How To Connect AirPods if Your Case is Dead

When technology works, we hardly notice, but as soon as it stops working, it can feel like the world is ending. As technology becomes increasingly a part of our lives, it’s essential to know key troubleshooting steps to prevent you from unnecessarily throwing away tech. 

So when your AirPod case next dies, be sure to try these steps to connect them to your various devices.

Can You Use AirPods Without the Case?

Absolutely. However, one key caveat is that you must use a working AirPod case when pairing devices. After that initial connection, you don’t need the case to connect your AirPods. 

Without the case, you’ll find that certain features aren’t available, such as charging or automatic connection. But all is not lost. If your AirPods charge, you can still connect them to those essential devices. 

Is your case dead because you forgot to top up the charge or because it’s no longer charging your AirPods properly? If it’s the latter, your magnets might need a clean. 

4 Ways to Connect AirPods With a Dead Case

For Apple (iPhone/iPad)

1. Use AirPlay to connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad by swiping down on your screen until the Control Center appears.
2. Select ‘Bluetooth’ to turn your Bluetooth settings on.
3. In the upper-right corner of your screen will be the Audio Card. Tap this. 
4. When a song/audio comes up, tap the small AirPlay icon. 
5. Select your previously paired AirPods.

For Android

1. Ironically, Android devices are typically more straightforward than Apple products; this is because the Android devices treat your AirPods the same as any other Bluetooth headphones or device.
2. Head into your Android device’s settings.
3. Under ‘Connections’ or ‘Bluetooth,’ tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.
4. Once you have it, there should be an icon with your previously paired Airpods. Tap this icon.

For Windows

1. Windows is similar to Android in its treatment of AirPods. The system won’t register them as “special” devices in any way. 
2. Head to your search bar and type ‘Bluetooth.’ When ‘Bluetooth’ appears, click on it.
3. Under ‘Audio,’ select your previously paired AirPods.

For Mac

1. Considering how other Apple products can make the connection process more complex, the Mac treats AirPods like Windows or Android devices. 
2. Find the Bluetooth symbol in the upper right bar of your Mac. If your Bluetooth is turned off, it may look like a ‘B’ with a slash running through it. Click on this symbol, and a little drop-down menu should appear. 
3. If your Bluetooth is off, click the Bluetooth button.
4. Once turned on, a longer drop-down menu will appear. Look through to find your previously paired headphones and click on them.

How Do I Reconnect AirPods to the Charging Case? 

Perhaps you want to use your headphones on a device you didn’t initially pair them with. Once you’ve recharged your case, ensure that if you want to start the process, you go into your Bluetooth settings and ‘forget’ the AirPods from the device. 

Place both AirPods in the case and open the lid. Then, wait for the little light to flash amber. Once you see this, hold down the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. 

An important note: ensure you hold the case near the device you want to pair it with. After a few seconds, the headphones should appear on your device’s Bluetooth settings. If the light never changed from amber to white, you may need to reboot the case.

Hold the set up button for 15 seconds to reboot the case. The light should flash amber and then turn white. Once you’ve done this, your case will reboot, and you can try the process again. 

What If I Have Lost My AirPods Case?

Sadly, if you lose your case, your AirPods will only last so long before they die (depending on your last charge). If this is the case, it’s best to buy a new AirPod case as soon as possible to make up for the inconvenience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Connect My AirPods Without the Case? 

Yes. However, the process slightly differs depending on whether you want to connect your AirPods to Apple, Android, or Windows devices. It’s possible if you’ve previously paired the Airpods to your chosen device. 

Can You Pair AirPods With a Different Case? 

Luckily, buying a new case won't hinder your connection abilities if you’ve lost your case or it’s broken beyond compare. Place your AirPods in the case, open the lid, and hold down the setup button until the light flashes white. Then, release the button.

Final Thoughts

It’s good news for you that should your case die - long-term or temporarily - you can connect your AirPods as long as they were previously paired to your desired devices. However, if your case is beyond repair or you want another stylish case (or two!) for backup, discover Casely’s range of chic AirPod cases today.