If you get an alert in the Find My app that your AirPods setup is incomplete

You may get an alert that your AirPods setup is incomplete if your AirPods fail to pair or they partially pair (for example, if only the right earbud pairs successfully).

If you get an AirPods setup is incomplete alert

  1. Wait a few minutes for the pairing to complete. Your AirPods may take a while to pair.

  2. Update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

  3. Make sure your device is protected by a passcode.

  4. If you haven’t done so already, turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple Account.

  5. In Settings, check for an alert to Update Apple Account Settings. If you see an alert, follow the prompts to finish the setup process.

  6. If you haven’t done so already, turn on iCloud Keychain.

  7. Make sure you’ve turned on Find My: Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap Find My. Tap Find My iPhone and make sure you’ve turned on both Find My iPhone and Find My network.

    iPhone screen showing Find My iPhone, Find My network and Send Last Location settings all turned on.
  8. Make sure Bluetooth and Find My network are turned on for your AirPods:

    • Remove your AirPods from the charging case.

    • Open the Settings app, then tap Bluetooth, and make sure it’s turned on.

    • Then tap the More Info buttonNo alt supplied for Image next to your AirPods. Scroll down and tap Find My. Make sure Find My network is turned on.

      iPhone screen showing AirPods settings with Find My selected.
  9. Put your AirPods in the charging case. Close the lid of your charging case, wait a few moments, then open the lid again.

After about a minute, pairing should be complete and the alert should no longer appear.

If your AirPods still won’t pair

  1. Close your AirPods case with the AirPods inside.

  2. Open the Find My app, tap Devices, then choose your AirPods.

  3. Tap Remove or Remove This Device.

  4. Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone or iPad.

  5. Open the lid of your AirPods charging case. Then follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your AirPods.

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