iPhone unlock hangs when using AirPods

Hello kognaak,

Thanks for choosing the Apple Support Communities. We see you're not able to stay connected to your iPhone using your AirPods, when the iPhone is locked. Let's try resetting your AirPods, this can resolve a variety of issues. Those steps are below.

How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

1. "Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears.
4. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods].

• If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button  next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm.
• If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step. 

5. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and keep the lid open. 

6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white.*

7. Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the steps on your device's screen.

AirPods can be associated with one Apple ID. If you want to use AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) that someone else has used, they first need to remove the AirPods from their Apple ID."

We hope this helps.

Cheers!

Hey kognaak,

iOS 16.4 was recently released. We're curious to know if the behavior continues after updating: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If the issue does continue, you may want to reach out to Apple Support directly for a closer look: Contact - Official Apple Support

Take care.