Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting During Calls And How To Stop It

If you've ever been in the middle of an important call—whether with a client, family member, or friend—and suddenly your AirPods cut out, you're not alone. This frustrating issue affects countless users across all AirPods models, from the original AirPods to the latest AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The disconnection might last a second or drop the audio entirely, leaving you scrambling to reconnect or switch back to your phone’s speaker. While Apple devices are known for their seamless integration, Bluetooth audio glitches like this can undermine trust in even the most reliable tech.

The root causes vary widely: interference, outdated firmware, device overload, physical obstructions, or even subtle hardware issues. The good news is that most disconnection problems are fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Understanding what triggers these interruptions—and how to prevent them—is key to restoring confidence in your wireless experience.

Common Causes of AirPods Disconnecting During Calls

AirPods rely on a stable Bluetooth connection between your earbuds and your connected device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.). During calls, especially voice or video calls via FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Teams, the demand on the Bluetooth signal increases due to real-time two-way audio transmission. Any disruption in this link can cause dropouts or complete disconnections.

• Bluetooth interference: Other wireless devices—Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones, or even nearby Bluetooth speakers—can interfere with the 2.4 GHz frequency band used by AirPods.
• Outdated firmware: AirPods run on firmware that Apple updates silently. If your earbuds haven’t updated recently, bugs affecting call stability may persist.
• Device overload: Running multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously (e.g., keyboard, watch, headphones) can strain your iPhone or Mac’s Bluetooth stack.
• Poor signal strength: Moving too far from your device, placing it in a bag, or turning around so your back faces the source can weaken the signal.
• Damaged or dirty sensors: Earwax, dust, or moisture buildup can interfere with the optical sensors and microphones, causing erratic behavior.
• Software bugs: iOS or app-specific bugs (especially in third-party calling apps) may trigger unexpected disconnects.

Tip: Keep your iPhone within three feet of your AirPods during critical calls, and avoid placing it in pockets or behind furniture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix AirPods Call Disconnections

Follow this structured approach to systematically eliminate potential causes and restore stable call performance.

1. Restart your AirPods and connected device. A simple reboot clears temporary glitches. Place your AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then reopen. Restart your iPhone or iPad at the same time.
2. Check for firmware updates. Firmware updates happen automatically when your AirPods are charging and near your iPhone. To verify: Go to Settings > General > About > AirPods. Look for a version number (e.g., 6A310). Compare it with Apple’s official firmware list online. If outdated, leave them charging near your iPhone overnight.
3. Forget and re-pair your AirPods. This resets the Bluetooth profile:
   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
   • Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
   • Select “Forget This Device.”
   • Place AirPods in the case, open the lid, press the setup button on the back until the light flashes white.
   • Reconnect as if pairing for the first time.
4. Reset network settings (iOS). This clears all saved Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth configurations. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
5. Clean your AirPods gently. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the stems and speaker grilles. For stubborn debris, use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to remove wax or dust from the microphone ports and optical sensors.
6. Test with another device. Pair your AirPods with a different iPhone, iPad, or Android phone to determine if the issue follows the earbuds or stays with your original device.
7. Disable Automatic Ear Detection. Sometimes false sensor readings cause pauses. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] > Disable “Automatic Ear Detection.”

Do’s and Don’ts When Troubleshooting AirPods Connectivity

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep your AirPods charged regularly	Don’t expose them to moisture or extreme temperatures
Update your iOS and paired devices frequently	Don’t use compressed air to clean the grilles (can damage internals)
Store them in the case when not in use	Don’t ignore recurring firmware update notifications
Use one AirPod at a time if needed during calls	Don’t force pairing in crowded Bluetooth environments (gyms, offices)
Check microphone settings in Accessibility	Don’t assume the issue is hardware-related without testing software fixes first

Expert Insight: What Engineers Say About Bluetooth Stability

Bluetooth technology has evolved significantly, but it remains sensitive to environmental conditions and protocol limitations. According to Dr. Lena Patel, senior wireless systems engineer at a leading audio R&D lab:

“Even premium earbuds like AirPods operate under tight power and bandwidth constraints. During voice calls, the bidirectional audio stream requires low latency and consistent packet delivery. Interference or weak signal strength can cause retries or timeouts, perceived by users as dropouts. Proper placement and minimizing competing signals are just as important as software updates.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Wireless Systems Engineer

This insight underscores that while Apple optimizes its ecosystem, physics still governs wireless performance. Users must play an active role in maintaining optimal conditions for connectivity.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Remote Work Struggles

Sarah, a project manager based in Chicago, began experiencing frequent AirPods disconnections during her daily Zoom stand-ups. Her AirPods Pro would cut out every few minutes, forcing her to repeat herself or switch to her laptop’s built-in mic. After weeks of frustration, she followed a systematic troubleshooting process.

She started by cleaning her AirPods, removing visible earwax from the stem sensors. That helped slightly, but didn’t solve the core issue. Next, she reset her network settings and re-paired the buds. Still, occasional dropouts persisted. Finally, she realized her home office desk was sandwiched between her Wi-Fi router and a smart speaker—both operating on 2.4 GHz.

By relocating her router to another room and switching her Mac to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, Sarah eliminated the interference. Since then, her AirPods have remained stable throughout calls—even during hour-long client meetings. Her experience highlights how environmental factors can be silent culprits behind seemingly technical malfunctions.

Checklist: Prevent Future AirPods Call Disconnections

Use this checklist weekly or whenever you notice instability:

• ✅ Clean AirPods and case with a dry microfiber cloth
• ✅ Ensure both AirPods and iPhone are fully charged before long calls
• ✅ Verify firmware is up to date (Settings > General > About > AirPods)
• ✅ Restart your iPhone at least once a week
• ✅ Avoid using AirPods near strong electromagnetic sources (microwaves, power strips)
• ✅ Test microphone input in Voice Memos or Siri before joining a call
• ✅ Disable Low Power Mode during calls—it can throttle Bluetooth performance
• ✅ Keep your iOS updated to the latest stable version

Tip: If you’re using AirPods with a Mac, ensure Handoff and Bluetooth Sharing are enabled in System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my AirPods disconnect only during calls and not while listening to music?

Voice calls require a two-way Bluetooth connection (input from your microphone and output to your ears), which is more demanding than one-way audio streaming. If there’s interference, outdated firmware, or a microphone sensor issue, it’s more likely to surface during calls. Music playback uses simpler, continuous data flow and may not reveal the same weaknesses.

Can third-party apps cause AirPods disconnections?

Yes. Some calling apps (like WhatsApp, Slack, or Microsoft Teams) don’t integrate as tightly with iOS Bluetooth drivers as native apps like FaceTime. Background processes, permission issues, or poor app optimization can disrupt the audio pipeline. Try reproducing the issue using FaceTime—if it doesn’t occur, the problem may lie with the third-party app.

Is it worth getting my AirPods serviced if they keep disconnecting?

If you’ve exhausted all software and environmental fixes—cleaning, resetting, updating, testing on other devices—and the issue persists, contact Apple Support. Physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure may require repair or replacement. Under warranty or AppleCare+, you may qualify for a free fix or swap.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Calling Experience

Unreliable AirPods during calls don’t have to be a permanent annoyance. Most disconnection issues stem from correctable causes—interference, outdated software, improper usage habits, or minor dirt buildup. By applying consistent maintenance, staying current with updates, and optimizing your environment, you can achieve the seamless wireless calling experience Apple designed.

Start with the basics: clean your AirPods, restart your devices, and re-pair them. Then dig deeper into settings and surroundings. Small adjustments often yield dramatic improvements. Remember, your AirPods are part of a larger ecosystem—how you use your iPhone, where you place your router, and even how you store your earbuds all matter.

🚀 Ready to reclaim crystal-clear calls? Pick one fix from this guide and apply it today. Share your results or tips in the comments below—your solution might help someone else stay connected.