Why Do My Airpods Keep Cutting Out When Fully Charged? 9 Proven Fixes

Oct 16, 2023 - Views: 1165

Rating: 5.0 - 50Votes

AirPods gives us a seamless, perfect audio experience but Why do my AirPods keep cutting out when fully charged

Have you ever been in that situation? Don’t worry.

Read this article to find out the reasons why it happens and simple ways to fix it effectively. 

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting when fully charged

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting when fully charged

Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out When Fully Charged?

Usually, for any problem, you need to find out the causes before applying any fix. This cutout issue does too.

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out when it is charged fully? Understand the reasons and you can prevent it in the future.

Cutouts mean your audio keeps stuttering or choppy even though your AirPods are still connecting to your device. 

This differs from when your AirPods suddenly completely disconnect from your device or your AirPods sound too quiet.   

Now, let’s take a look at 6 common reasons why your AirPods cut out below:

  • Unstable connection

  • AirPod sensor issues

  • Low battery

  • Incompatible firmware version

  • Hardware defect

  • Audio source issues

Unstable connection

The first common reason for AirPods cutouts is an unstable connection. 

Not only AirPods but also many devices connect via Bluetooth. 

As a result, if you are in an area full of other same-frequency connections, the cutouts will happen.

To be clear, for example, at the gym center, both customers and staff are using wireless headphones. 

Of course, your AirPods need to compete with many connections for space in that 2.4 GHz frequency range.

Everyone at the gym use AirPods can cause cutouts

Everyone at the gym use AirPods can cause cutouts

Bluetooth range is also an important consideration. 

This is determined by how far you can move away from your device while remaining connected. 

The optimal range for AirPods is 30-60 ft (10-18 m). 

When you leave this range, the connection deteriorates, and the audio crackles.

AirPod sensor issues

Like many new wireless headphones, the AirPods can detect when they're in your ear and automatically play or pause music. 

This feature is known as "Automatic Ear Detection" and is enabled by default.

When you remove one or both of your AirPods, the audio stops and resumes when you put them back on.

It means that sometimes your AirPods can make a mistake and can not detect them even if you don’t take off your AirPods. Thus, audio cutouts may happen.

Low battery

Normally, when the battery of your AirPods or your device is low, the Bluetooth connectivity can be dropped and you can’t hear any sound. 

However, the audio may still play from your source device. 

Look out if your devices are less than 20% battery life because every device needs enough power for optimal performance.

AirPods can be used for up to 5 hours of listening time on a 25-minute charge. 

Incompatible firmware

Like everything technical, it’s essential to update software to make sure things run smoothly.

From the first version in 2007, Apple has released many versions. Unfortunately, bugs can appear in the early stages of the updates. 

As a consequence, AirPods issues like sudden cutouts happen.

Incompatible firmware issue of AirPods

Incompatible firmware issue of AirPods

Hardware defect

Moreover, the problem could be with your AirPods. 

There is always the possibility that the hardware inside the earbuds is faulty, defective, or damaged and requires repair or replacement.

Apple has admitted that a small number of AirPods manufactured prior to October 2020 were defective, and some users will experience sound issues. 

If you believe your AirPods are affected, you can take the steps outlined by Apple here.

Audio source issues

If you're sure your AirPods are working properly but the audio still cuts out, the problem may be with the audio source.

The audio source may have too many apps running, which can slow down its performance or interfere with the Bluetooth connection that AirPods need.

The audio source may have outdated drivers that can cause audio problems.

Too many apps running can also cause low-volume issues in AirPods.

Audio source issues of AirPods

Audio source issues of AirPods

Read more: How long do AirPods Max take to charge?

How to Fix AirPods Keep Cutting Out?

You’ve known 6 common reasons for AirPods cutouts. It’s time to deal with this issue. 

Take a look at these simple solutions below:

  • Check the battery levels

  • Check Bluetooth connection

  • Reset your AirPods

  • Turn the Automatic Ear Detection off

  • Update your AirPods’ firmware

  • Disable audio enhancements

  • Clean up the AirPods

  • Update your operating system

  • Contact Apple support

Check the battery levels

Before applying any technical solution, check your AirPods battery life. 

Because AirPods don’t show any battery indicators on the earpieces, users may not notice and realize whether AirPods is low battery or not.

We all know how to charge AirPods, but how to check the AirPods battery? Follow these steps.

How to check the battery levels?

How to check the battery levels?

Check Bluetooth connection

If you're encountering inconsistent audio quality despite having a sufficient battery charge, it's possible due to a Bluetooth connectivity issue. 

To enhance your connection, consider the following steps:

  • Ensure there are no physical barriers between your device and AirPods, as these obstacles can disrupt the wireless link. Try moving your device closer to your AirPods to eliminate any potential physical interference.

  • Another solution is to relocate to an area with minimal wireless interference. Locations with multiple Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and wireless speakers can interfere with your Bluetooth connection. Transitioning to a quieter environment can significantly enhance the stability of your connection.

Reset your AirPods

Besides, you can reset your AirPods to restore all factory settings. This action will remove any bugs or internal settings issues. Here’s how you do it for your AirPods:

Step 1: Go to Settings => Bluetooth. Tap the small “i” icon 

Step 2: Tap Forget this device and confirm 

Step 3: Place the earpieces in their case and close the lid

Step 4: Press and hold the multifunction button of the case for 15 seconds until the status light turns from amber to white.

Step 5: After a few seconds, reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone.

Steps to reset your AirPods

Steps to reset your AirPods

Turn the Automatic Ear Detection off

As mentioned, the Automatic Ear Detection can be incorrect. You can disable this feature to allow your AirPods to continue playing audio even when you are not wearing it. 

So, how to disable it? Take a look.

Step 1: Go to Settings => Bluetooth. Tap the small “i” icon

Step 2: Turn off Automatic Ear Detection

How to turn the Automatic Ear Detection off?

How to turn the Automatic Ear Detection off?

Update your AirPods’ firmware

If your AirPods cutouts is due to incompatible firmware, let’s update it. 

It's difficult to manually update AirPods to newer firmware versions, but with Apple, you can setup to do it automatically.

Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Turn on your AirPods (make sure the AirPods connect to your iPhone)

Step 2: The firmware will be downloaded, updated, and installed on the AirPods automatically.

Step 3: Go to Settings > Bluetooth to see if the firmware version has been updated.

Step 4: Locate your AirPods and press the small "i" icon on the right.

Step 5: Check to see if the Firmware Version has been updated.

How to update AirPods’ firmware?

How to update AirPods’ firmware?

Clean up the AirPods

Over time, the dust particles may be accumulated in the delicate holes of your AirPods. As a result, it blocks the sound from coming out. 

Therefore, it’s great to clean up your lovely AirPods.

Clean your AirPods to restore the sound with a cotton bud or specialized devices.

Take a reference to the best AirPods cleaning kit below:

AKIKI Earbuds Cleaning Kit

Best overall

39 Pcs Cleaning Kit

Best for quality

REFLYING’s Phone Cleaning Kit

Best for safety

CRYSFIY 7-in-1 Electronic Cleaner Kit

Best for versatility

RevJams 31pc Cleaning Kit

Best for hard-to-reach places

MUIIGOOD AirPods Cleaner Kit

Best variety

Kikkerland Earbud Cleaning Kit

Best compact

KeyBudz Air Care AirPods Cleaning Kit

Best all-in-one

Update your operating system

The disconnect issue may arise due to compatibility issues between your operating system and the AirPods software. 

Therefore, it's essential to ensure that you are running the latest version of the operating system, as any bugs in the previous version may have been resolved in the new update. 

It's worth trying this approach to resolve the problem.

Contact Apple support

If you apply all troubleshooting steps and the problem still remains, it's advisable to reach out to Apple Support for assistance. 

This solution can help you solve other issues as well, such as AirPods Max won't charge.

You can access helpful resources through their online forums or get in touch with them directly via phone or chat.

When contacting Apple Support, it's crucial to effectively communicate your issue. To ensure a smoother and more productive interaction, please take note of the following information:

  • On your iPhone, navigate to Bluetooth settings and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods' name.

  • Make sure to record the following details: model number, serial number, and version.

  • Write down the specifics of your issue or concern: describe what occurred, when it started happening, and the actions you've taken since it began.

Get the Apple support

Get the Apple support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do my AirPods sound stutter?
It may be due to the quality of the AirPods connection. Check the Bluetooth connectivity and then reconnect. Remember standing in an area with many 2.4GHz frequency devices like microwaves, fridges can make sound stutter.
How long do AirPods last?
With a full battery, you can use AirPods for up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled) or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge.
How do I check the health of my AirPod battery?
In the article, we’ve mentioned the way to check the AirPods battery. Read again to know how to check.

Conclusion

Why do my AirPods keep cutting out when fully charged? Hope that you understand why it happens. Most importantly, you’ve known and can deal with this issue easily and quickly if it occurs. Follow us to get further useful information. 

Rating: 5.0 - 50Votes

12 Comments

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  1. Hudson Hammond

    Hudson Hammond

    Excellent article

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    1. Barcodelive

      Thanks

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  2. Emmett Butler

    Emmett Butler

    One question: Can i replace airpods battery?

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    1. Barcodelive

      Apple can replace your AirPods battery for a service free. Its warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use.
      Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ for Headphones and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity

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  3. Weston Hale

    Weston Hale

    Why are my AirPods dying so fast all of a sudden?

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    1. Barcodelive

      If your AirPods are dying quickly, try lowering the volume and see if that helps. It's also better for the long-term health of your ears

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  4. Brynlee Hughes

    Brynlee Hughes

    Should I keep my AirPods Max fully charged or can I let them drain before recharging? I know some batteries in the past had better long term performance if kept between 40 and 80% charge, but I’m not sure about the Max’s battery.

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    1. Michael Hamilton

      Michael Hamilton

      Get apple care and it doesn’t matter what you do

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    2. Elena Porter

      Elena Porter

      I let it hit 35%. Then I charge it to ~95% and follow this cycle

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  5. Jaxton Carter

    Jaxton Carter

    I’ve been having the problem for a couple weeks now. If I’m listening to music, I’ll get about 15 minutes worth of play, and then the right AirPod cuts out and only plays out of the left. If I put them back in the case it’s saying that it’s got 96% battery. With podcasts I’ll get about 40 minutes and watching Netflix I’ll get over an hour.
    I’ve reset both the AirPods and the iPhone X dozens of times. They’re 1st gen AirPods, bought in summer 2018 so is it just that they’re dying on me?

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    1. Mia White

      Mia White

      One thing to try on the AirPods is to clean the bottom of the AirPods (the metal) and the inside of the AirPods case. Then on the iPhone X, to forget the AirPods connection in Bluetooth settings and pair them again

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    2. Camilla Thomas

      Camilla Thomas

      It’s very likely

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