Why Are My AirPods Cutting Out? (7 Fixes)

Many AirPod users experience skipping or cutting out, this is usually related to the Bluetooth connection, but it can be caused by numerous other issues.

It is not that unusual to experience a skip in sound or cutting out, AirPods are sensitive devices that, most of the time, require a good and strong Bluetooth connection.

Oftentimes, another issue might be present and require a thorough cleaning of the AirPods, or something as simple as resetting them. Now, let’s look at some reasons why your AirPods might be cutting out and how to fix them.

Reasons why AirPods keep cutting out

There are several reasons why your AirPods keep cutting out, it can be a weak Bluetooth connection, an issue with the Automatic Detection, your iOS device isn’t up to date, Automatic switching between other Apple devices, they might just need a reset, or they are damaged in some way.

1. Weak Bluetooth Connection

Most often than not, the main reason why your AirPods keep cutting out is because of a Bluetooth issue. It might be a weak connection, low battery power, or you would need to reset your Bluetooth connection.

If it is a weak connection, ensure that the devices are closer in range to avoid this issue. Low battery status can also disrupt your connection so make sure to charge your AirPods and phone. Sometimes, just a simple reset of your Bluetooth can fix the issue:

• Go to the ‘Settings’ menu
• Select the ‘Bluetooth’ tab
• Toggle the On/Off button.

2. Automatic Detection issue

AirPods have something called Automatic Detection, meaning that they detect when you put them on. Now, while this is a cool and useful feature, it might also cause problems as they might not detect correctly and, therefore, cut your audio.

Disable the Automatic Detection feature to fix the issue. Here is how to do it:

• Go to the ‘Settings’ menu
• Select the ‘Bluetooth’ tab
• Go to ‘My Devices’
• Select your AirPods and click the ‘More Info’ (I) button
• Turn off the ‘Automatic Ear Detection’ feature.

3. Update your iOS device

Apple devices constantly come up with new versions and features, this can also be the reason why your audio keeps cutting out because you don’t have the latest iOS version installed.

Apple has a way of making you download the newest version to get the most out of their product, this might very well be the case behind your issue. To update your iOS, follow these steps:

• Go to the ‘Settings’ menu
• Scroll down and select ‘General’
• Open the ‘Software Update’ tab
• Select ‘Download and Install’.

4. Automatic switching to other Apple devices

If your AirPods have been connected to other Apple devices like an iPad, iPod, or a Mac that you have, it might be switching to them if they are nearby and causing audio to end or cut.

To fix the issue, you have to re-select your device as a way to direct its connection toward the desired destination:

• Go to the ‘Settings’ tab
• Select the ‘Bluetooth’ tab
• Select your AirPods and click the ‘More Info’ (I) button
• Connect to your phone, iPad, Mac, etc.

5. Reset your AirPods

AirPods can be easily overused, and as with any device, overuse can lead to numerous issues like audio cutting. You’d be surprised that a simple reset might fix the issue.

To reset your AirPods correctly, follow these steps:

• Store your AirPods in the Charging Case for around 30 seconds
• Then open the case and go to ‘Settings’ on your phone
• Go to the ‘Bluetooth’ tab and select the AirPods through the ‘More Info’ (I) button to ‘Forget This Device’
• Press and hold the ‘Setup Button‘ on your Charging Case until it flashes the amber light, then the white for 15 seconds
• Lastly, reconnect the AirPods.

6. AirPods may be damaged

Sometimes, whatever you try, the issue may still persist. If this is the case, your AirPods are likely to be damaged in some sort of way. This can be for multiple reasons like some wear and tear within the AirPods; if they fall and crack – this can lead to various malfunctions with your sound; or speaker damage (dead speaker) which will likely need replacing.

To proceed the best way possible, I’d suggest you contact Apple Support for further instructions. Oftentimes, this can be solved by some maintenance and you will get your pair back working fine.

AirPods cutting out on Mac

If you have the same issue on your Mac, it is one of three reasons. The first is, you don’t have the latest version of macOS installed on your device. The second is a Bluetooth connection issue. The third is sound settings.

If you haven’t yet installed the latest version for Mac, I suggest you do so as it might fix the issue and produce a stable sound from your AirPods.

If the issue is Bluetooth connection, then you would need to simply reset the Bluetooth as a way of fixing this issue:

• Go to the ‘Apple Menu’ and select the ‘Bluetooth’ option
• Turn it off then on as a way to restart the connection (Your AirPods need to be in the Charging Case with the lid open)
• Press the Setup Button on the case until the status light flashes white
• Select the AirPods from the ‘Device List’
• Press ‘Connect’.

The issue might also be with your Sound Settings. To fix it, you would need to change the input and output on the device:

• Go to the ‘System Preferences’ tab
• Change ‘Output Device’ to your AirPods
• Also, change the ‘Audio Input’ to your AirPods (if you have no mic connected).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does only one AirPod keep cutting my sound?

AirPods have batteries that need to be charged. Think of them as two different sources instead of a pair. It is virtually impossible that they have the same battery, meaning that one might lose percentage a little faster than the other. The best way to avoid this is to frequently check the battery levels on both of them to ensure close battery percentages.

Why do AirPods keep cutting out on LapTop?

The most common issue with AirPods cutting out on your LapTop would be the Bluetooth connection. Most of the time, it’s going to be an interference of sorts that cuts your audio. The easiest solution is often the most obvious one – reset the Bluetooth on your LapTop and establish the connection again with your AirPods.

Why do AirPods keep cutting out while moving?

This is an obvious but very common issue. Oftentimes, we have our AirPods while we’re walking or running, this results in a constant signal disruption due to our motion. This is not a serious issue and will likely be solved once you stop and the connection re-establishes.

Conclusion

AirPods are great earphones and work perfectly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, sometimes they might experience connection issues or sound cutting out. This article provides several solutions to try and fix these issues. If none of the solutions work, then it might be that your AirPods are damaged and need to be replaced. Contacting Apple Support is the best way to proceed in this situation.