Originally Posted by
traveling bijorn
I’ve had challenges too but generally after trying to connect a few time it has managed to work. Here are the steps I used:
1. turn on the IFE bluetooth
2. AirPods should be in the case and disconnected from phone
3. Open lid to AirPod case.
4. Press button on back of case and hold until flashing white LED appears.
5. Select your device on IFE screen.
It sometimes takes a few tries and the difference is usually disconnecting the phone first.
I flew on an A319 and B737-800 last week with the Next IFE, and the instructions above are what I would follow with most any Bluetooth headset (Samsung Galaxy Buds+ in my use case). In fact, step 0 should be turning off Bluetooth on your phone or putting your phone in airplane mode. For the first few tries, I forgot to turn off Bluetooth on my phone.
I think you just also have to be patient. It takes a while for your seat's IFE to find the nearest Bluetooth devices. Once connected, it worked very well. The IFE was a bit wonky, especially if you want to fast-forward in a movie. Twice, I got a high-pitched noise in my left earbud, which I have never gotten before. I simply took it out of my ear for a bit, and it seemed to reset.