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jolek
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

AirPods Pro 3 disconnecting repeatedly from iPhone 17 despite resets

Siri AI Summary: A user reports frequent disconnections with AirPods Pro 3 after pairing them with a new iPhone 17. The AirPods functioned well with an older iPod Touch and continue to work with other devices, while the iPhone pairs normally with other Bluetooth accessories. The problem arises roughly once a month and persists through a soft restart. Leaving the AirPods in their case overnight or for a day provides a temporary solution.


Hey Apple Community! My AirPods have been very frustrating since I got my iPhone 17 (base model). Here's a timeline: since August 2023, I had an iPod Touch 7, in February 2026, I got the AirPods Pro 3 and they worked amazingly well with no issues or bugs, even though I only had iOS 15 and I was limited to fewer features. Then, recently, in late May 2026, I got the iPhone 17. This iPhone worked great, but as soon as I tried to pair my AirPods, I started having issues right away. Basically, the AirPods connect and then disconnect, over and over and over. It plays the connect and disconnect sound over and over, and it makes me so mad I want to throw my phone at a wall. This usually resolves overnight if I leave them in the case for a while, but shockingly not if I do a factory reset on the AirPods or a soft restart on my phone (I haven't done a factory reset of the iPhone). This issue keeps coming back about once a month at what feels like the worst times: when I'm listening to music, when I'm watching a movie, when I'm on the phone, and even when I’m just chilling on the home screen! Here's the thing: all my other Bluetooth devices (like my Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED - 45mm and my portable speaker) connect to my phone just fine! Also, my AirPods connect to all my other Bluetooth devices (like my MacBook Neo and my Sony Bravia 3) just fine too! It’s just like my iPhone and my AirPods hate each other :C. If anyone can help me, I would be so happy I would scream.

Posted on Oct 3, 2026 7:12 PM

11 replies

brbo
User level: Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 4, 2026 1:26 AM in response to jolek

Re: "AirPods Pro 3 disconnecting repeatedly from iPhone 17 despite resets"

There are various possible causes / solutions to such a situation, so you may need to try a few trouble-shooting suggestions to see what, if any, works for you. Apple Support's linked articles below may be helpful in finding the cause which can lead to a solution.

__                                       

(1) Is the firmware on the AirPods up-to-date ?

(They generally update automatically given the right conditions)

More info: About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

__

(2) Apple Support's tips in this 2026 article may be helpful:

If the sound from your wireless headphones cuts out or is distorted - Apple Support

Eg: says: "If the sound from your Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, cuts in and out or is distorted, find out what to do.

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(3) Else: Wondering if you might need to:

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

__

(4) You might want to check that you are only connecting AirPods to one device at a time.

Eg: See if turn off / turn on bluetooth helps:

or

See how to: Switch your AirPods to another device - Apple Support


Please feel free to let us know if you still need assistance.

brbo
User level: Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 4, 2026 8:32 PM in response to jolek

Thank you kindly for looking through the articles, and for letting us know.


If the iPhone 17 is still fairly new, you may be eligible for complimentary hardware and software support from Apple's experts:

Info: Apple Complimentary Support - Official Apple Support

Eg: says"

"Most Apple software and hardware products include unlimited complimentary support incidents within the first 90 days of product ownership, or longer if required by applicable law."

_________

If you wish: You can choose your country or region for more info. about complimentary support:

Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support


brbo
User level: Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 5, 2026 5:20 PM in response to jolek

Ok! So too long ago for complimentary support as outlined in the articles. Yet still under the twelve month warranty!


You may want to check out Apple's "Apple Care" website:

(The Q & A's near the bottom may be worth browsing through)

AppleCare - Apple

brbo
User level: Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 5, 2026 4:29 PM in response to jolek

Thank you for your reply. This is user-to-user community, and we can not speak for Apple, or guess what they may or may not do in any particular case. Such decisions are up to Apple.


Since your AirPods purchase was in late May last year, seems much more than 12 months have elapsed now. The complimentary support and warranty support period that Apple provides has ended.


If you want to confirm: You can find the serial number of your iPhone and enter that online to see what info. is available:


(If needed: Find the serial number of your AirPods - Apple Support)


Enter serial number: View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty


However consumer protection laws or regulations may be in place in your country. (We are not legal experts). Apple does provide some country specific details: Apple Products and Consumer Law Rights


Apple Support provides online support, and phone numbers for world wide support. in the article below.


Eg: If you want, you can scroll down to "Connect with live support", choose your country, and obtain the phone number to ring. Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

jolek Author
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 4, 2026 6:46 AM in response to brbo

Hey brbo, I really appreciate your help but none of the articles helped unfortunately. I think that the issue is with my phone and not the AirPods themselves because I don't have this issue with any other device I connect my AirPods to, and I never had this issue until I got my iPhone 17. Thanks for your help though, I really do appreciate it.

jolek Author
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 5, 2026 6:25 AM in response to brbo

Okay, I read through those articles, I got my phone in late May last year, does this type of issue apply to the 90 day warranty or the 1 year warranty? What would this mean for my phone? does it mean they'd give me a new one or that they would fix it for me free of charge? Thanks again for your ongoing support :D.

jolek Author
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 5, 2026 4:36 PM in response to brbo

Thanks, I realized I got it late may this year, I've had it for like one summer.

jolek Author
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 5, 2026 5:18 PM in response to brbo

Thanks! So you recommend that I reach out to Apple Support with my same inquiry? Can you give me a link to how I should reach them?

jolek Author
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 5, 2026 5:30 PM in response to brbo

Thank you! Ill pass my issue on to the live chat then, tysm!

brbo
User level: Level 8 (45,179 points)

Oct 5, 2026 5:38 PM in response to jolek

👍 Thank you!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256369963