How to Connect and Disconnect AirPods 3 from iPhone 13

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Got a new pair of AirPods (3rd gen) and want to hook them up to your iPhone 13? Whether you’re pairing them for the first time or unpairing them to troubleshoot or switch devices, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

How to Pair AirPods 3 with iPhone 13

Before pairing, make sure Bluetooth is turned on:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Bluetooth and make sure the toggle is turned on.

Now you’re ready to pair your AirPods:

  1. Put your AirPods in the charging case, then open the lid (leave the AirPods inside).
  2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
  3. You should see a pop-up on your iPhone screen — tap Connect.
  4. Follow the prompts to finish pairing.

Once connected, your AirPods will automatically work with other Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account.

How to Disconnect or Unpair AirPods from iPhone 13

If you want to disconnect or completely unpair the AirPods from your iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Find your AirPods in the device list and tap the (i) icon next to them.
  4. Tap Forget This Device, then confirm.

This removes the AirPods from your Bluetooth devices and your iCloud account (if applicable), so you’ll need to re-pair them to use again.

How to Reset Your AirPods 3 (Factory Reset)

If you’re having issues with connection, audio glitches, or your AirPods aren’t behaving right, try a factory reset:

  1. Put your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
  2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
  3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.
  4. Release the button.

Your AirPods are now reset and ready to be paired again.

How to Check and Update AirPods Firmware

AirPods update automatically, but you can check their current firmware version:

  1. Connect the AirPods to your iPhone.
  2. Go to Settings > General > About > AirPods.
  3. Check the Firmware Version listed.

To update, make sure:

  • Your AirPods are in the case.
  • The case is charging.
  • Your iPhone is nearby and connected to Wi-Fi.

Updates will install automatically in the background.

Still Having Connection Issues? Try These Fixes

  • Toggle Bluetooth off and on again.
  • Restart your iPhone 13.
  • Charge your AirPods fully.
  • Reset Network Settings on iPhone:
    Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

This wipes all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, so reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.

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