Apple’s AirPods are a popular choice for music lovers, gym goers, and business professionals alike. They offer a seamless experience with seamless connectivity, high-quality sound, and many other useful features. However, one issue that many users seem to be experiencing is that their AirPods keep pausing unexpectedly. The issue is not only frustrating but can also be disruptive if it affects your work or workout routine.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons why your AirPods keep pausing and discuss the potential causes of these audio interruptions. We will also offer some solutions to fix the issue and prevent further interruptions.

Why Do My AirPods Keep Pausing?

There are several reasons why your AirPods might be pausing unexpectedly:

  1. The battery is low: When the battery life on your AirPods is low, the audio will pause or cut out. This is because AirPods consume more battery life when they are playing audio, and if the battery is low, the AirPods will automatically pause to save power.
  2. Software glitches: Like any software, the AirPods firmware can have glitches that affect its performance. If your AirPods keep pausing, it could be due to a bug in the firmware that needs to be addressed by a software update.
  3. Interference: Sometimes, other wireless devices or signals can interfere with your AirPods’ Bluetooth connectivity, leading to audio interruptions or dropped connections.
  4. Dirty AirPods: Another common cause of audio interruptions with AirPods is a build-up of earwax or dirt on the speaker grills. When this happens, the AirPods’ sensors may detect that they are not properly anchored in your ear and will pause the audio until they are repositioned.
  5. Physical interference: If your AirPods are not fitting properly, they may fall out or move around inside your ear. When this happens, the sensors in the AirPods may detect that they are not being worn correctly and pause the audio until they are repositioned.

How Do I Fix the Issue with My AirPods Pausing?

If your AirPods are pausing frequently, there are several steps you can try to fix the issue:

Step 1: Clean Your AirPods

The first troubleshooting step is to clean your AirPods. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the speaker grills and remove any earwax or dirt that may be blocking the sound. Apple also recommends using a clean and dry toothbrush to brush off any debris gently.

Step 2: Check Your Bluetooth Connection

Check that your AirPods are connected to your device and that there are no wireless signals that could be interfering with your Bluetooth connection. Make sure that there is no physical interference such as walls, furniture, or other obstructions in between your AirPods and your device.

Step 3: Reset Your AirPods

If cleaning your AirPods and checking your Bluetooth connection does not fix the issue, try resetting your AirPods. To do this, put both AirPods back into their charging case, then press and hold the button located on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber.

Step 4: Update Your Firmware

Check if there are any firmware updates available for your AirPods. To do this, open the Settings app on your iOS device, then tap on General, About, then select AirPods. If an update is available, follow the prompts to update your firmware. Keep in mind that your AirPods should be connected to your device and in the charging case to complete this process.

Is There a Way to Prevent My AirPods from Pausing?

There are several ways you can prevent your AirPods from pausing:

Tip 1: Keep Your AirPods Clean

Avoid letting dirt or earwax accumulate on your AirPods as this can interfere with the sensors. Clean your AirPods regularly and store them properly in their charging case when not in use.

Tip 2: Check Your Battery Life

Make sure your AirPods have sufficient charge before you start using them. This will prevent them from unexpectedly pausing when the battery life is low.

Tip 3: Wear Your AirPods Properly

Ensure your AirPods fit properly in your ears, as physical interference can trigger the sensors to pause the audio. Adjust the position of the AirPods as needed to prevent them from moving around or falling out, especially during physical activity.

Tip 4: Stay Away from Interference

Avoid using your AirPods in areas with plenty of wireless signals or obstacles in between your device and your AirPods. These can significantly affect Bluetooth connectivity, leading to audio interruptions and dropped connections. Make sure your device is close to the AirPods for better connectivity.

The Bottom Line

Audio interruptions are a common issue with AirPods, but they can be resolved with a few simple steps such as cleaning your AirPods, resetting them, checking your Bluetooth connection, and updating your firmware. To prevent your AirPods from pausing, keep them clean, check your battery life, wear them properly, and stay away from interference. With these tips, you can enjoy uninterrupted music and audio on your AirPods.

References

  1. “How to Clean Your AirPods and EarPods”. Apple Support. Retrieved 22 July 2021 from <https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208729>
  2. “Avoid Bluetooth Interference”. Apple Support. Retrieved 22 July 2021 from <https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201542>