Why do my AirPods keep cutting out ?

Even the most advanced technologies have their limitations, and one of them is “why my AirPods keep cutting out”.

Furthermore, Apple AirPods/AirPods Pro, while offering incredible sound quality, ease of use, iPhone compatibility, and a sleek, modern design, AirPods also have some flaws.

A frustrating issues that many AirPods, AirPods Pro, and wireless earbuds or wireless headphones users face are unexpected drops in connectivity. As a result, this may cause audio playback to stop suddenly.

We’ve all been there: enjoying your music and podcasts when your Apple AirPods suddenly cut the sound. It is an undoubtable annoying experience.

Therefore, in this article, we’ll explore why your AirPods may keep cutting out and also provide troubleshooting steps to fix it.

What are the reasons why my AirPods keep cutting out ?

Your AirPods can lose connection to your phone for several reasons. Many people report this problem, but Apple has not said that it is a real problem.

Furthermore, factors that can cause outages include other wireless devices, low batteries, walls interference, and the way you hold the phone. They are often several things together.

As a result, pay attention to where you are and your device’s batteries when this happens. This may help you understand the cause.

Similarly, there are a few things you can try, such as updating the software. Likewise, keeping devices nearby with good batteries also helps.

Consequently, as a last step, reset your network settings and pair your AirPods again.

Therefore, the best way is to carefully test solutions based on when the cuts occur. This will help you fix it to get your AirPods working smoothly again.  

Low Battery

Running out of battery is a common reason why AirPods keep cutting out. Once the battery runs out, the Bluetooth link is lost and audio stops playing through the headphones. However, your device will still make sound.

Similarly, having low battery levels below 20% can also cause sound issues, such as the AirPods cutting out sound.

Furthermore, it makes sense, since wireless headphones and other wireless devices require sufficient charging to maintain strong connectivity and optimal performance.

Likewise, even a nearly dead battery may not last long enough to finish the playlist or podcast episode before cutting it off.

Also Check: How to turn off AirPod Max ?

Unstable Bluetooth Connection

Wireless earbuds provide unmatched convenience – no wires, no tangles, and no devices pulled by tangled cables.

Furthermore, relying on Bluetooth also presents some challenges compared to wired headphones. Similarly, interference and range limits can disrupt connections.

Bluetooth interference occurs when objects block the wireless signal between devices like Concrete, walls, and other Bluetooth transmissions use the 2.4 GHz frequency that AirPods rely on.

Consequently, this means that signal interferences from things like your body, walls, or nearby Wi-Fi networks have the potential to weaken the signal and cause AirPods to keep cutting out sound.

Sensor Issue

One possible reason why your AirPods/AirPods Pro keep stopping is that the sensor inside the AirPods is not working properly.

Furthermore, the sensor is supposed to detect when you put the AirPods in your ears and when you take them off, and pause or resume the audio accordingly.

However, if the sensor is dirty, damaged, or overly sensitive, it may mistakenly sense that you have removed the AirPods from your ears and it regularly cutting out the audio.

Similarly, this can happen even if there is no physical obstruction between your iPhone and your AirPods.

Firmware or Software issue

iOS, the software that powers iPhone and iPads, has come a long way since 2007, introducing new features, improvements, and occasional bugs with each update. Furthermore, in the early stages, problems usually arise.

Consequently, one impact of iOS bugs can be unexpected outages with AirPods.

Similarly, to avoid possible problems, it is advisable to keep your devices completely updated.

Likewise, Apple continually refines the software to resolve bugs present in previous versions.

Therefore, by installing the latest iOS and AirPods firmware versions, you will benefit from these fixes.

In addition, over time, bugs reported by users are fixed and removed from subsequent updates.

As a result, staying up to date helps ensure smooth, reliable performance on your technology investments.

Also Check: How to find AirPod case without AirPods inside ?

Hardware damage

In rare cases, a hardware issue can affect AirPod performance. Furthermore, manufacturing defects do occur, as seen on a 2020 Pro batch. Similarly, regular use can also damage components over time.

Moreover, counterfeit AirPods pose additional risks. Consequently, without authentic Apple components and software, connectivity issues often arise.

Likewise, internal electronic failures due to defects or physical wear can interfere with sound transmission. It’s advisable to remove any electronic devices that may cause interference to ensure optimal audio performance.

Therefore, knockoff models claim to cosmetically resemble AirPods, but lack engineering quality.

Audio Source

Even if the AirPods are not working properly, problems can still arise with the connected audio source device.

Furthermore, heavy multitasking on your phone with many apps open can slow down performance and disrupt Bluetooth connectivity, which can cause AirPods to keep cutting out audio.

Similarly, outdated drivers are another possible reason, so check for and install any pending software or operating system updates.

Moreover, somewhat counter intuitively, advanced audio processing features could also be the root cause.

Likewise, while intended to enhance the listening experience, certain effects can overwhelm AirPods if they can’t handle the additional processing demands.

Consequently, this could manifest as intermittent outages. Therefore, disabling complex audio modes can serve as a temporary solution until the hardware improves to support additional features without compromising reliability.

Network Issue

One possible reason why your AirPods keep Cutting out is that your network connection is slow, unstable, or congested.

Furthermore, this may affect the quality and continuity of the audio you stream from the Internet.

For example, if you are listening to music or podcasts from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or other online platforms, you need a reliable network connection to ensure smooth playback.

Likewise, if your network connection is poor, you may experience audio buffering, lags, or cutting out audio.

App issue

Your AirPods may cut out if you are using an app that is not compatible with them or has bugs or glitches.

Furthermore, you should check the app settings and permissions on your device for any compatibility issues. Similarly, you should also update the app to the latest version or try using a different app if you encounter compatibility issues.

Likewise, you can also force quit the app and reopen it or restart your device to clear any cache or memory issues.

Ear Tips

Your AirPods may get cut if the ear tips don’t fit your ears properly or are dirty or damaged.

Furthermore, you need to choose the right size of ear tips for your AirPods and make sure they are securely in place.

Similarly, you should also clean the pads regularly with a soft, damp cloth and replace them if they are worn or torn.

Settings Issue

Your AirPods may experience audio cutting issues if they have some settings or data that are causing problems, including the need for software updates.

For example, a possible setup issue is that the automatic ear detection feature is enabled on your AirPods, which can lead to audio cutting if not functioning properly.

This feature is supposed to pause or resume audio when you put on or take off the AirPods, but it may malfunction if the sensors are dirty, too sensitive, or if your AirPods are not running the latest software updates.

Keeping your AirPods updated ensures optimal performance and functionality.

Also Check: How to pair AirPods to Chromebook ?

How to fix my AirPods keep cutting out ?

We have covered some common causes of this problem in the above section, and now we are going to show you how to fix it.

Follow below mentioned method to solve the issue why do my AirPods keep cutting out:

Check Battery Levels

Checking the battery level of your AirPods should always be the first step in troubleshooting, as low power can easily disrupt connections.

Furthermore, since the earbuds themselves don’t provide battery indicators, users may not realize how low they are until it’s too late.

Follow below mentioned steps to view AirPods battery levels using an iPhone:

• To begin, bring the open AirPods case closer to the phone.

• Furthermore, wait a moment until the battery status automatically appears on the iPhone screen, providing information about the power levels of each AirPod and the case.

Likewise, with this information, you can quickly rule out low battery as a possible culprit for connectivity outages.

Consequently, from there, if the batteries seem sufficient, other solutions such as updates, repairs or resets can be explored.

Check Bluetooth Connection

If battery levels are not the issue, consider optimizing the Bluetooth connection for stable streaming. Notably, physical barriers can weaken wireless signals.

Follow below mentioned steps to strengthen the connection of your AirPods:

• First, keep your audio source device close to your AirPods to eliminate obstacles between them.

• Finally, move to an area with less wireless interference from sources such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, or speakers that use similar Bluetooth frequencies.

Moving to an open space free of competing signals can improve reception by providing a clear transmission line between your devices.

Update your AirPods Software

Updating the software can help fix these issues and improve the performance and stability of your AirPods.

Furthermore, to update the software on your AirPods, you need to connect them to a charging case that is plugged into a power source.

Likewise, next, place your iPhone or iPad near the case and make sure they are connected to the Internet.

Consequently, AirPods will automatically update to the latest firmware version if available.

Similarly, you can check the firmware version of your AirPods by going to Settings > General > About > AirPods on your iPhone or iPad.

Check for hardware damage

Hardware defect can be caused by physical impact, water exposure, wear, or manufacturing defects.

Furthermore, to check for hardware defect, you can inspect your AirPods and accessories for visible signs of damage.

Similarly, you can also try using a different Lightning cable or a different device to see if the issue persists.

Consequently, if you find any evidence of hardware damage, you should contact Apple support or visit an Apple store for repair or replacement.

Likewise, you can also check your warranty status and coverage on the Apple website.

Turn off Automatic Ear Detection

For some, automatic ear detection may cause unnecessary audio cuts.

Furthermore, disabling this feature completely allows audio to play continuously whether the AirPods are in your ears or not. Likewise, this can help resolve connectivity issues.

Follow below mentioned steps to turn off automatic ear detection:

• First, go to Bluetooth settings on your iOS device.

• Furthermore, select the information icon next to your AirPods.

• Following this, this will open additional AirPods settings.

• In last, turn off the automatic ear detection switch.

Disable Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements are supposed to improve sound , but sometimes they can also cause problems.

Furthermore, this happens when there are too many audio enhancements that the AirPods cannot handle properly.

Follow below mentioned steps to disable audio enhancements:

• First, open Control Center by swiping down from the top right of your iOS device.

• Furthermore, press and hold the volume slider.

• Next, disable the Spatial Audio button below the volume bar.

• Likewise, close Control Center and go to Settings > Accessibility.

• Consequently, select Audio/Visual from the Accessibility menu.

• Finally, disable any enabled headphone adaptations.

​Check Network connection 

Make sure your device has a stable Internet connection with adequate speed and latency.

Furthermore, use a speed test app or website to evaluate your network performance.

Similarly, if the connection is still weak, consider enabling Wi-Fi Assist on your iPhone or iPad to switch to cellular data when Wi-Fi is unstable.

Alternatively, try using a different network or restart your router or modem to improve connectivity.

Check App Compatibility

To ensure app compatibility with your AirPods, check the microphone, speaker, and Bluetooth permissions in the app settings.

Furthermore, update the app or try an alternative. Likewise, if the issues persist, force close the app and reopen it, or restart your device to clear cache and memory issues.

For iPhone and iPads, swipe up from the bottom, briefly hold, and swipe up on the app preview to force close.

Consequently, to restart, press and hold the power button until the slide to power off option appears, slide it and wait a few seconds before turning the device back on.

Change Ear Tips

To fix AirPods not fitting properly, make sure you have selected the correct ear tip size and secured it securely.

Furthermore, periodically clean the ear tips to remove dirt and debris. Similarly, replace worn or damaged ear pads with new ones from Apple or other retailers.

Likewise, consider trying different ear tip materials, such as foam or memory foam, for added comfort and sound isolation.

However, please note that some earbuds may not be compatible with AirPods or the charging case.

Reset AirPods

Resetting your AirPods can resolve AirPods cutting out issue by restoring factory settings. Firstly, this eliminates any errors or internal errors that cause outages.

Secondly, the process unpairs all devices and erases customization, so you need to reconfigure them afterwards.

Follow below mentioned steps to reset your AirPods:

• First, go to Bluetooth Settings on your iOS device.

• Next, select the “I” icon next to your AirPods

• Then, choose “Forget this device” and confirm.

• After that, place the AirPods in their case and close the lid.

• Subsequently, press and hold the setting button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light changes.

• Following this, open the case near your iPhone and wait for the setup animation.

• Finally, tap “Connect” to complete pairing.

Contact Apple Support

If troubleshooting steps have not resolved AirPods cutting out issue, contacting Apple Support may be the next step.

Additionally, online forums solve common problems, but direct support can speed up solutions. When approaching:

• First, open Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and tap the “I” icon next to your AirPods name. Subsequently, note down the Model Number, Serial number and Firmware version.

• Next, explain clearly: Description of the problem, when did it start, tried to solve the problem

Conclusion

In conclusion, AirPods are great devices, but they can also have some problems. Ultimately, one of the most annoying problems is why do my AirPods or AirPods Pro keep cutting out when connected to a connected device.

First, this can happen for various reasons such as low battery, unstable Bluetooth connection to the connected device, problems with sensors, firmware or software problems, hardware damage, audio settings, network problems, problems with applications, or ear pads.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix this problem and enjoy your AirPods again.

Specifically, we have listed some of the common causes and solutions in this article and hope they help you.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)