Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out During Calls Simple Diagnostic Steps

If you've ever been in the middle of an important call only for your AirPods to suddenly drop audio—cutting in and out or going silent—you're not alone. This frustrating issue affects many users across generations of AirPods, from the original models to the latest AirPods Pro. While wireless convenience is unmatched, it comes with vulnerabilities: signal interference, firmware bugs, battery degradation, and environmental factors can all disrupt your connection. The good news? Most of these problems are diagnosable and often fixable without replacing your earbuds.

This guide walks through the most common causes behind AirPods cutting out during calls and provides a clear, step-by-step approach to identify and resolve them. Whether you're using AirPods daily for work, fitness, or casual listening, restoring stable call performance is essential—and achievable.

Understanding the Root Causes

AirPods rely on Bluetooth technology to maintain a stable connection between your earbuds and your device. During phone calls, that link must transmit two-way audio data in real time. Any disruption—whether due to signal strength, processing load, or physical obstructions—can result in audio dropouts, stuttering, or complete disconnection.

The primary culprits fall into five broad categories:

• Bluetooth interference from nearby devices like microwaves, routers, or other wireless peripherals.
• Low battery or degraded battery health in one or both AirPods, especially after years of use.
• Firmware or software glitches in the AirPods themselves or the connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• Physical distance or obstacles between your AirPods and the source device.
• Hardware defects, such as water damage (even minor exposure), speaker coil issues, or internal sensor failure.

Before jumping to conclusions—or spending money on replacements—it’s worth systematically ruling out each potential cause.

Tip: If only one AirPod cuts out, focus troubleshooting on that specific bud first—battery imbalance is a common culprit.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process

Follow this structured sequence to isolate and address the issue efficiently. Each step builds on the previous one, helping you eliminate variables and pinpoint the root problem.

1. Test with another device: Pair your AirPods with a different smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Make a test call. If the dropout persists, the issue likely lies with the AirPods themselves. If it doesn’t occur, the original device may be at fault.
2. Check battery levels: Open the case near your iPhone and hold it close. Wait for the popup showing charge status. Ensure both AirPods and the charging case have sufficient power. A single low-battery earbud can cause intermittent cutouts.
3. Reset Bluetooth connections: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and select \"Forget This Device.\" Then re-pair them by opening the case near your phone and holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
4. Update firmware: Apple silently pushes AirPods firmware updates when they’re connected to a charged iPhone and left idle. Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. You can verify firmware by connecting to an iOS device, then visiting Settings > General > About > AirPods. The version should be at least 6A300 (current models vary).
5. Inspect for debris or moisture: Gently examine the speaker mesh and stem area for wax buildup, lint, or signs of moisture. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to clean—never insert liquids or sharp objects.

After completing these steps, make several short calls in different environments to assess stability. If the issue remains, proceed to deeper diagnostics.

Environmental and Usage Factors That Disrupt Connectivity

Your surroundings play a bigger role than most realize. Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band—the same as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens. When multiple devices compete for bandwidth, interference spikes, leading to packet loss and audio gaps.

Common high-risk environments include:

• Busy offices with dense Wi-Fi networks
• Kitchens during microwave use
• Public transit stations or subway platforms
• Rooms with thick concrete walls or metal framing

Additionally, movement matters. Walking away from your phone while on a call—even within the same room—can weaken the signal if there's a wall or large object between you. AirPods typically maintain a stable connection up to about 30–35 feet in open space, but that range drops significantly indoors.

“Bluetooth isn't just about distance—it's about line of sight and RF congestion. Users often overlook how much their environment impacts wireless reliability.” — Dr. Lin Wei, Wireless Communication Engineer, MIT Media Lab

Tip: Keep your iPhone in your front pocket or on your desk during calls to minimize signal obstruction.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices for Stable Audio

Do	Don’t
Store AirPods in the case when not in use to preserve battery	Leave AirPods exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures
Keep your iPhone and AirPods updated to the latest software versions	Ignore persistent firmware update notifications
Use one AirPod at a time sparingly; frequent mono use can strain battery balance	Assume both earbuds degrade at the same rate—check individual battery stats in Battery settings
Clean AirPods gently every few weeks with a dry microfiber cloth	Use alcohol, cleaning sprays, or cotton swabs that can push debris deeper
Restart your iPhone weekly to clear Bluetooth cache and background processes	Run too many Bluetooth devices simultaneously (e.g., headphones, keyboard, watch)

Consistent habits prevent many of the issues that lead to audio dropouts. For example, regularly restarting your iPhone clears temporary glitches in the Bluetooth stack—a known contributor to unstable connections.

Mini Case Study: Resolving Persistent Call Dropouts

Sarah, a remote project manager based in Chicago, began experiencing frequent AirPods Pro dropouts during Zoom calls. The audio would cut out every 30–60 seconds, usually affecting only her right earbud. Initially, she assumed it was a hardware defect and considered buying new ones.

She followed the diagnostic steps outlined here:

• Tested with her partner’s Android phone—dropouts continued.
• Checked battery health: Right AirPod showed 78%, left showed 89%.
• Reset network settings on her iPhone and re-paired the AirPods.
• Updated iOS to the latest version (iOS 17.5).
• Noticed the issue worsened near her home office router.

The breakthrough came when she moved her Wi-Fi router from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz mode, freeing up the 2.4 GHz band for Bluetooth. She also started placing her iPhone on her desk instead of in her bag. Combined, these changes eliminated the dropouts entirely.

Sarah’s experience highlights how multiple small factors—battery imbalance, RF congestion, and device placement—can compound into a major usability issue. Fixing one wasn’t enough; it took a holistic approach.

When Hardware Might Be the Issue

If software and environmental fixes fail, consider hardware limitations. All lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After approximately 500 full charge cycles, AirPods batteries typically retain about 80% of their original capacity. Older models (AirPods 1st or 2nd gen) are especially prone to this.

Signs of hardware-related cutouts include:

• Audio cutting out even when fully charged
• One AirPod consistently disconnecting while the other works fine
• Case failing to charge the AirPods properly
• Visible discoloration or residue inside the charging contacts

Apple offers battery service for AirPods at a flat fee (around $49–$69 USD depending on model). They replace the battery in each earbud and restore performance. Alternatively, if under AppleCare+, you may qualify for free replacement.

“We see a spike in AirPods repair requests around the 2–3 year mark. It's rarely total failure—it's usually inconsistent behavior like dropouts during calls.” — Jordan Lee, Apple Authorized Service Provider, NYC

FAQ: Common Questions About AirPods Call Issues

Why do my AirPods cut out only during calls but not while playing music?

Voice calls require a constant two-way Bluetooth connection for microphone input and speaker output. Streaming music uses a one-way, more forgiving audio profile. If your AirPods struggle with bidirectional data flow—due to interference or weak signal—they’ll fail during calls before affecting media playback.

Can I use third-party apps to diagnose AirPods connectivity?

Yes. Apps like Bluetooth Scanner or LilyView (on iOS) can display real-time signal strength (RSSI) between your AirPods and device. A value below -80 dBm indicates a weak connection. These tools help confirm whether distance or interference is the main issue.

Is it safe to use AirPods in the rain?

AirPods Pro (2nd gen) have an IP54 rating, meaning limited sweat and splash resistance—but not full waterproofing. Older models have no official water resistance. Exposure to moisture, even briefly, can corrode internal components over time and lead to intermittent failures. Always dry them thoroughly if exposed.

Final Checklist: Restore Stable Call Performance

Before concluding that your AirPods are faulty, run through this final checklist:

1. ✅ Update iPhone to latest iOS version
2. ✅ Forget and re-pair AirPods via Bluetooth settings
3. ✅ Test with another device to rule out phone-specific issues
4. ✅ Clean AirPods gently with a dry cloth or brush
5. ✅ Check individual battery levels in Settings > Battery > Battery Health
6. ✅ Reduce Bluetooth/Wi-Fi congestion in your environment
7. ✅ Restart your iPhone to refresh system services
8. ✅ Consider Apple’s battery replacement service if older than 2 years

Most users resolve the issue within three steps—often just by resetting the connection or moving away from interfering devices. Patience and methodical testing yield better results than assumptions.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your AirPods Experience

Intermittent audio cutouts don’t have to be the end of your AirPods’ usefulness. With a clear understanding of how Bluetooth works, awareness of environmental influences, and a structured troubleshooting process, you can restore reliable call quality—often in under 30 minutes. Many people replace functional gear prematurely because they lack access to systematic diagnostics. Now you have the tools to avoid that waste.

Start today: pick up your AirPods, check their battery, reset the pairing, and test in a low-interference space. Small actions lead to big improvements in daily tech performance.

💬 Did these steps solve your AirPods' dropout issue? Share your experience in the comments—your story could help someone else skip hours of frustration.