AirPods no longer work after iOS 14.2 update

Quick update. Good news.

I waited for IOS 14.3 in the hope the update will address the issue. It didn't :-(

but ...

While updating my Apple Watch to the new WatchOS version, I noticed my AirPods were again functioning with my iPhone properly (at that point the watch not connected to the iPhone). Once the WatchOS update was completed the issue returned.

I was able to confirm that stopping the Apple Watch Bluetooth prevented that trigger of some delay/race condition which impacted the AirPods connection. Apple Watch Bluetooth off enabled me to use the AirPods with my iPhone without any issue.

Reimaging the Apple Watch (factory and reinstall, while keeping the Cellular plan) helped resolve the issue completely.

Hope it helps.

I tried everything with my iPad after updating to 14.3. Airpods stopped working on my laptop as well.

What finally worked is I disconnected and forgot the Airpods on all devices it was connected to. Desktop, macbook, iPhone and iPad. I turned off the Bluetooth on Desktop, iPhone and iPad. Repaired on the macbook, checked to see it worked, then repaired with all the other devices.

Hello Uppernorwood,

Thanks for asking the Apple Support Communities for help with your AirPods.

Please go through the troubleshooting, and stop if one of these steps resolves the issue.

1. Ensure the iOS device is running the latest version of iOS. Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch - Apple Support

2. Toggle Bluetooth off and back on in Settings (not Control Center).

3. Restart the iOS device. Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

4. Ensure the AirPods are full charged. Charge your AirPods with charging case and learn about battery life - Apple Support

5. Remove any case from the iOS device. Test.

6. This article also has info and troubleshooting: If the sound from your wireless headphones cuts out or is distorted - Apple Support

7. Disable Wi-Fi in Settings (not Control Center).

8. Since it's your iPhone, we need to isolate any interference.

• Disable Wi-Fi Calling in Settings > Phone. Test

• Disable Cellular Data in Settings > Cellular. Test

9. Reset the AirPods to factory defaults. If your AirPods won't connect - Apple Support

"Follow these steps on your iOS device.

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the icon next to your AirPods.1 Then tap Forget This Device.

• Put your AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 15 seconds, then open the lid.

• Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until you see the status light flash amber a few times, then flash white.

• Place your AirPods close to your device. Follow the steps on your iOS device's screen."

10. If you still have issues, please determine if the issue is isolated to a specific location. If so, isolate away from potential sources of interference. This article will help: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Thanks and have a  wonderful day.

One suggestion (while we wait for Apple to recognize the issue causing the Apple Watch to interfere with our AirPods) ...

I created a simple IOS Shortcuts (automation) which enables me to have the Apple Watch disable Bluetooth for 30 seconds, which is enough time to get my AirPods connected. I leverage Siri to run it whenever I'd like to pick up my AirPods and use them.

Let me know if you have ideas to improve it.

I agree with @Uppernorwood. This is update or scenario related. In my case i try the airpods pro with 2 devices both running 14.2, my sons without an apple watch synced works just fine. For other 2 devices both mine and my wifes running on 14.2 but both connected to apple watches the exact same scenarios occurs in that it freezes the music app it tries to connect too and pods dont work.

I opened a service request and relayed this info over to Apple engineers. they are to get back to me on Nov 24 2020

Hello Uppernorwood,

Thanks for going through the troubleshooting provided. Since you still have issues, please contact Apple Support for further assistance with this.

Contact Apple Support

Cheers.

Same for me. Seems to be reproducible is iPhones are connected to apple watch. I have tried multiple tests and that is the common denominator.

Tried all the steps above and the issue still exists.

The issue reproduces with two separate AirPods (including a pro pair)