AirPods won't connect to my iphone

I originally contacted Apple because my left iPods wasn't working. She had me upgrade to 2026.0.1 which I wasn't happy about doing. She said I had to have the latest software before we could begin. After going through all the steps she decided to replace the left iPod (which I a waiting to receive). The upgrade on was not completed at the time we ended our conversation. When it was completed I tried to connect so I could listen from the right iPod but I cannot connect to the iPhone. Went through all the steps and still no luck. Any suggestions as to wha could be wrong. Do you think I need a new case. Very frustrating that it worked before the upgraded software.