AirPods are wireless
earbuds that use Bluetooth technology to connect to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or
other devices. They offer a convenient and comfortable way to listen to music,
podcasts, phone calls, and more. However, sometimes AirPods may experience
brief interruptions or glitches that cause them to cut out for a second or
longer. This can be annoying and frustrating, especially when you are enjoying
your favorite tunes or having an important conversation.
There are several
possible reasons behind AirPods intermittently cutting out for a second, such
as:
·
A weak or unstable Bluetooth connection between your AirPods and
your device
·
Interference from other wireless devices or signals in your
surroundings
·
Low battery level on your AirPods or your device
·
Dirt or moisture on your AirPods or in your ears
·
A faulty or damaged hardware component on your AirPods or your
device
·
A software bug or compatibility issue on your AirPods or your
device
Fortunately, there are
some troubleshooting steps or settings adjustments that can help fix the problem
of AirPods cutting out briefly. Here are some of them:
Check
Your Bluetooth Connection
The first thing you
should do when your AirPods keep cutting out for a second is to check your
Bluetooth connection and make sure it is strong and stable. To do this:
·
Move closer to your device and make sure there are no
obstructions or barriers between your AirPods and your device.
·
Turn off any other Bluetooth devices that you are not using or
that may interfere with your AirPods.
·
Turn off Wi-Fi on your device if you are not using it or switch
to a different Wi-Fi network if possible.
·
Restart your device and your AirPods and see if the connection
improves.
Clean
Your AirPods and Your Ears
Another possible reason
why your AirPods keep cutting out for a second is that they are dirty or wet.
This can affect the sound quality and the performance of the sensors on your
AirPods. To clean your AirPods:
·
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of your AirPods and
the charging case.
·
Use a cotton swab or a toothpick to gently remove any dirt or
debris from the speaker grills and the microphone holes on your AirPods.
·
Use a dry cotton swab to clean the metal contacts on the bottom
of your AirPods and inside the charging case.
·
Avoid using any liquids, solvents, or abrasive materials to
clean your AirPods as they may damage them.
To clean your ears:
·
Use a damp cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe the outer part
of your ears.
·
Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal as it may cause
damage or infection.
·
Consult a doctor if you have any ear problems or excessive
earwax.
Disable
Automatic Ear Detection
Your AirPods have a
feature called Automatic Ear Detection that pauses or resumes the audio
playback when you take them out or put them back in your ears. However,
sometimes this feature may not work properly and cause your AirPods to cut out
for a second. To disable this feature:
·
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap
the Info icon next to your AirPods.
·
Turn off the switch for Automatic Ear Detection.
·
Alternatively, you can also disable this feature from the
Control Center by tapping and holding the volume slider and then tapping the
Ear Detection icon.
Update
Your Software and Firmware
Sometimes, software bugs
or compatibility issues may cause your AirPods to cut out for a second. To fix
this, you should update your software and firmware to the latest versions
available. To update your software:
·
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General >
Software Update and tap Download and Install if there is an update available.
·
On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update and
click Update Now if there is an update available.
To update your firmware:
·
Make sure your AirPods are connected to your device and have at
least 50% battery level.
·
Place them in their charging case and plug it into a power
source.
·
Wait for about 30 minutes for the firmware update to complete
automatically.
·
You can check the firmware version of your AirPods by going to
Settings > General > About > AirPods on your iPhone or iPad.
Avoid
Environmental Factors or External Interferences
Your AirPods may also cut
out for a second due to environmental factors or external interferences that
affect the Bluetooth signal or the sound quality. To avoid this, you should:
·
Avoid using your AirPods in extreme temperatures, humidity, or
altitude as they may damage them or reduce their battery life.
·
Avoid using your AirPods near magnetic fields, metal objects, or
microwave ovens as they may interfere with the Bluetooth signal or the sensors
on your AirPods.
·
Avoid using your AirPods in crowded or noisy places as they may
affect the sound quality or the noise cancellation feature on your AirPods.
Why Do AirPods Keep Cutting Out for a Second?
Troubleshooting Tips
|
Reason |
Solution |
Additional Tips |
|
Interference from other devices or signals |
Move away from sources of wireless interference, such as
microwaves, routers, or speakers |
Try using your AirPods with a different device to see if
the problem persists |
|
Weak Bluetooth connection |
Keep your iPhone or other device close to your AirPods and
avoid any obstructions |
Turn off and on Bluetooth on your device or restart your
device |
|
Automatic Ear Detection malfunctioning |
Disable Automatic Ear Detection in your AirPods settings |
Clean your AirPods earpieces from any dust, dirt, or
debris that may interfere with the sensors |
|
Faulty hardware or software |
Reset your AirPods by pressing and holding the setup
button on the case until the status light flashes amber and white |
Contact Apple support or a professional repair service if
the issue persists after resetting |