AirPods are a stylish and convenient way to listen to music or make phone calls. However, there is nothing worse than the volume cutting out during a jam session or an important meeting. The reasons this is happening are quite common and easy to fix. Let’s look at why your AirPods keep disconnecting from your devices and how to fix them.
Your Firmware Is Out of Date
AirPods have an integrated programming system called firmware, which operates similarly to your computer’s OS. Most of the time, this firmware will update automatically when you’re connected to Wi-Fi to bring the device in line with new industry and security standard. There will be times when you’re away from a Wi-Fi network, and you get stuck with outdated AirPods that don’t work. You can access your firmware updates from a mobile device.
On iOS Devices
When your AirPods are connected to a mobile device (iPad, iPhone), follow these steps to update their firmware:
- Head to Settings on your iOS device and tap Bluetooth.
- Select your AirPods from the list of devices.
- Tap the “i” icon (information icon) next to the name of your device.
- Here, you can see which version your AirPods have. Check to see if it is the latest version, then when using Wi-Fi (or mobile data if you have it), download and install the current version.
On MacBook and Other Devices
Unfortunately, there is no way to update the firmware of AirPods through Android, Windows, and even MacBook computers. If you need to update your firmware and don’t have an iPhone or iPad, find a friend who does to help you.
Bluetooth Interference
AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to your device. Sometimes, there is interference with other devices around you. For example, a router broadcasts a signal at 2.4GHz frequency, which is the same frequency as Bluetooth. Standing next to a router can create interference with your AirPods. Most wireless devices and gadgets like mice or keyboards also broadcast at 2.4GHz.
If you work in an office or are at a coffee shop, there’s a good chance some interference is causing your AirPods to disconnect. Try to move to a more secluded area and see if that fixes the problem.
Automatic Ear Detection
All AirPod models have built-in sensors that detect if the AirPods are in your ear or not. They may shut off if the sensors detect rapid movement from the AirPods.
This is irritating if you have difficulty keeping AirPods in your ears and always have to adjust them. Luckily, you can disable this function by doing the following:
- Head to Settings on your iOS device and tap Bluetooth.
- Select your AirPods from the list of devices.
- Tap the “i” icon (information) next to the name
- Deselect the “Automatic Ear Detection” option.
After completing these steps, your AirPods should stay on as long as you are using them, regardless of movement.
Different Bluetooth Versions
AirPods run on Bluetooth 5.0. If you pair them with an older Windows PC or Android device, or even an old Mac, it may be running an old version of Bluetooth. When this happens, the AirPods have to downgrade to connect with the device. This lowers the range and connection quality of the AirPods, which can lead to disconnects.
If you have an old Bluetooth device, you can buy an external Bluetooth 5.0 drive. These handy tools emit a 5.0 Bluetooth signal.
If you already have a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter, you can use the external drive to boost your signal, giving you more space to move around if you need to be away from your device for a few minutes.
Note: These external drives are usually USB. They are best used with computers, but there are adapters you can buy for your mobile devices to plug them in.
Accumulated Grime and Wear
AirPods are portable, so you’re probably taking them everywhere you go. This can create a lot of wear and tear on the device, which can pose problems down the line. It’s important to take good care of your AirPods by keeping them in the case when they’re not in use.
Another good way to keep your AirPods running well is to clean them every few days.First you will need the following materials: 70% isopropyl alcohol, a toothbrush, toothpicks, cotton swabs, and a lint-free cloth.
To clean and maintain the AirPods, follow these instructions:
- Put some of the alcohol on a cotton swab and the cloth.
- Use the cotton swab to get into all of the crevices of the devices. Take out any debris or ear wax.
- Use a toothpick to go around the edges and creases of the AirPods. Be gentle with this part, as the mesh part of the AirPods is very delicate and can break.
- Take the toothbrush and gently clean out any small or fine debris from the AirPods.
- Wipe down the AirPods with the cloth and you’re done!
Keeping your AirPods in good condition is important. If you take care of them, you shouldn’t have too many issues connecting them to your devices.
Here are a couple more ways you can get your AirPods working again.
Put Your AirPods in Their Case
After your AirPods disconnect, there are times where they don’t automatically reconnect to your device.
When you put your AirPods back in their case, the charging function ends any connection the AirPods have. When you take them back out, they will try to reconnect again.
Reset Your AirPods
Like most gadgets, AirPods can usually be fixed by manually resetting them. To do this, do the following:
- Place your AirPods in the case. They will need to have at least 75% of their battery life, so if they are low, charge them now.
- Open the lid of the case, with your AirPods in, and hold the back button for 20 seconds.
- Once the light turns from white to yellowish, you’ve successfully reset your AirPods.
Your AirPods should be working normally now. Check and make sure there are no more disconnection problems, then enjoy!
No Sound From Connected AirPods
There are a few reasons you might not be receiving sound on one or both earbuds, even with proper connectivity. One common cause is that your phone audio settings are not balanced. The best way to do that is to reset your AirPods, but you can also go into your device’s settings and rebalance your audio. Here are the instructions for all available devices.
For iOS Devices
- In your device’s settings, go to the “Accessibility” tab.
- In the “accessibility” tab, choose “Audio/Visual.”
- Set the balance bar to the middle.
For Android Devices
- In your device’s settings, go to the “Accessibility” tab.
- Select the “Audio and On-Screen Text” tab.
- In the “Audio balance” section, set the balance bar to the middle.
For Mac
- Click the Bluetooth icon, select your AirPods, then select “Open Sound Preferences.”
- Find the “Output” tab and select your AirPods again.
- Set the balance bar to the middle.
For Windows
- In settings, select “System.”
- Find the “Sound” tab, then click.
- In the “Output” section, choose your AirPods as the output device.
- Click on “Device Properties.”
- Set the audio balance for both AirPods to 50.
FAQ
Do AirPods work the same on Android and Windows devices?
AirPods connect through Bluetooth, so any Bluetooth-enabled device will be able to connect. However, many features, including battery life check and automatic ear detection, are only enabled on iOS devices. You also cannot check for updates for your AirPods using anything other than an iOS device.
Luckily, there are a few third-party apps that add some much-needed functionality for your device with AirPods. You can find a good guide for them online.
I’ve tried all of these methods and my AirPods are still disconnecting. What should I do?
Chances are that the problem lies with your playing device, not the AirPods. Go through your device and troubleshoot the Bluetooth settings. A good, easy way to check is to find another Bluetooth device and see if you encounter any connection issues.
Before We Disconnect
We hope that this article has helped you with those pesky AirPods disconnecting. We’ve listed the best and most convenient ways to fix this issue, but there’s always more to find out.
For our tech-savvy readers, what are some other methods you used to get your AirPods working again? Tell us all about them in the comment section!
