If you’re having trouble with your wireless headphones cutting out, I created this article for you.
Although Bluetooth headphones are an amazingly comfortable way to listen to music, they sometimes get cut off for one reason or another.
Below I list the most probable reasons and their quick fixes.
Why Can a Pair of Bluetooth Headphones Cut Off?
- Large Distance Between the Audio Source and The Wireless Headphones
- The Bluetooth Signal Interferes with Other Devices
- Frequency Issues
- Too High Volume
- The Streaming Music App Is Buggy
- The Streaming App Might Experience Wi-Fi Connection Issues
- The Streaming Device Might Have Many Applications Running Simultaneously
- The Headphones Are Faulty
- The Headphones’ Battery Might Be Running Low
- There Might Be a Mismatch Between the Streaming Device and The Headphones
- Both Devices Might Need Updates
We’ll go into more detail below.
Large Distance Between the Audio Source and the Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth can function within certain ranges of distance, which is the most common reason behind audio stutters.
Thus, the first thing to check is the distance between the streaming device and the Bluetooth headphones. To perform the test, slowly move away from the device while holding the headphones until the sound is completely cut off (about 3 feet (10 meters)). The connection should be restored when you start coming close to the device again.
If not, you might need to update the WiFi capability of the audio device to receive better-quality reception.
The Bluetooth Signal Interferes with Other Devices
Bluetooth headphones are designed to connect to multiple devices.
That can predominantly happen when you have used your pair of wireless headphones on multiple devices (i.e., laptop and phone). While playing music, the Bluetooth Headphones might try to connect simultaneously to another audio source.
To fix that issue, try to disable Bluetooth to all other devices near the headphones.
There May Be Frequency Issues
The frequency that Bluetooth technology uses is on the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
Most devices, regardless if they use Bluetooth, operate on that frequency (i.e., cordless phones, remotes, WiFi, and other gadgets). Crosstalk between the devices can occur, creating audio stutters and brief disconnections.
To prevent that phenomenon, try to keep your headphones as close to your audio source as possible.
Too High Volume
There are occasions when high volume affects audio while streaming music. If this is the case, you need to adjust the volume on the streaming device.
For an Android Phone
- Access the “Settings” application.
- Open the “Sound and Notification” tab.
- Find the volume bar and drag the line until it reaches zero.
For an iPhone
- Access the “Settings” application.
- Find the volume bar and drag the line until it reaches zero.
For a Laptop
- Access the “Settings” application
- Click on “System Preferences”
- After you select “Sound,” click on the “Output” tab
- Locate the devices list, which will be in the top left corner. Under the list, you will find the “Line Out” option, which you will click on
- Select “Cueing Dropdown” and then set “Priority Between Sound Coming Out Through Device Speakers Vs. Line Out Jack”
The Streaming Music App is Buggy
Streaming applications aren’t always perfect and might exhibit bug issues.
You can try streaming music from another application to test whether the app is faulty. The application will be the reason for your Bluetooth headphones cutting out if there is no disruption while using the other streaming source.
If you use a different application on other Bluetooth devices, and the audio stutter keeps happening, there might be an issue with the Bluetooth headphones.
The Streaming App Might Experience WiFi Connection Issues
Some streaming apps (i.e., the free version of Spotify) require a WiFi connection.
The apps cannot load enough data when your connection is weak or laggy. Thus, they do not smoothly produce music and other types of audio. In this case, you will hear multiple stutters, and the Bluetooth headphones’ will continuously buffer.
If that’s the case, you can change your streaming application until you receive a better WiFi signal.
The Streaming Device Might Have Many Applications Running Simultaneously
Bluetooth technology can be affected by several issues.
Many apps running in the background of any audio source (i.e., laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) can cause buffering for the audio. The system’s RAM (short-term memory) might be overwhelmed by all the applications running, stuttering the whole system.
Additionally, some open apps might try to use the device’s Bluetooth connection. Thus, the apps interfere with the connection between said device and Bluetooth headphones.
To fix the issue, try to close as many applications as possible.
The Headphones are Faulty
An audio stutter can appear whether your pair is worn out or brand new with manufacturing issues.
To test if your Bluetooth headphones are faulty, try using them on multiple devices. If the audio stutter keeps on happening, the headphones have issues.
In any case, you cannot do much other than service or replace them.
The Headphones’ Battery Might Be Running Low
In general terms, Bluetooth technology does not reduce the battery life of any device.
Nevertheless, you will probably detect audio buffering when using your headphones for long periods without charging them. This can be observed on both the headphones and the audio device. It usually happens because each system tries to maintain power and Bluetooth connectivity.
To test if the battery cuts off sound, try using your headphones and the audio source with the battery fully charged.
There Might Be a Mismatch Between the Streaming Device and the Headphones
In this case, we mainly refer to Bluetooth incompatibilities.
The latest versions of Bluetooth technology (Bluetooth 4 and over) are compatible with Bluetooth 3 and 4. You might find several software incompatibilities regarding Bluetooth 2 and some 3 devices.
Using a specialized algorithm, you can make a few adjustments to the sample consumption rate.
There Might Be Updates Needed on the Audio Source
You should check for updates if you use a phone, PC, or Mac to listen to music or podcasts.
Bluetooth technology consists of several keys that usually need to be replaced or updated. If you suspect this is the case, check for updates in your software.
There is a possibility that Bluetooth files were lost or moved during the reinstalling process of an update. You can check with a technician if this is the issue and, if so, repeat the installation.
There is also a possibility that the streaming application is outdated or discontinued. You can update the application if you are using an old version.
How to Increase the Connection Between the Two Bluetooth Devices
Other ways to strengthen the connection between your Bluetooth headphones and the audio source:
- Check the Bluetooth version: your audio device needs to have the latest Bluetooth version it can handle.
- Keep your Bluetooth headphones and the audio devices close to each other; it can strengthen the signal and reduce audio buffering.
- Turn the Bluetooth off and on again: turning off and on the Bluetooth function resets the connection. Once reset, the connection might be stronger.
- Restart your audio device and/or your Bluetooth headphones: the restarting process can fix some bugs in the system.
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Video References
Branch Education
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