AirPods not connecting to audible app

Hi Lindafayesmith,

We appreciate you reaching out to us.

We’d like to gather additional details that may help us be in a better position to assist you.

1. For accuracy, the issue is only isolated to using your AirPods with the Audible app, is that correct?
2. Have you had the chance to restart your iPhone? Restart your iPhone - Apple Support
3. When you use the Audible app, do you hear the sound on your iPhone's speakers?
4. Does it help if you manually set up AirPlay to stream the audio from Audible to your AirPods? Use AirPlay to stream audio - Apple Support

In the meantime, let’s check for a software update and make sure that you are running the latest version of iOS.

While it isn't inherently assured that an update will resolve the issue, updating to the latest software version for your device can help isolate potential software issues. 

Kindly secure a backup and update.

1. How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
2. Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Then, make sure that your Audible app is up to date.

1. "Open the App Store.
2. Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll to see pending updates and release notes. Tap Update next to an app to update only that app, or tap Update All."

You can use the article below as a reference.

How to manually update apps on your Apple device

It may also help if you reset your AirPods.

How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

Take care!