How to Fix an AirPod Stuck on Waiting

AirPods are stylish and durable; however, they are not without faults. Sometimes, you may find that your AirPod is stuck on “Waiting” because of one or more issues.

Finding out the cause and fixing this may be a lot of work, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. We’ve simplified it for you! So, please continue reading to learn why your AirPod is stuck on “Waiting” and how to fix it.

Why is my AirPod Stuck On “Waiting?” – Quick Fixes

AirPod Stuck On Waiting

AirPods have an exceptional wireless chip that allows them to pair with your iPhone and iDevices effortlessly.

The wireless chip helps your AirPod and devices connect without the Bluetooth procedure. It works now that as soon as you open your AirPod case, the AirPods automatically pair and connect to your iPhone or other devices.

However, when the AirPod is stuck on “Waiting” instead of connecting, it is not necessarily the manufacturer’s fault because wireless technology can be unpredictable in a world with more signals flying around.

Here are some of the causes of your AirPod being stuck on “Waiting” and how to fix them:

1. Using an out-of-date iOS with the latest AirPod version

If you’re connecting these AirPods to your iPhone or iPad for the first time, be sure they fulfill the system requirements; otherwise, you’ll have trouble connecting your phone to the AirPods.

How to fix it: 

Ensure that your iOS smartphone runs on iOS 10 if you have the first-generation AirPods; at least iOS 12 is required for the second-generation AirPods.

Here are some pointers on how to check your iPhone’s IOS version:

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Click “General,” followed by “Software Update.”
  • Find out what version of iOS you are running on the Software Update page and install updates if needed.

2. The AirPods will not enter pairing mode

AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to iPhones, iPads, and other devices. For your AirPods to connect, you must have Bluetooth enabled on your devices. 

How to fix it: 

Check to determine if your Bluetooth is enabled by performing the following steps:

  • At the screen’s top right corner, swipe to open “Control Center.” On older models, swipe up from the bottom.
  • In Control Center, look for the Bluetooth icon in the top left corner.
  • If the Bluetooth icon lights up, it’s enabled. The Bluetooth is off if there’s a line through the icon or it looks white.
  • Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it on and connect your AirPods again.

3. Bad connection

When you have a bad connection, your AirPod will stay waiting. 

How to fix it:

Try placing your AirPods back in the charging case for around 15 seconds if you have trouble connecting them to your iPhone.

Using Control Center, tap on the top-right corner of the “Now Playing” box and manually select your AirPods. You can force the connection after taking them out.

Try turning your Airplane Mode on and off again to disable Bluetooth access. Tap the plane icon in Control Center. If none of these steps work after a few seconds, you can try rebooting your iPhone.

4. Restart Your iPhone

You can occasionally resolve minor software issues and errors by restarting your iPhone.

Follow the instructions below to restart your iPhone:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button (Sleep / Wake button) until the slider appears with the power-off option.

Step 2: Swipe the red power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.

Step 3: Press and hold the power button again after about 30 seconds until the Apple logo appears in the center of the display.

5. You should turn Bluetooth off and on again

You can occasionally resolve simple communication troubles between your iPhone and AirPods by repeatedly turning Bluetooth off.

There are several methods for turning Bluetooth off and on; I previously covered using the control center, so we’ll look at the Settings app and Siri techniques below.

1. With The Settings App:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap Bluetooth.

You can turn off Bluetooth by tapping the green switch next to it, and when it turns grey, Bluetooth is off. To turn on the Bluetooth, tap the switch again, and the color will turn green when it comes on.

2. Using Siri:

You can open Siri by holding the Home button until Siri pops up or saying, “Hi Siri.”

To turn off Bluetooth, say, “Turn off Bluetooth.” To turn Bluetooth back on, say, “Turn on Bluetooth.”

6. Make sure your AirPods are within your iPhone’s range before using them

The devices will not be able to connect if your AirPods are not within the range of your iPhone. AirPods pair with your iPhone through Bluetooth, which works only when both devices are within a specific range.

How to fix it:

You must follow the instructions below to ensure that your AirPods are within your iPhone’s range.

  • On the Home screen, navigate to the “Control Center” by swiping up from below the bottom edge of the screen.
  • Use your finger to swipe from right to left to open the audio interface.
  • Tap the audio output button Audio Output Icon, which looks like a triangle with three circles coming out of it.
  • If your AirPods are not listed here as an audio output source, then your AirPods are out of range.

7. Reset Network Configuration

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can offer it a “clean slate,” allowing it to connect to Bluetooth devices or previously inaccessible WiFi networks.

How to fix it:

The steps to reset Network Settings are outlined below:

  • Open your Settings app.
  • Navigate to “General.”
  • Scroll down to Reset. It is the final option in Settings -> General.
  • Tap “Reset Network Settings.”
  • Enter your passcode.
  • When your iPhone restarts, the reset is complete.

8. AirPods Should Be Repaired

If you’ve followed these steps and your AirPods still won’t connect to your iPhone, your AirPods may have a hardware issue.

You may fix your AirPods in a few different ways:

  • If you’re well within the place of purchase, you can return your AirPods to the store where you bought them and exchange them for a new pair.
  • You can repair them using Apple’s online support if you are an outside purchaser.