Hello rielyn273,
Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. It sounds like your AirPods say they are connected but are not working properly. Right? In that case, make sure that this happens with all audio as it might be related to a particular app.
If the same happens with all audio from all apps, the guidance from If your AirPods won't connect - Apple Support is best since this is connection related. Make sure you've tried all steps from that article which we've provided below.
"If you can't connect to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Make sure that your iPhone or iPod touch has the latest version of iOS or that your iPad has the latest version of iPadOS.
- Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging.
- To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- If your AirPods are connected, make sure that they're selected as your audio device. If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but they don't connect, go to the next step.
- Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for up to 10 seconds. The status light on the front of the charging case should flash white, which means that your AirPods are ready to connect.
- Hold the charging case, with your AirPods inside and the lid open, next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Follow the steps on the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Test your AirPods. If you still can't connect, reset your AirPods."
If you've tried those steps and the same continues, test your AirPods with another device or another set of headphones with your iPhone. That'll narrow down where the issue occurs. If you've isolated to your AirPods, reach out to Apple Support as there may be a hardware issue.
Take care.
