gen 1 airpods disconnect from phone

Hello longwoodfire,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We want to help so you can keep your AirPods connected like you want.

Try these steps first for when they won't connect properly:

"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."

This Apple Support page has the full details: If your AirPods won't connect - Apple Support

Having the latest software version can help resolve a software related connection issue. We hope this helps to get them paired correctly.

Cheers!

Hi longwoodfire,

If this issue continues with after completing the troubleshooting steps above and connecting the AirPods to multiple devices, you may want to set up service with Apple.

Go here to contact Apple Support for more help. 

All the best!