If you’re a proud owner of Apple AirPods, you’ve likely experienced the sheer joy of their wireless convenience and superb sound quality. However, one frustrating issue that many Apple users encounter is the sudden loss of audio, commonly referred to as cutting out. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the burning question, why do my AirPods keep cutting out and equip you with solutions to fix this.
Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out Music?
AirPods offer both user-friendly convenience and deliver outstanding sound quality. Nevertheless, when using these wireless headphones to enjoy music, you may encounter interruptions caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes for the same are listed below:
- Bluetooth Interference: If there is a lot of wireless activity or interference in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (which Bluetooth uses), it can lead to connectivity issues and cause AirPods to cut out for a second.
- Bluetooth Range: Bluetooth has a limited range, typically around 30 to 60 feet (10-18 meters). If you move out of this range or if there are obstacles (like a wall) between your AirPods and your device, the connection may suffer.
- Battery Level: When battery levels are low, the device may prioritize essential processes over maintaining a stable connection.
- Hardware Issues: Any kind of physical damage to your AirPods can introduce bugs that affect the stability of the Bluetooth connection.
- Automatic Ear Detection: AirPods have a feature that uses sensors to detect when they are in your ears. If these sensors are dirty or malfunctioning, they may mistakenly pause playback.
- Software Issues: Software updates or changes in settings on your connected device can sometimes affect the Bluetooth connection with AirPods.
- Automatic Device Switching: iOS 14 introduced a feature that allows AirPods to automatically switch between connected Apple devices. While convenient, this feature can sometimes cause issues when the AirPods switch to the wrong device.
Quick Answer
Get your AirPods to work uninterrupted again with these software update steps.
1. Link your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
2. Navigate to Settings, then select Bluetooth.
3. Click on the information (i) icon next to your AirPods Pro.
4. Verify the Firmware Version and compare it to the most recent firmware version.
After identifying the specific cause of your AirPods cutting out may require some troubleshooting. Depending on the situation, you may need to follow the outlined methods to improve connectivity.
Note: Some methods may not work on a few iPhone devices/firmware versions.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods
Try out these basic solutions first to get rid of cutting out issue in AirPods with ease.
1A. Clean Dirt and Debris
Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on your AirPods, including the sensors responsible for detecting when they’re in your ears. To prevent cutting out issues caused by sensor blockage:
1. Gently clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab.
2. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to remove any debris or dirt from the meshes.
1B. Charge AirPods Battery
Ensure your AirPods are charged, as low battery levels can lead to connectivity problems.
1. Place your AirPods in the case and ensure they are charged.
2. Open the lid of the case near your paired device to check the battery level. Low battery levels can cause connectivity issues.
3. If the battery is low, charge your AirPods.
Also Read: AirPods Pro Keep Pausing: Main Causes and Fixes
1C. Remove Any Interference
Ensure that there are no other electronic devices nearby that could be causing interference with your AirPods. This can happen in crowded areas with multiple Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks. So, to keep AirPods from cutting out, remove any possible interference.
Method 2: Check for Hardware Issues
Inspect your AirPods for physical damage or defects and consider contacting Apple Support if necessary.
1. Inspect your AirPods for any physical damage or defects.
2. If your AirPods are under warranty and you suspect a hardware issue, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
Method 3: Update Firmware
Make sure your AirPods have the latest firmware by checking for updates in your device’s settings.
1. Link your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
2. Navigate to Settings, then select Bluetooth.
3. Click on the information (i) icon next to your AirPods Pro.
4. Verify the Firmware Version and compare it to the most recent firmware version.
If you find that your firmware is not up to date, here’s how to trigger the automatic update:
1. Place your AirPods back into the case and put the case on charge.
2. Open Bluetooth in Settings.
3. Tap on Connect to establish a connection between your AirPods and your iOS device.
Now, ensure your iOS device is connected to the internet and positioned near the charging case. The firmware update should start automatically.
Method 4: Disable Automatic Ear Detection
Turn off the feature that automatically pauses audio when you remove an AirPods. To do so, follow these steps and fix AirPods from cutting out on Spotify music on an iPhone:
1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the i icon next to them.
4. Toggle off the Automatic Ear Detection feature.
Also Read: Best Equalizer Settings for AirPods Pro
Method 5: Turn Off Automatic Device Switching
Disable the feature that lets AirPods switch between devices automatically.
1. Open the Settings app and tap on Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the i icon next to them.
3. Tap on Connect to This iPhone and select the option When Last Connected to This iPhone.
Method 6: Customize Double Tap Action
You can also personalize the functions activated by double-tapping the AirPods Pro, but unintended touches or issues might result in unwanted disconnections. To modify these settings and prevent AirPods from cutting out on your iPhone:
1. Access the Settings, go to Bluetooth and select the information (i) icon adjacent to your AirPods Pro.
2. In the DOUBLE-TAP ON AIRPODS section.
3. Configure the preferences for each earbud, making sure not to choose the Play/Pause option to avoid accidental pauses.
Method 7: Reset Bluetooth Connection
Unpair and reconnect your AirPods to your device to refresh the Bluetooth connection. This will help you fix AirPods from keep cutting out on Spotify music, Android, or Mac.
1. Open Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to your AirPods.
2. Tap Forget This Device to unpair the AirPods from your device.
3. Restart iOS device and reconnect AirPods by placing them near your device, opening the case, and following the on-screen prompts.
Method 8: Reset AirPods to Factory Settings
Perform a factory reset on your AirPods to resolve persistent issues and prevent them from cutting out on apps like Spotify music and devices like Mac or Android.
1. Place your AirPods in the case and keep the lid open.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the status light flashes amber and then white.
3. Close the lid and wait for the AirPods to reset.
4. Reconnect your AirPods to your iOS device as you did during the initial setup.
Also Read: How to Check Apple AirPods Original with Serial Number
Method 9: Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with your AirPods cutting out, it’s advisable to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide more specialized guidance, and if your AirPods are still under warranty or covered by AppleCare, they may offer repair or replacement options.
Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out Android?
AirPods may encounter regular disconnections on Android devices leading to cutting out problem due to compatibility issues, as they are designed primarily for use with Apple products. The connectivity issues stem from the lack of hardware to fully utilize the H1 or H2 chips present in the AirPods.
Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out on Mac?
These can include interference with other Bluetooth devices, outdated firmware, or software glitches on the Mac itself. But you can resolve this issue on your Mac by holding down the Shift and Option keys while clicking on the Bluetooth menu. This action will reveal a drop-down menu. After disconnecting, simply re-establish the connection with your AirPods.
Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out on Spotify?
AirPods might keep cutting you out on Spotify music due to an excessive number of concurrently running apps on the audio source. This can lead to a decrease in performance or disrupt the necessary Bluetooth connection that AirPods rely on.
While AirPods are undeniably a marvel of modern audio technology, they can occasionally throw a glitch. Thankfully, with the troubleshooting methods we’ve explored in this article on why do my AirPods keep cutting out, you can restore the audio playback you love. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below.
