New Airpods won't initiate prompt on my iphone

Hello RedDogDriller,

Despite not being able to set them up with the prompt, do they appear in the Bluetooth settings of either device? You can use the steps in this resource to pair them manually: Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

1. "On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Stay on this screen until you complete the steps to pair your accessory.
2. Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your device. If you don't see it or aren't sure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with your accessory or contact the manufacturer.
3. To pair, tap your accessory name when it appears onscreen. You might need to enter the PIN or passcode. If you aren't sure what your PIN or passcode is, check the documentation for your accessory.

After you pair your accessory, you can use it with your device. To pair multiple Bluetooth accessories, repeat these steps. If you have multiple Bluetooth devices paired with your iPhone or iPad, you can choose which audio source you want to use."

If they connect with this method, that would indicate the hardware is functioning correctly, and you could try the steps in How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro – Apple Support to set them up again, clearing out the software.

If you are unsuccessful paining them manually, reach out to Apple Support directly here, as this may require closer guidance: Get Support

Take care.