of the simplest yet most overlooked issues is a low battery. If your AirPods have insufficient charge, they may connect briefly and then disconnect, leading the audio to continue playing through the iPhone.

How to Check AirPods Battery:
Open the AirPods case near your iPhone. A battery status popup will appear on your iPhone screen. If the battery is low, charge your AirPods before trying to reconnect.

Keeping your AirPods charged will ensure they stay connected to your iPhone and function as intended.

3# Clean AirPods and Charging Port

Dirt, earwax, or grit on your AirPods can occasionally cause issues, such as sound coming from your phone. Keeping your AirPods, charging port, and charging case clean is essential. Use a q-tip, a slightly wet cleaning wipe, or a cotton bud to gently clean your AirPods.

4# Force Restart iPhone

A simple force restart can resolve many software glitches that may interfere with your AirPods' functionality. This can help reset the Bluetooth connection and resolve issues related to the iPhone software.

● Force restart iPhone 8 and later with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

● Force restart iPhone SE with Home button:
Hold down the Home button and the Power button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

5# Forget and Re-pair AirPods

If you are still experiencing issue - AirPods connected but audio coming from phone, removing your AirPods from the list of connected devices and then re-pairing them can resolve deeper connectivity problems.

Step 1. Forget AirPods from iPhone
• Go to your iPhone's Settings > Scroll down and tap on Bluetooth.

• Under the My Devices section, you should see your AirPods listed. Tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods.

• On the AirPods settings page, tap on Forget This Device. Confirm the action if prompted.

Step 2. Reset Your AirPods
Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Wait for about 15-20 seconds.

Open the lid of the charging case and locate the small setup button on the back of the case.

Press and hold the setup button until the status light on the case starts flashing white.

Step 3. Re-Pair AirPods with iPhone
• Keep AirPods case open (flashing white light).

• On iPhone, tap Connect when AirPods setup animation appears.

• Follow on-screen instructions to complete pairing.

6# Turn off Auto Ear Detection

Automatic Ear Detection allows your AirPods to play audio when they are in your ears and pause when they are removed. However, if the sensors are not working properly, the audio might remain on your phone.

Disabling this feature may stop your iPhone from defaulting audio to the phone’s speakers when the AirPods are in your ears but aren’t being detected properly.

To turn off auto ear detection, go to iPhone Settings > Bluetooth > Find your AirPods and tap the i icon > Turn off the option Automatic Ear Detection.

7# Select AirPods as Output Device

If your AirPods say connected but sound coming from phone, you might need to manually select them as the audio output, ensuring that your iPhone directs the audio output to your AirPods and not to your phone's speakers.

Step 1. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone (for iPhone X and later) or up from the bottom (for earlier models).

Step 2. Tap on the audio playback section > Choose AirPods from the list of audio outputs.

8# Update iOS to the Latest Version

If your iPhone is running outdated software, you may experience compatibility or connection issues. Keeping your devices up-to-date can resolve these bugs.

To update iOS to the latest version, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install the latest updates.

9# Fix iPhone System Errors via FoneTool Repair [High Success Rate]

If your AirPods connectivity issues are caused by deeper iOS system problems, using a professional repair tool like FoneTool Repair can effectively resolve these underlying issues. This specialized software addresses system-level glitches that may be affecting Bluetooth functionality and audio output.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer via USB > Launch FoneTool and choose iOS System Repair function.

Step 2. Choose Standard Mode (no data loss) or Deep Mode (all data erased) as per your situation. (Remember to fully backup your iPhone if you choose Deep Mode.)

Step 3. Download a new version of the firmware file your iPhone using > Finally, tap Start Repair to begin the troubleshooting process.

After completion, your iPhone will restart normally. Reconnect your AirPods to check if the audio issue is resolved.

10# Contact Apple Support

If you've done everything on this list and still your AirPods connected but audio coming from phone, there could be a bigger problem. It is suggested to try connecting to your AirPods from another device, and if it doesn't work, We recommend contacting Apple Support.

Summary

These 10 solutions should help resolve the issue of AirPods connected but audio coming from phone. For persistent system-related problems, FoneTool Repair offers a professional solution to fix iOS system issues that may be affecting Bluetooth connectivity and audio output. Remember to clean your AirPods regularly, keep your software updated, and maintain a stable connection to avoid future issues.