AirPods Max head detection not working

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37 points

AirPods Max head detection not working

I saw an older thread on this but it appears to be dead. I would say ~ 25% of the time I put my AirPods Max on my head they show connected ... but there is no sound. If I got into settings I can see they are connected but indicate I need to put them on my head. Sometimes I can fix by putting them back in the case and back on my head ... but most of the time not. I typically have to reset them over and over until they work. This wasn't a problem as far as I can tell until the 4E71 firmware.

Anyone have the same problem or a good fix? Im out of warranty so I suppose I'm just praying a subsequent firmware update is going to solve this.

Posted on Nov 4, 2022 1:06 PM

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Answer 1

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kylecraft Author

Level 1

37 points

Nov 7, 2022 12:20 PM in response to green500

Yes ... if I do a reset on my AirPods Max and get them connected then my ongoing usage is fine. I can pull them off my head and things pause ... put them back on and they resume. Head detection works for my session using them.

The problem is that the next day I put them on ... they show connected in settings but that I need to "put them on my head" before I get sound. I put them on, take them off, etc. Nothing works until I reset them again. Really just about every day I have to fully reset them to get them to work.

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Answer 2

justin_900

Community Specialist

Nov 6, 2022 2:19 PM in response to kylecraft

Hello kylecraft,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We want to make sure your AirPods Max are working as expected every time you wear them.

Let's verify your Automatic Head Detection settings are correct:

"Automatic Head Detection

Your AirPods Max automatically stop playing audio when you take them off, and resume playback when you put them back on. You can change this setting.

Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
Do one of the following:

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings , tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen, then turn Automatic Head Detection on or off.
On Mac: Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then turn “Automatic head detection” on or off."

This Apple Support page has the full details: Change audio settings for AirPods Max - Apple Support

If your settings are correct but the issue remains, check for any pending updates to the paired device and try a restart as well.

We hope this helps to isolate and resolve the issue so you can continue to enjoy your AirPods Max.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

green500

Community Specialist

Nov 6, 2022 2:20 PM in response to kylecraft

Hello kylecraft,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

We want you to be able to use your AirPods Max as expected. We recommend resetting them as listed here: How to reset your AirPods Max - Apple Support

To restart or reset your AirPods Max:

First, charge them for a few minutes.
If you're experiencing issues with your AirPods Max, you can restart them. Press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown until the LED flashes amber.
You can also reset AirPods Max to factory settings. Press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown for 15 seconds, until the LED flashes amber, then white.
After you reset your AirPods Max, you can connect them to your iOS or iPadOS device, or connect them to your Mac or other device.

If no issue resolution, please contact Apple Support here: Apple Support

Let us know if you have further questions.

Take care.

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AirPods Max head detection not working

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