It can get annoying when your AirPods keep disconnecting while listening to a song or podcast, or worse, when you are on a call. AirPod disconnecting is not new; it happens to almost everyone now and then. But what can be the reason for this?
AirPods disconnecting can be due to many issues ranging from software issues to minor issues like low battery level. But many of these problems can be fixed with little or no stress.
Reasons for AirPods Cutting Out and the Solution
Even though you might want the specific reason for your AirPods cutting out, several issues can be wrong, and they can only be narrowed down after you try out the solutions provided here.
Airpods disconnection problems have always been a recurring issue over time, and it has been related to some specific iOS versions. The problem happened in 2016/2017 with the advent of iOS 10.1, then again in 2018 with iOS 11.2.6 and iOS 12.1.
Low Battery Level
As basic as it sounds, you might overlook that you need to charge your AirPods. Once the AirPods battery is low, the Bluetooth will disconnect, and there will be no more audio source.
Weak Bluetooth Connection
There are sensors inside the AirPods that connect devices within a certain distance range. If the connection gets strained, the audio will get distorted and, after a while, get disconnected.
Incompatibility of Operating Systems
Sometimes the AirPods operating system might not be compatible with your phone. These are some standard compatibility for AirPod and the phone software.
- Airpods 3 go with iOS 15.1 or macOS 12.
- Airpods Pro goes with iOS 13.2 or newer versions.
- Older AirPods go with iOS 12.2 or macOS 10.14.
Connection with Multiple Devices
Suppose you have connected with other Bluetooth devices, or the AirPod has been connected with nearby devices. The connection might be shaky because the device is trying to connect to another device.
Ear Detection Setting
The ear detection setting immediately turns the audio on when the AirPod is in your ear, and it stops the music when it is out of your ear. Even though this is not enough reason for the AirPods to go off while it is still in your ears, it occasionally experiences some malfunctions that disable it due to the setting.
Wave Interference
Wi-fi, Bluetooth speakers, garage doors, microwave, and other gadgets use the same wave frequency. So, when near these gadgets, the wave frequency of the gadget can interfere with the AirPods Bluetooth connection.
You can also experience this problem when you are in a crowded place with lots of Bluetooth or WiFi connections. Sometimes, if your WiFi is also connected, you can experience some distortions and cut in the Bluetooth connection.
How to Solve AirPod Disconnection Problems
Once you know the problem, you can easily find out the solution. Each reason stated above can be rectified to prevent your AirPods from cutting out.
Check Battery Level Before Use
To prevent your audio from being cut off in between, check your AirPods battery level before you use it. And if the battery level is low, charge before you use it.
To check your AirPods battery level:
- Let the AirPods be in their case and check for the pop-up notification showing the battery level.
You can check it on your phone by following these steps
- Connect the AirPod to the phone.
- Go to “Settings” then go to “Battery”.
- The battery level of all connected devices will be displayed, including your Apple Watch, Airpods, and the likes.
Stay Within Bluetooth Range
If you keep being out of the AirPods range of connection, your audios will keep cutting out. An AirPod should be between 30 and 60 feet near the device connected to it. Despite this, it remains connected to the devices at 100 feet but might produce distorted sound if farther.
If you are not close to the device and the audio starts getting distorted or cut off, it is time to move it.
Download Suitable System Update
The compatibility of the AirPods to the phone’s operating system also plays a part in the way it functions. If both devices’ operating systems work well, that’s good.
Check the compatibility list written above and download the appropriate software.
Disconnect Phone’s Bluetooth and AirPod From Other Devices
If your device is connected to other Bluetooth devices, you might have to disconnect when you are near the other devices. You can turn off the other device by taking the following steps.
- Go to “Settings” on your phone.
- Click on “Bluetooth”; there will be a range of other devices you have connected to.
- Click on the Info icon beside any device in close proximity.
- Then choose “Forget this device”.
Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection Setting
Even though this affects it in only rare cases, you can not be too safe. You can turn off Automatic Ear detection in Settings.
- Go to “Settings” on your phone.
- Click on “Bluetooth”.
- Click on the Info icon near the Airpod’s name, then choose “Additional Settings”.
- Turn off automatic ear detection.
Steer Clear of Interference
Since the WiFi can cause wave interference and cause the audio to cut off, turn it off till you need to use it. Also, do not go near the gadgets that use similar wave frequencies.
Reconnect the AirPod
If you cannot detect the exact problem, try disconnecting and reconnecting the AirPods.
- Go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth”.
- Click on the device name and click “Unpair”.
- Then choose to “Forget this device”.
- You can restart your phone, then reconnect the device again.
Reset the AirPod
You can do a factory reset for the AirPods so that it refreshes its settings.
- Disconnect the AirPods.
- Put the AirPods back in their case.
- Close the AirPods case lid.
- Wait for 15 – 30 seconds.
- Open the case lid and press down the on/off button until it flashes a colored light.
- When the color returns to white, you have done a factory reset.
After this, you can reconnect your AirPods to your phone to keep using them.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your AirPods keep cutting out. It is up to you to narrow down the options for the reasons stated. A solution has been provided. Try out the solutions till you no longer encounter audio cut-off.
If the problem persists after doing all you can, send a report to the Apple support center. Or visit an Apple store near you to find out what can be done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pairing AirPods to your Macbook or iMac is not as straightforward as pairing it with an iOS device.
1) First, you will need to ensure a suitable operating system for the connection. If not, you will need to update the required operating system.
2) Then, set up the same iCloud account you have on your iOS and macOS devices.
3) Once that is settled, connect your AirPod through the Bluetooth settings.
If you intend to use it on your macOS device for long, disconnect it from your iOS device to prevent the audio cut. And set up an automatic connection in your settings.
There can be several reasons why your AirPods are not connecting to your device.
1) If your operating system is on the right version to connect with the AirPod.
2) Your AirPod is already connected to another device nearby.
3) Your phone is connected to another Bluetooth device nearby.
You can update your operating system and refresh your AirPod to get rid of this issue.
This is a different issue from the two ears cutting off.
1) Try to note which ear keeps cutting off( if there is a consistent one).
2) Check to see if it is properly charged or if it has a fault.
3) Try to clean it and get off any dirt blocking out the sensors in the AirPods.
It has been stated above how you can connect your AirPods to Mac devices. If you still cannot connect the AirPods to the computer after taking the necessary steps. Try the following tips.
1) Connect your AirPods to your iPhone again, then close the case.
2) After it is no longer connected to your iOS device, try connecting your Mac device via Bluetooth.
3) If the Airpod does not appear on Mac’s Bluetooth list, reboot your computer.
4) Then try to reconnect to the Mac device.
If problems persist, contact the Apple support center.
