Why Do My Airpods Keep Cutting Out and How Can I Fix Them?

By SmartHomeBit Staff •  Updated: 05/26/23 •  20 min read

Common Reasons for Audio Cutouts in AirPods

As an AirPods user, I’m sure you’ve experienced times when your music or call gets interrupted by audio cutouts. But have you ever wondered why this happens? In this segment, we’ll dive into the common reasons for audio cutouts in AirPods and how to troubleshoot them. From unstable Bluetooth connections to low battery life, we’ll explore the various reasons your AirPods may be cutting out and what you can do to fix them.

Let’s get started so you can enjoy uninterrupted audio on your AirPods once again!

Unstable Bluetooth Connection

AirPods sometimes experience a connectivity issue with the Bluetooth service, which results in unstable Bluetooth connection. This can occur due to various environmental factors, such as distance from the device or interference from other wireless devices.

To fix unstable Bluetooth connection issues on AirPods, users can try resetting their AirPods or checking for software updates to ensure that they are running the latest firmware version. Additionally, cleaning the AirPods and preventing any external interference can be helpful.

A common cause of unstable Bluetooth connections is outdated firmware. Updating the AirPods’ firmware to its latest version can help solve this issue.

When using AirPods, it is essential to purchase genuine products to avoid issues with hardware components that could lead to unstable Bluetooth connection.

AirPods have undergone significant improvements over the years, resulting in remarkable audio experiences for users worldwide. By following some simple tips and steps to fix stability problems like an unstable Bluetooth connection, users can enjoy a seamless listening experience without disruption.

AirPod Sensor Issues

AirPod sensor issues can cause audio cutouts in AirPods. The sensors in AirPods detect when they are inserted or removed from the ear, and when the user is speaking or listening to audio. If these sensors malfunction, AirPods may have difficulty connecting to devices or experience distorted sounds. In addition, if an AirPod fails to detect that it has been removed from the ear and remains active, it can deplete the battery life quickly.

To resolve airpod sensor issues, users can try resetting their AirPods or updating their firmware.

It is important to note that AirPod sensor issues are not always caused by hardware defects but could arise due to other reasons such as compatibility with operating systems. These problems can often be resolved by following simple steps like checking for interference and range limits or cleaning the AirPods regularly.

To prevent airpod sensor issues and subsequent audio cutouts, one should purchase genuine Apple products and ensure that their firmware and software are kept up-to-date at all times. Cleaning the AirPods regularly can also help maintain optimal performance and extend their lifespan, ultimately leading to a seamless audio experience for users.

Low Battery Life

The AirPods’ low battery life can lead to audio cutouts, as the connection weakens between the device and the headphones.

To prevent this, users need to ensure that their AirPods are fully charged, or else they will face connectivity problems. The charging case can offer multiple charges for your headphones without needing a power source.

Low battery levels on AirPods are easy to detect since they’ll give off a warning message indicating that you may need to recharge them. Make sure you respond immediately since ignoring this warning may cause your AirPods to stop functioning altogether.

AirPods’ battery lives vary depending on usage, so having monitoring tools can also help preserve their battery life. Keep firmware updates and software up-to-date as well, as outdated versions may be draining more power from your device.

A history with generic Bluetooth earphones often had users complaining about poor battery life and weak connectivity during phone calls akin to wearing earplugs with little sound. Apple’s Airpods solved these issues by creating an innovative product with both great functionality and design, leading the wireless headphone industry in quality.

Incompatible Firmware

AirPods may experience audio cutouts due to issues with the firmware, which do not match the device’s hardware. The firmware acts as an interface between hardware and software by ensuring that they are rightly calibrated and synchronized. Incompatible firmware can lead to distorted sound or cause stuttering and reduce the audio quality, resulting in cutouts.

To fix the issue of incompatible firmware, update AirPods’ firmware regularly. Apple updates the firmware via over-the-air (OTA) updates gradually. Many users have reported improvement in audio quality after updating their firmware. When a new software version is released, make sure to check compatibility first before updating.

Keep in mind that once AirPods are updated, there is no way to roll back to the previous version if there is an issue with compatibility or another problem.

It is worth noting some users have noted that resetting their AirPods fixed audio cutout issues caused by incompatible firmware. To reset your AirPods, put them back into their case for at least 15 seconds then attempt reconnecting them to your device.

In summary, having incompatible firmware can result in reduced audio quality or constant cutouts in your AirPods. Updating your firmware help improves user experience for Apple’s wireless earbuds product line up.

Hardware Defects

AirPods may encounter hardware defects, which can lead to audio cutouts. These defects may include issues in the AirPods’ physical components such as faulty microphones or charging connectors. The defects may also be caused by damage resulting from accidental drops or exposure to water and other liquids.

Aside from these physical issues, hardware defects can also result from manufacturing errors or poor quality control during production. While rare, these defects can cause severe and persistent problems that cannot be fixed through software updates or basic troubleshooting steps.

It’s crucial to purchase genuine products and perform regular cleaning of your AirPods to mitigate the likelihood of such hardware issues. In case you suspect a hardware issue, contact Apple Support for assistance promptly, as delay could cause warranty expiration and unrepairable damage to your AirPods.

In summary, while hardware issues are not very common, they should be considered a possibility if recurring audio cutouts persist even after following standard troubleshooting methods. Taking proper care of your AirPods can prevent these kinds of issues from occurring and extend their lifetime for optimal listening experience.

Audio Source Issues

When experiencing audio source issues with AirPods, it means that there might be a problem with the audio output of the device utilized in playing audio. This could be caused by the audio file format, bitrate, or codec, which might not be supported by the AirPods. It could also be caused by insufficient power supply to external speakers and headphones as well as damaged cables or connectors.

To avoid these issues, it is advisable to use high-quality audio formats with compatible codecs that are supported by AirPods. Also, ensure that all cable connections and pins are correctly connected and functioning optimally. Additionally, update the firmware for devices that support over-the-air updates or download updated versions from official websites.

It is also essential to note that some software updates may affect audio outputs on certain devices; hence it is always advisable to research new updates before installing them. Furthermore, keeping a regular update of the device drivers, operating systems and apps running on your device can help ensure optimal performance for AirPods during usage.

For an optimal listening experience when using AirPods or other wireless earbuds such as Galaxy Buds Pro or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Pro, it is best to follow best practices recommended by the manufacturers to avoid having sound quality problems when playing audio from different sources.

Steps to Fix Audio Cutouts in AirPods

As I grapple with frustrating audio cutouts on my AirPods, I’ve found a few key steps to fix this issue. First, checking the battery level of my AirPods has proved important. Additionally, examining my Bluetooth connection can provide insight into the problem. A reset of the AirPods has also worked for me in the past. Another potential culprit could be automatic ear detection, which I learned can be turned off. Updating my AirPods’ firmware and disabling audio enhancements are further steps to consider.

Check AirPods’ Battery Level

To ensure smooth audio experience with your AirPods, you must regularly check the battery level of your device. Here are some essential details to keep in mind while doing so.

  1. Always maintain proper charging cycles and charge your AirPods based on their usage.
  2. You can check the battery level of your AirPods from the control center on your iOS device or by asking Siri.
  3. If one of the AirPods has a lower battery than the other, they may not work correctly.
  4. Be sure that both earpieces are seated correctly in their case and that each earbud has enough battery life for uninterrupted use.

While it’s good to remember that you should have sufficient charge in your AirPods for seamless usage, you also need to understand how to preserve it without reducing the overall audio quality.

It is worth mentioning that lithium-ion batteries do not appreciate overloading with power once they have reached 100%. That means leaving them plugged in overnight is an unfortunate habit if you want your AirPods’ batteries to function seamlessly for longer periods. So make sure, after every use, you store them with at least 50% charge left.

Some other useful tips to help maintain seamless audio quality while using your AirPods include cleaning them regularly and disabling audio enhancements like noise cancelling when not necessary.

Check Bluetooth Connection

To ensure a seamless audio experience, it is essential to check the stability of your AirPod’s Bluetooth connection and avoid audio cutouts. Here’s a guide on how to do just that:

  1. Make sure both the AirPods and the device they are connected to are within adequate Bluetooth range.
  2. Ensure that no third-party apps or devices are interfering with the Bluetooth connection.
  3. Turn off nearby Wi-Fi networks and other wireless devices which could cause interference.
  4. Forget the AirPods from your device’s Bluetooth settings and reconnect them.

Pro Tip: Try restarting both your device and AirPods if there seems to be any persistent issue with their Bluetooth connection.

Reset AirPods

When faced with audio cutouts in AirPods, one solution is to perform a ‘Reset AirPods’ action. This action reinstalls the headphones’ default settings and clears all paired devices from their memory.

To reset your AirPods, follow these five steps:

  1. Place your AirPods in their charging case
  2. Keep the lid open and locate the small button on the back of the case
  3. Press and hold this button until the LED light flashes amber
  4. Release the button
  5. Reconnect your AirPods to your device once they restart

It is essential to note that resetting takes away all stored settings, including customized names and ear detection functions.

To prevent audio cutouts, it is crucial to avoid placing your phone in interference-prone spots such as traffic dense areas or public places with many Bluetooth devices active.

Due to hardware defects seen in some non-genuine products, purchasing authentic Apple-tested items minimize audio cutouts.

According to a recent article published by ‘SoundGuys,’ AirPods have industry-grade real-world battery life compared to other true wireless headphones brands that advertise higher battery lives but fare poorly in terms of real-world use time.

Turn off Automatic Ear Detection

Disabling Ear Detection in AirPods can help prevent audio cutouts and other issues caused by unstable connections. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
  2. Tap on Bluetooth and select your AirPods from the list of devices.
  3. Tap on the “i” icon next to your AirPods’ name.
  4. Toggle off the switch for Automatic Ear Detection.

By disabling Automatic Ear Detection, your AirPods will no longer automatically pause or resume playback when you remove or put back one or both earbuds. This can be useful if you experience frequent cutouts due to unstable connections caused by interference or range limitations.

To ensure a better experience with AirPods, always clean them regularly, keep firmware and software up-to-date, check for interference and range limits, and purchase genuine products. These tips can help prevent common audio cutout problems with AirPods and provide a seamless audio experience while using them.

Update AirPods’ Firmware

To maintain high-quality audio output and fix cutouts in AirPods, it is essential to keep their firmware up-to-date. Updating AirPods’ firmware ensures that they function optimally and avoid compatibility issues.

To update AirPods’ firmware:

  1. Place your AirPods in the charging case
  2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the internet
  3. Keep the lid open, and place the connected device next to the charging case
  4. The device automatically detects the firmware update and displays the option ‘update’

It is crucial to update AirPods’ firmware because manufacturers often release fixes for bug-related cutouts, which enhances audio stability. Also, updated firmware ensures an upgrade in audio performance for a better user experience.

AirPods are not new products; they have been around since 2016. AirPods transcend being mere earphones but play a pivotal role in defining Apple’s ecosystem of smart wearables. The near-flawless list of selling points makes it unsurprising that AirPods remain one of Apple’s best-selling products.

Disable Audio Enhancements

To optimize the audio performance of AirPods, users often enable audio enhancements. However, certain enhancements may cause the audio to cut out. Consequently, to prevent this issue, it is recommended to disable audio enhancements.

Disabling audio enhancements can help rectify the issue of audio cutouts in AirPods. Audio enhancements modify system settings that could interfere with Bluetooth connections and cause interruptions while playing music or receiving calls.

Additionally, disabling audio enhancements reduces the pressure on AirPods’ battery life. The more features enabled, the more energy consumed by AirPods, which could lead to a shorter battery life.

To disable audio enhancements on Apple devices, access ‘Settings’, click ‘General’, select ‘Accessibility,’ then choose ‘Audio/Visual.’ Afterward, turn off any available enhancers to maximize your experience.

It is advisable to prioritize good speaker placement and avoid interference from electronic equipment when using AirPods.

Regular cleaning and maintenance also assist in ensuring optimum sound quality for longer periods. Moreover, it is critical to keep firmware and software updated regularly as well as a purchase genuine product for better results.

Keep your AirPods clean and updated to avoid annoying audio dropouts.

Tips to Prevent Audio Cutouts in AirPods

As someone who frequently uses AirPods, nothing is more frustrating than audio cutouts in the midst of my favorite song or podcast. Thankfully, after researching and experimenting, I’ve discovered several tips to prevent these frustrating issues:

  1. First, it’s important to check for interference and range limits when using AirPods in various environments.
  2. Additionally, regularly cleaning your AirPods can go a long way in preserving their functionality.
  3. Keeping firmware and software up-to-date is also crucial in avoiding audio cutouts.
  4. Lastly, purchasing genuine products is essential for ensuring the highest quality and reliability.

Check for Interference and Range Limits

To ensure a seamless audio experience with your AirPods, you must maintain the check for interference and range limits. Here is a 6-step guide to help you check for interference and range limits:

  1. Ensure no physical barriers or interferences that may hinder the Bluetooth connection.
  2. Keep other electronic devices away from AirPods as they might cause interference.
  3. Switch off Wi-Fi and mobile data on your paired device to eliminate network interferences.
  4. Avoid using AirPods in crowded areas, since it may affect connectivity due to increased interference caused by other Bluetooth devices
  5. Verify if your device is within the operating range. Keep it within 33 feet of the AirPods for optimum signal efficiency.
  6. If you’re experiencing frequent disconnection, consider testing in different areas to identify which channels are less congested for optimal signal strength.

Pro Tip: Regularly cleaning your AirPods with a microfiber cloth helps remove any debris or dust buildup that could impact the sound quality by disrupting surface area reading mechanisms. Keep your AirPods clean and free from buildup to ensure uninterrupted audio bliss.

Clean AirPods Regularly

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of AirPods, maintaining their cleanliness is vital. Dust and earwax can accumulate in the device over time, thus interfering with sound quality. This section offers a step-by-step guide on how to clean the AirPods regularly to avoid sound cutouts.

  1. Gently wipe down the interior of both AirPods using a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth.
  2. Use a soft brush to remove any debris on each mesh grille located near the bottom of the stem.
  3. Dampen a lint-free cloth with water or rubbing alcohol and wipe down all surfaces of both earbuds.
  4. Dry all surfaces with another clean microfiber cloth before carefully cleaning each mesh grille once more with the brush.
  5. To ensure optimum performance, use a small amount of disinfectant spray such as isopropyl alcohol 70% on a clean microfiber cloth before wiping down each earbud surface again.
  6. Finally, air-dry both earbuds entirely before placing them back into charging case.

It’s essential to note that only dampen the protective outer layer of the AirPods as excessive exposure to moisture or solvents can damage internal electronics.

Regular cleaning ensures efficiency in performance while eliminating irritants that may affect hearing healthily. Stay ahead and enjoy seamless audio by employing our six-step guide detailed above when you clean your AirPods regularly.

Keep Firmware and Software up-to-date

Maintaining Up-to-date Firmware and Software of AirPods

Ensuring the latest firmware and software updates on your AirPods is essential to prevent audio cutouts. Outdated firmware versions might have bugs or issues that make the audio experience unpleasant. You can keep up-to-date on your AirPods firmware by installing them directly from Apple’s website or using a cloud-based service.

To update your firmware, go to your settings menu and select the “My Devices” option. From there, choose your AirPods from the list of available devices and install any pending updates.

It is crucial to regularly check for updates as Apple continually releases new fixes that enhance connectivity strength, reduce rate of battery depletion, reduce latency between left and right buds, etc.

Finally ensure you keep track of the firmware version numbers of each device in order to identify which requires an update when one becomes available. This ensures that you get adequate support offered by Apple in case an issue arises with your device like constant cutouts when trying to stream media.

Purchase Genuine Products

To ensure a seamless audio experience with your AirPods, it is imperative to purchase authentic products from authorized dealers. Authenticity guarantees reliable hardware and firmware that reduces the likelihood of audio cutouts. Misaligned components can cause signal interference, leading to unstable connections resulting in audio cutouts.

Moreover, purchasing genuine products allows you to receive prompt customer support services from the manufacturer’s technical team. They can help diagnose and fix issues that could be causing the audio cutouts or suggest repairs or replacements if necessary.

Regularly cleaning your AirPods helps maintain their performance. However, counterfeits often use substandard materials that may rust or corrode quickly when they come into contact with moisture. Thus, using such products increases the likelihood of performance degradation which leads to audio cutouts.

In Summary

AirPods are a great choice for an audio experience that is seamless and uninterrupted. By addressing the common issue of audio cutting out, you can fully enjoy your AirPods. One solution is to adjust the audio settings, such as disabling automatic ear detection and changing the microphone preferences. Another option is to clean the AirPods to ensure optimum performance. For an even better experience, regularly update the firmware and check for any possible interference with other devices. With these suggestions, you can ensure a smooth and uninterrupted audio experience with your AirPods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out?

The six common reasons for AirPods cutting out are unreliable connections, AirPod sensor issues, low battery, incompatible firmware version, hardware defect, and audio source issues.

How Can I Fix My AirPods’ Choppy Sound?

If your AirPods sound choppy, try checking the battery levels, resetting your AirPods, or disabling audio enhancements.

What Causes Bluetooth Interference for AirPods?

Bluetooth interference occurs when objects like concrete and other wireless connections impede the Bluetooth connection between your devices. This can happen because Bluetooth and Wi-Fi routers both use the 2.4 GHz frequency to contact your gadget.

What Should I Do If My AirPods Have Manufacturing Defects or Damages?

If your AirPods have manufacturing defects or damages, contact Apple support to arrange for a repair or replacement. You may need to provide proof of purchase and warranty information.

Why Are My AirPods Making a Static Noise?

Static noise can be caused by Bluetooth interference, low battery levels, or hardware defects. You can try checking the battery levels, resetting your AirPods, or contacting Apple support for repair or replacement.

How Do I Update My AirPods’ Firmware?

To update your AirPods’ firmware, make sure they’re connected to your device and have at least a 50% battery charge. Then, go to Settings > General > About > AirPods and check for updates.

Why Do My Bluetooth Headphones Keep Cutting Out?

Bluetooth headphones can cut out due to Bluetooth interference, low battery levels, or audio source issues. You can try moving closer to your device, resetting your headphones, or checking the battery levels.

SmartHomeBit Staff