Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out? 11 Solutions (2023)

“Hello, I’d like to order a–Hello?”

Wait, let me try that again.

“Hello, I’d like to–”

Okay, relax. One more.

“He–”

Oh, come on! I’m starving.

While I may not be able to feed myself…

I can feed you knowledge on what to do when your AirPods keep cutting out.

Keep reading to discover:

• What devices are compatible with your AirPods.
• 11 easy ways to fix your AirPods that keep cutting out.
• How to repair water damage on your AirPods to improve connectivity.
• Which objects need to be removed to improve AirPods’ Bluetooth connection.
• And so much more…

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out?

Your AirPods keep cutting out because of Bluetooth issues with compatibility or interference. It could also be because of outdated software, too many connected devices, or low battery. Water damage and corrupted data are also known to cause this issue.

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AirPods keep cutting out: 11 solutions

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#1: Update your software

The first step to making sure your AirPods work properly?

Update the device you’re trying to pair it with to the latest software.

Manufacturers go out of their way to fix known bugs whenever they release an update.

Including ones that may be affecting your Bluetooth connection with AirPods.

To update your iPhone or iPad, follow these simple instructions:

Pro tip: Always back up your device. This makes sure that all of your files are safe in case something goes wrong with the update.

1. Ensure that your iPhone or iPad has a full charge.
2. Go to your Settings menu.
3. Head to General.
4. Select Software Update.
5. If applicable, choose the software update you need to install.
6. Tap Install Now to confirm.

#2: Reset AirPods

You can also try to factory reset your AirPods.

You might ask:

“Why the hell would I want to factory reset my AirPods?”

Good question.

Believe it or not, your AirPods can collect data.

Take it easy. They’re not doing it for the wrong reasons.

It’s usually just settings and changelogs.

But, here’s the thing:

These data could get corrupted over time.

And, when that happens, it’s better to give your AirPods a clean slate.

To reset your AirPods, start with:

1. Put your AirPods back into their charging case.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid of your case.
3. On your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings.
4. Go to Bluetooth.
5. Press the More Info logo next to your AirPods.
6. Select Forget This Device.
7. While the lid is still open, long-press the Setup button on your case for 15 seconds.

You’ll know that the reset was successful when your case lights up in amber and then white.

Do you need virtual instructions? I got you. Watch this video:

#3: Factory reset your device

Next, if not your AirPods…

Why not factory reset your iPhone or iPad as well?

After all, AirPods are only half of the problem.

Maybe the corrupted data that’s compromising your connection is in your device.

Don’t worry. It won’t take long to:

1. Open your Settings menu.
2. Head to General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
4. Press Erase All Content and Settings.

Done? Great.

But what if your phone won’t turn on?

Can you still factory reset your device?

The answer’s yes. You can do that with a Macbook.

All you have to do is:

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Macbook with a cable.
2. On the Finder sidebar, click your device.
3. Press General.
4. Tap Restore iPhone.

Note: This method only works for Macbooks on macOS 10.15.

#4: Improve Bluetooth connection

For this step, you’ll need to stand up and look around.

Do you notice any of the following near you?

• Power lines.
• Microwaves.
• Wi-Fi routers.
• Satellite devices.
• Cordless telephones.
• Other Bluetooth devices.

These objects are known to cause Bluetooth interference.

How so?

You see, Bluetooth runs on a 2.4 GHz band.

It’s a reliable band, but it’s thin.

That means that it’s easily blocked by signal blocking objects and other 2.4 GHz devices.

But, do you know what the greatest Bluetooth interference is?

It’s distance.

The farther you are from an object, the weaker the connection is.

The question is, how far exactly?

AirPods run on Bluetooth 5.0. (We’ll get to that later.)

On an empty field, your AirPods can reach up to 800 feet.

Pretty impressive, if you ask me.

But, inside a house? That number dwindles to only 131 feet.

#5: Restart your device

This one’s simple.

Have you tried restarting your iPhone or iPad before connecting to your AirPods?

No? Then do it now.

But wait, don’t turn it on yet.

I suggest waiting 30 seconds.

Why?

This process is called a power cycle.

Waiting 30 seconds ensures that your device will eliminate all residual charges.

#6: Check the Bluetooth version

As previously mentioned, AirPods run on Bluetooth 5.0.

At the time of release, Bluetooth 5.0 was considered a huge step forward from the previous version.

With features like:

• Longer range.
• Lower latency.
• Dual audio enabled.
• Better wireless headphone support.

Great, right? But here’s the problem:

Devices with lower Bluetooth versions have trouble connecting to AirPods because of this.

For example, iPhone 8 or higher has Bluetooth 5.0.

But, these devices don’t:

• iPhone 4: 2.1.
• iPhone 4s: 4.0.
• iPhone 5: 4.0.
• iPhone 5s: 4.0.
• iPhone 5c: 4.0.
• iPhone 6 & 6+: 4.0.
• iPhone 6s & 6s+: 4.2.
• iPhone 7 & 7+: 4.2.

Not only that, but a lot of Macbooks also have non-5.0 Bluetooth. Only Macbook products released in late 2018 have the 5.0 version.

To know for sure, open your laptop and:

1. Click the Apple logo on the upper left side of your screen.
2. Go to About This Mac.
3. Press System Report.
4. Expand the Hardware tab.
5. Select Bluetooth.

Find the LMP Version line. The number next to it is your Macbook’s Bluetooth version.

#7: Delete other devices on Bluetooth

Now, time to remove some devices from your Bluetooth list.

Why?

Think of your device like a car.

The more people in it, the less space there is inside.

Unless, of course, you kick someone out.

And that’s what we’re going to do here.

iPhone, iPad, or iTouch

1. Open your Settings menu.
2. Head to Bluetooth.
3. Locate the device you want to remove, then press the Ⓘ logo next to it.
4. Press Forget This Device.

Macbook

1. Click the Apple logo on the upper left side of your screen.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Press the Bluetooth logo.
4. Locate the device you want to remove.
5. Click the Ⓧ button next to it.

#8: Charge your AirPods

Whenever I use a gadget, I always like to wait until the battery reaches 1% before charging it.

My friends call me a psychopath for doing this, but surely someone else does this too.

And if that’s you, please stop.

I’m a hypocrite, I know. But here’s the thing:

The amount of charge you have affects your connectivity.

So you better grab your charging case if you want your AirPods to work.

Warning: Most people don’t know this, but you should never fully charge your devices. Or completely discharge it, for that matter.

Why?

Because of its batteries.

Your AirPods run on Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

Li-ion batteries are known for being lightweight, efficient, and rechargeable.

However, they’re also prone to degrade at 100%.

Not only that…

Studies also show that your battery’s maximum capacity decreases by 10% every time it’s drained.

Pro tip: To prolong your AirPods, charge it only when it reaches 10% to 20% and only until 80% to 90%.

You may also be interested in: How Long Do AirPods Last Before Breaking?

#9: Reset network settings

When in doubt…

Reset.

No, not necessarily everything.

You can choose to reset only your network settings.

Don’t fret. Resetting your network settings will only affect the following:

• VPN.
• Hotspot.
• Bluetooth.
• Wi-Fi network.

Convinced? Nice.

Now, all you need to do is these 5 quick steps:

1. Open your Settings menu.
2. Go to General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
4. Tap Reset.
5. Press Reset Network Settings.

#10: Water damage remedy

The other day I was in the shower, and I had this bright idea:

Why not use my AirPods while I’m taking a bath?

It went about as well as you expected.

For the first few days, everything was fine.

Until, while I was on a call with my mom, my audio kept cutting out.

So, when this happens to you, what could you do?

Try this:

1. Dry the water outside using a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Install Siri Shortcuts on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Cover all openings on your AirPods with your fingers.
4. Press Water Eject on Siri Shortcuts.
5. Catch all the coming out of your AirPods with a dry fabric.
6. Repeat steps #3 to #5 all water is ejected from your AirPods.

Fun fact: Your AirPods are actually pretty durable. Especially against water.

AirPods have an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Officially, that means that it can withstand multiple splashes of water.

Unofficially? Some users have tested how far their AirPods water resistance can go.

And here are some of the things that their AirPods survived:

• Flood.
• Spilled hot soup.
• A couple of hours in the shower.
• Repeated shaking inside a water bottle.

Look, I’m not telling you that your AirPods are invincible.

I’m just saying it might be better than what you give it credit for.

Note: Don’t try to use the rice technique when your AirPods become water-damaged.

If you don’t know the rice technique, consider yourself lucky.

But I’ll explain it anyway so you won’t get left out:

The rice technique says that you should drop water-damaged gadgets on a bowl of uncooked rice. Why?

Because the rice will soak up its moisture.

Here’s the thing: it actually works, but it’s a waste of time.

See, studies found that it’s not faster than any other drying method.

And that includes simply letting it dry in your room.

#11: Contact Apple support

As a last resort, why not bite the fruit of knowledge?

You can call Apple themselves to help you solve your technical issues.