Your AirPods show as connected, but audio keeps playing through your iPhone’s speaker instead. This frustrating issue typically happens when your phone’s audio output gets confused between multiple devices, leaving you unable to enjoy private listening despite your AirPods being paired and ready.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Check the Control Center Audio Output
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. Look for the audio playback card showing your current media. Tap the AirPlay icon (triangle with circles) in the top-right corner of this card. You’ll see a list of available audio devices. Make sure your AirPods are selected with a checkmark. If they’re not selected, tap them to switch audio output immediately.
Step 2: Toggle Bluetooth Off and On
Open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Turn the Bluetooth toggle off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This forces your iPhone to re-establish all Bluetooth connections fresh. Once Bluetooth is back on, open your AirPods case near your phone and wait for the connection popup. This quick reset often resolves audio routing confusion.
Step 3: Forget and Re-pair Your AirPods
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and find your AirPods in the device list. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods name. Select “Forget This Device” and confirm. Now place your AirPods back in their case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the case near your iPhone. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Follow the on-screen pairing instructions.
Step 4: Reset Your AirPods Completely
Put both AirPods in the charging case and keep the lid open. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open it near your iPhone to re-pair. This factory reset clears all previous connections and settings.
Step 5: Check Automatic Ear Detection
Open Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” next to your AirPods. Make sure “Automatic Ear Detection” is turned on. When this feature is disabled, your AirPods might connect but won’t automatically route audio when you put them in your ears. Toggle it off and on if it’s already enabled to refresh the setting.
Step 6: Restart Your iPhone
Hold the power button and either volume button until the power slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn your phone back on. This clears temporary software glitches that might be preventing proper audio routing between your devices.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Conflicting Audio Output Settings
Your iPhone might be stuck routing audio to a previous output device or app-specific audio settings are overriding your AirPods connection. This commonly happens after using your phone with car Bluetooth, speakers, or other headphones. Check by playing audio from different apps like Music, YouTube, and Spotify. If only certain apps play through the speaker, those apps have individual audio settings. Look in each app’s settings menu for audio output options and ensure they’re set to use system default or specifically select AirPods.
Cause #2: Software Glitch in iOS Audio Framework
The iOS audio system occasionally experiences routing bugs, especially after iOS updates or when switching between multiple Bluetooth devices frequently. You can identify this issue if your AirPods show as connected with full battery in the Bluetooth menu, but no sound comes through them regardless of the app. The fix involves updating to the latest iOS version in Settings > General > Software Update, as Apple regularly patches audio routing bugs in system updates.
Cause #3: Hardware Detection Failure
Your AirPods’ proximity sensors might be dirty or malfunctioning, preventing your iPhone from detecting when they’re in your ears. Inspect the black sensors on each AirPod for debris, earwax, or moisture. Clean them gently with a dry cotton swab or soft-bristled brush. Test by covering the sensors with your fingers while AirPods are connected – audio should pause when covered and resume when uncovered.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact Apple Support when these fixes don’t work after trying each step twice. Specifically seek help if your AirPods connect to other devices fine but consistently fail with your iPhone, or if you notice one AirPod works while the other doesn’t. Hardware issues like failing Bluetooth chips or damaged AirPods sensors require professional diagnosis. Apple technicians can run remote diagnostics on your devices and determine if you need a replacement under warranty.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My AirPods show as connected to my iPhone in Bluetooth settings, but all audio still plays through my phone’s speaker. I’ve tried selecting them in Control Center, but sound won’t route to the AirPods. Using iPhone [your model] with iOS [your version] and [AirPods model – Pro/2nd gen/3rd gen]. What specific troubleshooting steps should I follow to fix this audio routing issue?”