11 Reasons AirPods Keep Cutting Out + How To Fix It (2023)

Who’s the richest person in the world?

Elon Musk? Jeff Bezos?

No. It’s the guy on the street wearing AirPods.

Kidding.

But I know you paid top-dollar for your AirPods.

So rather than feel any buyer’s regret…

Let’s just fix the audio that keeps cutting out.

Continue reading to find out:

• AirPods features that can also cause your audio to cut out.
• 11 reasons your AirPods keep cutting out and how to easily fix them.
• The ideal distance between the AirPods and the paired device to avoid sound issues.
• And a lot more…

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out?

Your AirPods keep cutting out due to an unstable Bluetooth connection. So ensure that your AirPods and the device you paired it with are within 60 feet of each other. You may also reset your Bluetooth connection by turning it off and on. And unpair and re-pair your AirPods with your other device.

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AirPods keep cutting out: 11 reasons & fixes

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#1: Weak or unstable Bluetooth connection

Whether you’re using an Apple or Android device, AirPods connect via Bluetooth.

And the main reason they keep cutting out?

You have an unstable Bluetooth connection. Likely due to a glitch in the device you paired your AirPods with.

How to fix it:

The easiest way to fix a weak or unstable Bluetooth connection is to reset it.

You may do that by switching off your device’s Bluetooth. Waiting for about a minute or 2. And then switching Bluetooth back on.

In addition, you may also restart your connection via activating Airplane mode.

This mode automatically disconnects all your connections. Including Bluetooth and WiFi.

The process is actually similar to resetting your Bluetooth connection.

Just turn the Airplane mode on for a few seconds. And then turn it back off.

Moreover, you may perform a power cycle on your other device.

A power cycle refers to the process of restarting a device. It’s easy to do. And really effective in solving many tech issues.

So power your device off. Then after about a minute, power it back on.

Your AirPods should automatically reconnect. You may then check if your audio’s still cutting out.

#2: Signal interference from other devices

You’ve likely encountered the term 2.4 GHz.

So what exactly is that?

To put it simply, it’s a radio frequency used by many wireless technologies. Including WiFi and Bluetooth.

In addition, here are a few examples of home devices that use this frequency:

• Microwaves.
• Baby monitor.
• Garage opener.
• Cordless phones.
• Security cameras.

And any of these devices may interfere with your AirPods’ Bluetooth connection.

How to fix it:

If possible, switch off all other devices that may cause signal interference.

Or, if you can’t turn them off, at least move your AirPods away from them.

Also, since Bluetooth and WiFi use the same frequency…

When streaming via WiFi, you’re more likely to experience audio problems on your AirPods.

So Apple suggests that it’s best to stream offline.

The great thing is a lot of the most popular streaming services allow offline listening.

Spotify’s one of them. Soundcloud’s another. 

And if you’re an audiobook lover…

There’s Audible.

#3: You’re outside of the optimal range

Distance may not matter in love and friendship.

But with AirPods, it does.

Your AirPods will work best when they’re within 30 to 60 feet of the device you paired them with.

So if your sound’s cutting out, you’re likely outside of this range.

How to fix it:

Be mindful of the optimal range. And stay within it.

Keep your AirPods as close as possible to the other device.

Also, try to remove any obstructions between the AirPods and the other paired device.

#4: Your AirPods are glitching

Another cause of a cutting-out sound is a glitch in your AirPods.

Now, usually, for glitching devices, I’d recommend a power cycle.

However, you can’t actually turn your AirPods off and then on.

The reason?

Apple intentionally designed them without a power button.

This is so the AirPods are always ready to use.

So to solve an AirPods glitch, you’ll need to reset them.

How to fix it:

Resetting AirPods means unpairing them from a device. And then re-pairing.

The process of resetting AirPods on Androids and Apple devices slightly varies.

How to unpair your AirPods from an Apple device

1. Place your AirPods back in their charging case.
2. Close the lid of the case.
3. Wait for around half a minute.
4. Reopen the charging case’s lid.
5. Select Settings on your iPad or iPhone.
6. Select Bluetooth.
7. Look for More info next to your AirPods and tap it.
8. Select the Forget this device option.
9. Click Yes to confirm.

How to unpair AirPods from Android devices

1. Select Settings.
2. Select Connected devices.
3. Tap the Connection preferences option.
4. Select Bluetooth.
5. Select the option to unpair the AirPods.

After unpairing, restart your other device first. And then re-pair it with your AirPods.

How to re-pair AirPods with a device

1. With your AirPods still in the charging case, keep the lid open.
2. Look for the case’s Setup button and press and hold it.
3. When the light flashes amber, release the button.
4. Wait until the light flashes white.
5. Reconnect the AirPods to your device.

#5: Problem with the AirPods’ sensor

By default, AirPods will only play audio when they’re in your ears.

This is possible through your AirPods automatic ear detection feature.

Your AirPods have a built-in sensor that helps make this feature work.

However, the sensor may malfunction at times.

So while your AirPods’ auto ear detection is a great battery-saving feature… 

You should also try to turn it off when dealing with issues.

Note: Turning off automatic ear detection is only possible on Apple devices.

How to fix it:

Here’s how to do turn off the auto ear detection feature:

1. Go to Settings on your Apple device.
2. Click the More info button on the right of your AirPods.
3. Look for Automatic Ear Detection and toggle it off.

#6: AirPods are trying to connect to another device

Your AirPods also have a feature that allows them to switch devices automatically.

For instance, you may be using your AirPods with your MacBook. But when someone calls you on your iPhone, your AirPods can automatically switch to that.

It’s an excellent feature. It’s just that it also malfunctions at times.

And when it does, your AirPods will try to connect to another device randomly. Causing your sound to keep cutting out.

How to fix it:

You don’t necessarily need to unpair your AirPods with your other devices.

You’ll just need to ensure that the Bluetooth’s off on the devices you aren’t using.

Moreover, you may just turn off the automatic switching feature altogether.

Again, you may only disable this feature on Apple devices. And the way to do it differs per device. 

So I’ll provide steps for iPhones and MacBooks.

iPhones

1. Select Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Select the More Info button.
4. Select the Connect to this iPhone option.
5. Select When Last Connected to This iPhone.

MacBooks

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Click the Options button beside your AirPods.
5. Click Connect to this Mac.
6. Click the When Last Connected to This Mac option.

#7: Dirty AirPods

Your AirPods will accumulate dust and debris with time.

And this dirt build-up is another factor that can affect your AirPods’ sound quality.

That’s why it’s also crucial to clean them. At least periodically.

How to fix it:

Cleaning your AirPods should only take a few minutes.

Apple’s website suggests using a dry, lint-free cloth for wiping your AirPods’ surface.

You may also use a cotton swab or a toothpick to clean the speakers.

For a more comprehensive guide on deep-cleaning AirPods, check out this video:

#8: AirPods’ battery charge is low

Your AirPods’ batteries are also likely low on charge.

And low battery is another common cause of sound issues with AirPods. 

So try to check the battery status as well.

You may easily do that by returning the AirPods to their charging case. 

And then move the case close to your device.

How to fix it:

If your AirPods’ batteries are below 20%, make sure to charge them.

Moreover, a quick 5-minute charge using the case should be enough for an hour of use.

#9: AirPods’ firmware is out of date

From time to time, Apple would release firmware updates for their products.

AirPods may not get them as often compared to other devices. 

But it’s still important to ensure that yours have the latest updates.

How to fix it:

Here’s how you can install updates for your AirPods:

1. Return the AirPods to the charging case.
2. Plug the charging case into a power source.
3. Close the charging case’s lid.
4. Reopen the lid.
5. Move the AirPods near the device you paired them with.

The updates should install automatically.

#10: Your other device needs updates

Still on the topic of updating firmware…

An OS bug on the device you’re using may also cause problems for your AirPods.

So see to it that you also install the latest firmware updates for your other device.

How to fix it:

You may check your device manufacturer’s website to see if there are available software updates.

If you find available updates, you may install them manually.

The Software Updates option’s usually under most devices’ general settings.

#11: Defective AirPods

In some cases, the audio cuts out because the AirPods are defective.

There’s likely damage to the AirPods’ internal speakers. There may also be problems with the batteries.

AirPods don’t really last long. Their average lifespan’s about 2 to 4 years. Depending on how well you take care of them. And how much you’re using them.

So if you’ve had them for a while, it’s best to take them to a service center.

How to fix it:

Apple doesn’t really repair AirPods.

What they do instead is offer replacements. And you can get a refurbished one for an out-of-warranty fee of $69 for each AirPod.

A cheaper option would be to look for 3rd party services.

For instance, The Swap Club’s a popular AirPods repair company. They offer AirPods swaps at only $49.99 each. Or about $20 cheaper than Apple.

Further reading: 5 Reasons Why Your AirPods Are Dying So Fast + Fixes

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People also ask:

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Why do my AirPods keep cutting out on Spotify?

Your AirPods keep cutting out on Spotify because of a glitch in the app. A quick way to resolve that would be to close Spotify. And then relaunch it. Also, ensure that you’re running the latest version of the Spotify app.

How to update Spotify on an iPhone

1. Launch the App Store.
2. Search for Spotify.
3. Tap the Update button next to Spotify.

How to update Spotify on an Android

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Search for Spotify.
3. Click Update.

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out on Mac?

Your AirPods keep cutting out on Mac because your Mac’s Bluetooth is malfunctioning. To fix this, you may turn off your Mac’s Bluetooth connection. And then turn it back on. You may also restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu. Followed by clicking Restart.

If restarting your Mac doesn’t work, you may reset its Bluetooth module.

These are the steps:

1. Select System Preferences.
2. Click Bluetooth.
3. Check the Show Bluetooth in menu bar option.
4. Press and hold your Mac’s Shift and Option keys.
5. Click the Bluetooth icon on the menu bar.
6. Select Reset Bluetooth module.
7. Confirm by clicking OK.

You might also like: AirPods Not Working On Mac: 9 Causes & Fixes

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out on Android?

Your AirPods keep cutting out on Android due to connectivity issues. You may try restarting your Android device to resolve this problem. In addition, you may try to unpair the AirPods from your Android device. And then pair them back again.