When your AirPods don’t pop up on screen, it can be pretty frustrating. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a quick guide that’ll have you back in business in no time. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be jamming to your favorite tunes without a hitch.
AirPods Don’t Pop Up On Screen Tutorial
Ever been in that situation where you open your AirPods case and wait for that little animation to pop up on your iPhone’s screen, but it just doesn’t happen? Yeah, it’s a bummer. But here’s a step-by-step guide to fix that issue.
Step 1: Check Your AirPods Battery
Make sure your AirPods are charged.
If your AirPods are out of battery, they won’t connect to your iPhone, and you won’t see any pop-up. So, before we move to more technical solutions, let’s make sure your AirPods have enough juice.
Step 2: Turn On Bluetooth
Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone.
Your AirPods connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is turned off, your AirPods won’t connect, and you won’t see the pop-up. Swipe up to open the control center and make sure the Bluetooth icon is blue.
Step 3: Reconnect Your AirPods
Reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Sometimes, all you need is to give your AirPods a little nudge to remind them they need to connect. Go to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the list, and tap ‘Connect’.
Step 4: Restart Your iPhone
Restart your iPhone.
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it works like magic. A quick restart can fix a range of issues, including your AirPods not popping up on the screen.
Step 5: Update Your iPhone
Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
If your iPhone is running on an outdated version of iOS, it might not be compatible with your AirPods, resulting in the pop-up not appearing. Head over to your iPhone’s settings and check for any available updates.
After you’ve gone through these steps, your AirPods should pop up on the screen just like they’re supposed to. It’s a simple solution that often works like a charm.
Tips for When Your AirPods Don’t Pop Up On Screen
- Make sure you’re close enough to your iPhone when opening the AirPods case.
- Clean your AirPods and the case’s charging ports; dirt can hinder the connection.
- Reset your AirPods if the issue persists.
- Check if your AirPods are compatible with your iPhone model.
- If all else fails, contact Apple Support for professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t my AirPods pop up on my iPhone screen?
Your AirPods may have a low battery, Bluetooth may be turned off, they may need to be reconnected, your iPhone may need a restart, or your iOS may need an update.
How do I check if my AirPods are charged?
Open the case next to your iPhone; the battery status should pop up on the screen. If it doesn’t, charge your AirPods and try again.
How do I turn on Bluetooth on my iPhone?
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the control center and tap the Bluetooth icon so it turns blue.
How do I reconnect my AirPods to my iPhone?
Go to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the list, and tap ‘Connect’.
What should I do if these steps don’t work?
If you’ve tried all the steps and your AirPods still don’t pop up, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Summary
- Check AirPods battery
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Reconnect AirPods
- Restart iPhone
- Update iOS
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your AirPods don’t pop up on the screen, it’s usually a simple fix. From ensuring your AirPods are charged and Bluetooth is on, to reconnecting, restarting, and updating, these steps should solve the issue in most cases. If you’ve gone through all these steps and still face problems, remember that Apple Support is always there to help.
Remember, technology can be quirky at times, and it’s all about knowing the right tricks to get things working smoothly again. So, next time your AirPods don’t pop up on screen, don’t panic. Just work your way through the steps, and you’ll likely be back to enjoying your music, podcasts, or calls in no time. Keep this guide handy for any future AirPods hiccups, and feel free to share it with a friend who might be facing the same issue. Happy listening!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.