How do I prevent Bluetooth switching to car from AirPods?

a.goodwin Said:

"How do I prevent Bluetooth switching to car from AirPods?: In my car I want to use AirPods for privacy/better sound quality on many occasions. However, when getting into my car the bluetooth connection switches the call or music over to using the car's speakers and mic.[...]Currently I have to disconnect (un-pair) the car to prevent the connection. Then re-pair later. Obviously this is less than ideal. "

-------

Troubleshooting CarPlay and AirPods:

What to Try:

A. Pair in Park:

Try unpairing the phone. Then, pair it back. Perform this while in while in park.

B. View the Driver's Manual:

See what the Owner's Manual of your car says when you read it.

C. Some Links:

• Use CarPlay with your iPhone - Apple Support
• If you Need Help with CarPlay - Apple Support
• How to Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Car - Apple Support

Hello a.goodwin,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. Upon review of your post, it seems that you have questions about using your AirPods in your vehicle when CarPlay is also in use. We can see why you’d want this taken care of, so let us help from here! While we do understand what you are wanting to do, the experience you are having is expected and working as intended. When you enter your vehicle, the request to pair with your iPhone is automatic. If you wish to circumvent that process to continue using your AirPods, you would need to do so manually.

Learn more here:

• How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car
• Connect your AirPods and AirPods Pro to your iPhone

Please let us know if you have follow up questions, so we can continue assisting. Take care!