How to Fix iPhone XS Disconnecting from AirPods
If your iPhone XS keeps disconnecting from your AirPods — especially after a software update — it’s likely caused by a Bluetooth glitch, network conflict, or system error. Here’s how to troubleshoot and stop the dropouts.
1. Restart Your iPhone XS
Start simple — a soft reset can clear minor system glitches:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down until the slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
Reconnect your AirPods and see if the issue returns.
2. Toggle Bluetooth and Airplane Mode
Reset your wireless connections:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it OFF, then ON again.
- Also try turning Airplane Mode ON, wait 10 seconds, then turn it OFF.
- Reconnect the AirPods after doing both.
3. Forget and Re-Pair Your AirPods
If the Bluetooth pairing is corrupted, remove it:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the (i) next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device, then confirm.
- Put the AirPods back in their case and press and hold the Setup button until the light flashes white.
- Reconnect your AirPods through Bluetooth.
4. Change AirPods Microphone Setting
Let only one AirPod handle the mic to avoid conflict:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap the (i) next to AirPods.
- Tap Microphone.
- Choose Always Left or Always Right AirPod instead of the default Auto.
5. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
This can sometimes cause unexpected switching:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods settings.
- Toggle Automatic Ear Detection to OFF.
6. Reset Network Settings
Corrupted network settings can affect Bluetooth.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
- Reconnect your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices afterward.
7. Factory Reset Your iPhone (Last Resort)
Only do this if all else fails — and back up your data first.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to wipe and set up your iPhone as new.
After the reset, pair your AirPods and test the connection again.
Still Disconnecting?
- Try pairing your AirPods with another device. If they disconnect there too, it might be a hardware issue with the AirPods.
- Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center.
- You can also contact Apple Support for more advanced help if the problem started after a recent update.