Automatic switching not working with AirPods 4 ANC

Re: "AirPods 4 ANC ... connectivity between my Mac and my iPhone with Handoff and automatic switching between devices ... my AirPods don't automatically switch devices anymore and I have to manually connect them to my Mac in the Bluetooth settings or in the control center, same on my iPhone. ...."

Am no expert in this area, yet your post to the community deserves some response. Also, getting your discussion underway at least provides opportunity for those with more expertise than either of us to join in.

If you haven't seen it already:

Wondering whether Apple support's online article (link below) can help:

Switch AirPods between Apple devices - Apple Support

Eg: There are settings that can prevent automatic switching:

You might want to check those are not accidentally set

OK! Got it now! (Thought I was answering a "Question with no replies" but no!) Cheers! :-)