The error message "mismatched AirPods Pro" when pairing AirPods Pro is often erroneous.
"Mismatched AirPods Pro" error message
Why am I getting the error message "AirPods Pro are not compatible"?
If your iPhone displays the message "AirPods Pro are not compatible" after replacing an AirPods Pro, this error message is often incorrect .
The real causes are (1) a generational incompatibility, (2) a mix-up between USB-C and Lightning models, or (3) a firmware version discrepancy.
Check the model number printed on each earbud, and then either replace the AirPod or allow a firmware synchronization as described here.
When pairing AirPods Pro with each other for the first time, for example after replacing one AirPod, an error message may often appear: "AirPods are not compatible." The message will display:
According to this, the left AirPod would be 2nd generation and the right one 1st generation.
Unfortunately, the same error message is also displayed in completely different situations, where the information is simply wrong:
- The left AirPod is 1st generation and the right one is 2nd generation;
- One of the AirPods is a USB-C model, the other is a Lightning model - it doesn't matter which side;
- The AirPods are the same model (USB-C or Lightning), but their firmware versions are different.
Accordingly, the solution differs in the 3 cases:
- Use the correct model
- Use the correct model
- Synchronize the firmware as described here (It is important to delete the old Bluetooth connection with the AirPods beforehand or at least disable Bluetooth during pairing): Replace AirPods .
To ensure which AirPod is which model, it is best to check the respective model number, which can be read on the AirPod.
Question: How can I check the generation of each AirPods Pro?
Answer: Read the model number (A2083, A2084, A2931, etc.) printed on the inner side of each AirPod and compare it to the table here .
Question: Can the firmware be synchronized between "incompatible" AirPods?
Answer: Yes, we have explained how to do that here .