My left air pod keeps going back and forth between working and not being recognized by my phone at all

Hello Mattyfiver,

The best steps you can take for the behavior you're currently experiencing with your AirPods can be found here: If your AirPods won't connect - Apple Support

If you can't connect to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Make sure that your iPhone or iPod touch has the latest version of iOS or that your iPad has the latest version of iPadOS.

2. Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging.

3. To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

4. If your AirPods are connected, make sure that they're selected as your audio device. If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but they don't connect, go to the next step.

5. Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for up to 10 seconds. The status light on the front of the charging case should flash white, which means that your AirPods are ready to connect.

6. Hold the charging case, with your AirPods inside and the lid open, next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

7. Follow the steps on the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

8. Test your AirPods. If you still can't connect, reset your AirPods.

Should the behavior persist after resetting your AirPods your device may need to receive service. You can investigate options in your region here: AirPods Repair & Service - Apple Support

Regards.