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User profile for user: iViewr
iViewr Author
User level: Level 1
25 points

Can't pair my replacement AirPod Pro RIGHT bud...

I've seen a few similar posts to my issue on this forum today, but no definitive answer. Posting here with some more details in case someone can help:


I bought my AirPods Pro (second generation with Lightning) around one year ago. Last week, I lost the right earbud.

 

On Monday, I opened a case with Apple to replace the right earbud and received it yesterday (paid £94). However, I am unable to pair it with my existing case and left bud.


I open the AirPods charging case and place the replacement right earbud into the case with the existing left earbud. The front light blinks orange. I then press and hold the reset button on the back of the case. After a few seconds, the light blinks white and then immediately blinks orange again.


I then see a Mismatched AirPods Pro message: "The AirPods Pro in the charging case do not belong to you and do not work together". That's obviously a bogus error, as the left earbud is my original one.


I've tried 'Forget This Device' multiple times in an effort to set it up as new but it only works if only my original left AirPod Pro bud is in the case. In that scenario, I can set up the AirPod fine, and the left one works. 


But if I put the replacement right earbud into the case and try to set up with that, it fails (just beeps and orange light continues to flash). If I put them both in, it fails with the Mismatched AirPods Pro message again. 


Reference: My original AirPod LEFT bud shows a model number of A2699. But the replacement RIGHT bud which I got yesterday shows a model number of A2698. That's strange as my original Left Airbud was purchased a year ago, but seems to have a more recent model number than the replacement I received yesterday?!?!


In the Settings app on my iPhone, however, it shows:


  • Model Number: A2698
  • Firmware version: 6A301


Any ideas/suggestions on how to progress here?


Thanks for taking the time to read.


AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 9:53 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Ben_Z1
Ben_Z1
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Oct 12, 2023 9:19 AM

Hi there iViewr,


If you are trying to set up your replacement AirPod, first ensure you are following these specific steps from Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case:

Set up your AirPods or charging case
1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the Information button  next to your AirPods.
2. Tap Forget This Device.
3. Tap Forget Device, and tap again to confirm.
4. Put both AirPods in your charging case.
5. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.
6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds. The status light should flash white.*
7. Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
8. Open the case—with your AirPods inside—and hold it next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. A setup animation appears on your screen.
9. Tap Connect, then tap Done.


If these are the steps you are following and this continues, reach out to Apple Support next. They would be the best suited to look into this further with you. Contact them here: Get Support


Take care!

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Ben_Z1
Ben_Z1
User level: Community Specialist

Oct 12, 2023 9:19 AM in response to iViewr

Hi there iViewr,


If you are trying to set up your replacement AirPod, first ensure you are following these specific steps from Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case:

Set up your AirPods or charging case
1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the Information button  next to your AirPods.
2. Tap Forget This Device.
3. Tap Forget Device, and tap again to confirm.
4. Put both AirPods in your charging case.
5. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.
6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds. The status light should flash white.*
7. Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
8. Open the case—with your AirPods inside—and hold it next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. A setup animation appears on your screen.
9. Tap Connect, then tap Done.


If these are the steps you are following and this continues, reach out to Apple Support next. They would be the best suited to look into this further with you. Contact them here: Get Support


Take care!

Reply
User profile for user: iViewr
iViewr Author
User level: Level 1
25 points

Oct 12, 2023 12:51 PM in response to Ben_Z1

Thanks for the reply, Ben. Unfortunately I've been through these steps (and variants of these) multiple times. But I've not been successful.


Very annoying! I can see other people have posted on here with similar issues, though, so I'm thinking Apple Support might be my best option now - or even a Genius Bar visit.


If I get this working (hopefully) I'll post a reply here to help anyone else who finds themselves in this situation in the future. Cheers!

Reply

Can't pair my replacement AirPod Pro RIGHT bud...

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