iMessage Is Signed Out on iPhone: How to Fix It
Fix the iMessage Is Signed Out error on iPhone by checking Apple Account sign-in, activation, connectivity, and settings—without erasing your messages.
How to Connect Your AirPods to an iPhone: Setup and Manual Pairing
To connect AirPods to an iPhone, turn on Bluetooth, open the charging case near the unlocked iPhone, and tap Connect when the setup card appears. If that card does not show up, put the AirPods in pairing mode using the control on their case, then select them in Settings > Bluetooth. AirPods Max follow a similar on-screen setup but use a button on the headphones.
Before you start
Update the iPhone to the latest iOS version available for your model. Open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on. Keep the iPhone and AirPods close together, and put both earbuds in the charging case so you can check that they are seated and charging. The setup steps can vary by AirPods model, especially if you need to enter pairing mode manually.
Connect AirPods to an iPhone for the first time
- Unlock the iPhone and go to the Home Screen.
- With both AirPods in their case, open the lid and hold the case next to the iPhone. Wait for the setup animation.
- Tap Connect, follow any on-screen instructions, and tap Done to finish.
After setup, you can confirm the connection in Settings > Bluetooth. The AirPods should appear in the device list as connected. If you are signed in to iCloud, Apple says AirPods are also set up with supported devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
Pair AirPods manually if the setup card does not appear
Leave both earbuds in the open case while you put them into pairing mode. Look at the case to identify which steps to use: newer cases without a rear setup button use a double tap on the front, while other models use the setup button on the back.
AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Pro 3
For either AirPods 4 or AirPods 5 model, and for AirPods Pro 3, double-tap the front of the open case until its status light flashes white. Keep the case near your iPhone.
Other AirPods and AirPods Pro models
For other models, open the case and press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white. This is the manual pairing control for older cases; do not look for it on the front.
Once the status light is flashing white, open Settings > Bluetooth on the iPhone. Tap your AirPods when they appear in the device list. If you do not see them right away, keep the case open and nearby for a few moments, then check the list again.
Connect AirPods Max
Take AirPods Max out of the Smart Case and hold them near the iPhone on its Home Screen. Follow the setup animation and tap Done. If the animation does not appear, go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for AirPods Max. If they are not listed, press and hold the headphones’ noise-control button until the status light flashes white, then select AirPods Max on the iPhone.
Reconnect or choose AirPods for audio
After the first pairing, supported AirPods can connect across supported Apple devices using the same Apple Account. To make sure sound is going to the earbuds, start playing audio, tap the Playback Destination button in the app, on the Lock Screen, or in Control Center, and choose your AirPods.
If AirPods will not connect
- Check Settings > Bluetooth and confirm Bluetooth is on. Make sure both earbuds are in the case and charging.
- Close the case lid, wait 15 seconds, then open it and retry the model-specific pairing steps above.
- Update iOS if the iPhone is behind on software. If AirPods appear in Bluetooth but audio still plays from the phone, select AirPods from the Playback Destination menu.
- If the AirPods were previously used with someone else’s Apple Account, ask that owner to remove them from the account before trying again.
If these checks do not help, follow Apple’s AirPods connection troubleshooting steps. Resetting is a later step because the reset procedure differs by model. For a general Bluetooth problem, such as a grayed-out Bluetooth setting or no accessories connecting, see Apple’s Bluetooth accessory troubleshooting guide.
Apple support references
How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone (App and Settings)
Turn off your iPhone VPN in the app or Settings, confirm it disconnected, and stop automatic reconnections without deleting your account.
How to Encrypt an iPhone and Protect Sensitive Information
Learn how to encrypt your iPhone with a strong passcode, protect iCloud and computer backups, and secure your data if your phone is lost or stolen.
How to Clear Cache on iPhone: Safari, Chrome, and Apps
Learn how to clear Safari and Chrome cache on iPhone, manage app storage safely, and understand when clearing cached data actually helps.
How to Fight Gym Battles in Pokémon GO: Attacks, Dodges, and Taking Control
Learn how to fight Gym Battles in Pokémon GO, pick effective attackers, use Charged Attacks and dodges, and claim a Gym after defeating its defenders.
Best Cydia Tweaks and Apps for Your Jailbroken iPad: Classic Picks
Explore classic Cydia tweaks for jailbroken iPads, from SwipeSelection to Quasar, with compatibility warnings and modern alternatives.
How to Turn Off the Apple Music Splash Screen on iPhone
Stop Apple Music signup prompts in the Music app. Learn where to find Show Apple Music on iOS and what turning it off does—and does not—change.
Let Mom Know Your iPhone Battery Is Low With an Automatic Text
Set up a Shortcuts automation to text Mom when your iPhone battery gets low. Follow four steps, plus delivery checks and privacy tips.
How to Bookmark a Tweet on X (Twitter) on Any Device
Save posts on X in a few taps. Learn where to find the Bookmark button on iPhone, Android, and desktop, plus how to view, remove, and organize saved tweets.
How to Enable AR Mode in Pokémon GO on iPhone or Android
Turn on AR mode in Pokémon GO during a wild encounter, find AR settings, and fix camera or device compatibility issues.