How to Fix AirPods Connecting Randomly While in Case

One of the problems you may face with your AirPods is that they connect to an audio source while in the case, which pauses the music or audio playing on the respective device. It could be troublesome when watching a movie or playing music on your phone, as the movie or music is paused when connected to the AirPods.

Let’s see why your AirPods keep connecting to the audio source while in the case and how you can resolve this issue.

Quick Answer: Your AirPods will continue to connect with different audio sources randomly while in the case when they are completely charged, the charging case is broken, damaged, or inadequately charged, the case isn’t closed properly, or the AirPods are improperly placed inside.  Furthermore, a software glitch can also result in your AirPods connecting to an audio source.

Here are some quick solutions to this problem.

1. Make sure your case is completely charged and closed properly.
2. Check if the AirPods case is broken or damaged.
3. Clean the case to remove all debris hindering the correct placement of AirPods.
4. Perform a Factory Reset to get rid of software Glitch. Put the AirPods in the case>Open the case> Press the Reset button on the case for 15 seconds.

Reasons Why AirPods Connect While In Case

Dust and Debris In the Case:

Dust, debris, or lint can be a huge factor at the root of this problem. If your charging case is not clean and has lint or debris stuck in the charging pins, it will prevent the AirPods from making contact with the pins and charging. When the AirPods aren’t charging, they will connect to the nearest Bluetooth device automatically while in case.

For more on connectivity issues, explore why AirPods might be cutting out and learn how to fix them.

Fix

Clean your AirPods charging case using a small brush with soft bristles, which won’t damage the charging pins. You can also use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean the charging pins of all the lint and debris hauling the charging process and causing this connectivity problem.

If you’re comparing AirPods and considering other brands, our comparison of Raycon Earbuds vs AirPods could offer some insights.

Faulty Case:

If your AirPods’ charging case is broken or damaged, it won’t be able to charge your AirPods. As a result, the AirPods will connect to the nearest Bluetooth device automatically while in their case.

Fix

Check the AirPods case for external damages. You can even contact the customer service to provide support in this regard. They will guide you about the repair and give you a replacement for your AirPods if the warranty is still valid.

AirPods are not Placed Properly:

For AirPods to charge, they must be properly placed in the case. If the AirPods are loose or not placed perfectly, they will not start charging and will continue to connect to active audio sources around them. 

Fix

Put the AirPods in the case properly and ensure they touch the charging pins. If you feel that your AirPods are not fitting in, use a small piece of paper or packing material on top of the AirPods case and close the lid to push the AirPods to the charging pins.

Software Glitch:

Another reason your AirPods might continue to connect could be a software glitch or bug. Apple regularly updates the software of its devices to enhance performance; however, if these updates have not been installed on your mobile device or AirPods, your devices will have a firmware bug or glitch that can cause this problem. To experience the best sound quality on your AirPods, learn how to enable Dolby Atmos Music on AirPods.

Fix: Updating The Firmware

To fix this problem, you must update both your devices, i.e., the phone and the AirPods. You cannot update the AirPods software manually. Here are the steps to do so.

1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
2. Locate Bluetooth and find your AirPods name.
3. Tap on (i) information button, and tap on Forget This Device.
4. Then go back to Settings>General.
5. Look for Software Updates and Install Updates if available.
6. Next, place your AirPods in the case, leaving the lid open.
7. Turn on the Bluetooth of your iPhone from Settings.
8. Put the AirPods Case closer to the iPhone.
9. Let the AirPods sit for about 15-20 minutes as the updates install in the AirPods automatically.
10. Finally, Restart the phone and AirPods and check if the Firmware of the AirPods is updated. You can do this by Settings>Bluetooth>Airpods Name> Tap on (i)> Tap on Firmware Version to see if it has been updated.

Factory Reset:

Once you have updated the software, test the connection again by putting the AirPods back in the case to check if they continue to connect with an audio source while in the case.

If the problem is not resolved after the firmware update, you can perform a factory reset on the AirPods to resolve the issue. Here are the steps to perform a factory reset.

1. Put your AirPods in the case and close the lid.
2. Disconnect them from all the devices by going to Settings>Bluetooth>AirPods name>Forget Device.
3. Open the AirPods case lid.
4. Press and hold the Reset button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds until the LED light flashes Amber and turns back to white.
5. Release the button after the light flashes white.
6. The AirPods have been reset successfully. 

Case Not Sufficiently Charged:

Sometimes, the AirPods connect to different audio sources when the Case is not sufficiently charged to charge the AirPods. There are several reasons why your AirPods Case won’t charge. 

1. A broken Charging cable.
2. Damaged or incompatible adapter.
3. Faulty power outlet.
4. The charging case is broken or damaged.

Fix

If the problem you’re facing is insufficient charging of the AirPods case, you need to inspect the power outlet to see if it’s working properly. Use a voltmeter or electricity tester to check the functioning of the AirPods. Moreover, inspect the charging cable; if it’s damaged or broken, you may replace it with a new one.

Finally, use the same charger that comes with the AirPods, as it is compatible and delivers the correct voltage to charge the case.  If the original charger is broken, use another compatible charger for efficient charging. 

AirPods Are Fully Charged:

If your AirPods are fully charged, they will not connect with the case for charging. It’ll make them available for connectivity to the nearest available Bluetooth device. In this case, you must turn the Bluetooth of the audio source off to avoid connecting to any audio source.

It can also happen because of software bugs, fixed by a Factory Reset or updating the Firmware, as mentioned above. 

Case Not Closed Properly:

Your AirPods will turn off or start charging when you insert them in the case and close the lid. However, if your AirPods are connecting randomly to nearby audio sources without any apparent reason, it might be because the lid of your AirPod case is open.

Sometimes, it seems the case is closed; however, if there is even a small opening, the lock is not working, or something stuck in the hinges preventing the case from closing properly, your AirPods will continue to connect with audio sources. So, check the AirPods case and close it properly to stop connectivity.

Automatic Ear Detection Disabled:

Automatic Ear Detection is an amazing feature of AirPods, which allows the AirPods to pause or play music by detecting its placement in the ear through a sensor. However, if this feature is disabled, your AirPods won’t recognize that they are outside the ear and will continue to connect to a source, playing music.

Fix

The simplest way to fix this problem is by enabling your AirPods’ Automatic Ear Detection feature. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Go to your phone’s Settings and locate Bluetooth from the menu.
2. Click on the (i) information button and select Automatic Ear Detection.
3. Toggle on the Automatic Ear Detection.

Final Words

As efficient and handy as AirPods are, you can sometimes face problems with the AirPods just like any other electronic gadget. AirPods connecting to audio sources randomly while inside the case is one problem you may encounter. There are several reasons behind this issue, including a broken charging case, the charging case not closing properly, software glitch, dust, and debris in the case, preventing the AirPods from reaching the charging pins.

However, the problem is not something that you can’t solve. Following the correct troubleshooting steps, you can easily fix your AirPods randomly connecting to an audio source while in Case.