Why Do Your AirPods Keep Pausing?

Apple AirPods are a great pair of wireless headphones. However, there are times when your shiny AirPods become a cause of annoyance. If your AirPods suddenly pauses, you are not alone out there. In fact, many users are facing the same issue with Apple’s AirPods. A few things may cause this issue, but most of them are easy to deal with.

In this guide, we will help you find out why your AirPods keep pausing and show you all the possible fixes. Before proceeding with any further fixes, make sure you keep your AirPods up to date. Simply put them in their case, connect them to a power source, and pair them to your iPhone or iPad to force the update. Sometimes a software update may do the trick. If the problem persists even after installing the latest update, read on.

How to fix the AirPods that Keep Pausing In 60 seconds

There are quick fixes for AirPods pausing you can try before bringing your headphones to an authorized repair.

If the audio keeps stopping and starting, the problem could be with your connection. This is because you leave your phone too far from your AirPods. According to Apple, if your iPhone is 30 feet away from your AirPods, the audio drops out and then plays.

One of the main reasons for AirPods pausing lies in a bad Bluetooth connection. In this case, try unpairing your headphones and pairing them again to see if the problem is fixed.

If the battery is running low, your AirPods will lose your connection, thus causing the audio to drop out. To charge your AirPods, put them in the case and wait for the AirPods to reach a full charge. The status light shows the current charge level. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods 3, simply tap the case while it’s on the charging mat to check the battery level.

So, Why Do Your AirPods Keep Pausing?

There are many reasons why your AirPods keep pausing without notice. We will go through some of the most common causes in the section below.

Proximity Sensors

Apple AirPods come with proximity sensors, which detect when you put them in or take them out of your ears. Your audio will automatically play or pause if you leave one away from the other. If your AirPods suddenly pause while still in your ears, make sure you check the sensors.

From the AirPods settings menu on your iPhone, select Bluetooth > tap on the “i” next to your AirPods > Turn off Automatic Ear Detection. With this feature turned off, the audio will keep playing even when you take your AirPods off.

Also, make sure your AirPods are clean. The proximity sensors will not work if there is ear wax present. Use a soft swab and some isopropyl alcohol to clean your AirPods.

Check Your Connection

Your AirPods work best if your connection is stable. If your AirPods keep pausing while connected to your iPhone, try placing your wireless headphones back in their case for about 30 seconds. Then, re-pair them with your iPhone. If that does not work, try disconnecting them entirely from your iPhone and reconnecting them.

To do so:

Open the Settings on your iPhone, then tap on Connections.
From here, select Bluetooth and un-pair your iPhone from the AirPods.
Reconnect both devices and check if the problem is dealt with.

Double-Tap Actions

If you double-tap your AirPod’s sensors, the content should pause automatically. If your AirPods suddenly pause, your double-tap settings could be the problem. To fix it, check your double-tap settings on your iPhone and select the options that best suit your needs.

Head to Settings > Bluetooth > More Info. From here, select your preferred options, including the option to enable a double-tap for your left or right AirPod. Other options include triggering Siri, skipping between tracks, and controlling music playback.

Hardware Issues

There is a slight chance you are experiencing hardware issues with your AirPods. Any hardware issues can be hard to fix as you need to deal with your device’s internal components. The main reason for a hardware issue is that you may have dropped your AirPods into water or on a hard surface.

Low Battery

You will experience a lot of interruptions when your AirPods are running low on battery. Your wireless headphones will automatically pause the audio every 20 seconds to let you know that you need to recharge them. To charge your AirPods, use the steps above.

If you want to charge your AirPods case via wired connection, simply plug your Lightning cable included in your box into the Lightning connector on your case. If your AirPods are not charging, rest assured, we have already covered fixing AirPods that are not charging.