Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting During Calls Simple Fixes

If you’ve ever been in the middle of an important call—whether it’s a client meeting, catching up with family, or coordinating work—and your AirPods suddenly cut out, you know how frustrating it can be. The voice fades, the connection drops, and you’re left tapping your earbud, hoping it reconnects. You're not alone. Many AirPods users report intermittent disconnections during calls, even when everything seems to be working fine moments before.

The good news is that most of these issues are fixable without needing a replacement or visiting Apple Support. From software glitches and Bluetooth interference to hardware wear and outdated firmware, several factors can cause your AirPods to disconnect mid-call. This guide breaks down the root causes and provides practical, step-by-step solutions that actually work.

Common Causes of AirPods Disconnecting During Calls

Before diving into fixes, it's essential to understand what might be triggering the disconnection. Unlike music playback, phone calls place different demands on your AirPods’ Bluetooth connection, often relying more heavily on microphone input, signal stability, and device prioritization.

• Bluetooth interference: Other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, smart home gadgets) operating on the 2.4 GHz band can disrupt the signal.
• Outdated firmware: AirPods receive firmware updates through your connected iOS device. If your iPhone hasn’t updated recently, your AirPods may be running old firmware.
• Low battery: One or both AirPods dropping below critical charge can cause automatic disconnection.
• Dirty sensors: Earwax or debris blocking proximity or optical sensors may trick the AirPods into thinking they’ve been removed.
• Device overload: Multiple connected Bluetooth devices can confuse pairing priority, especially if another gadget tries to stream audio.
• Software bugs: iOS glitches after updates or background app conflicts can interrupt Bluetooth stability.
• Physical obstructions: Walls, metal objects, or even your own body can weaken the Bluetooth signal between your AirPods and device.

Tip: Always test your AirPods in a low-interference environment first—like a quiet room away from routers or microwaves—to rule out environmental causes.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this structured approach to identify and resolve the issue systematically. Start with the simplest fixes and move toward deeper diagnostics.

1. Restart Your Devices
   Power cycle both your iPhone (or iPad/Mac) and your AirPods. Turn off Bluetooth, restart the device, then turn Bluetooth back on. For AirPods, open the case, press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. This resets the connection.
2. Check Battery Levels
   Open the AirPods case near your iPhone to see the battery widget. Ensure both earbuds and case have sufficient charge. A single AirPod below 10% may disconnect automatically during high-demand tasks like calls.
3. Clean the AirPods Gently
   Use a dry, lint-free cloth and a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to remove debris from the speaker mesh, stem, and charging contacts. Avoid liquids or compressed air.
4. Forget and Re-Pair the AirPods
   Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and select “Forget This Device.” Then, re-pair them by opening the case near your iPhone and following the on-screen prompt.
5. Update iOS and AirPods Firmware
   Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS (Settings > General > Software Update). Firmware updates for AirPods happen automatically when connected to a charging iPhone, but keeping the case plugged in overnight can help trigger pending updates.
6. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
   In Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] > Ignore Automatic Switching, toggle off “Automatic Ear Detection.” This prevents the AirPods from pausing based on sensor input, which can be faulty over time.
7. Reset Network Settings
   As a last resort, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular configurations. You’ll need to re-pair all devices afterward.

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

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep your iPhone and AirPods within 30 feet with minimal obstructions	Don’t use AirPods in areas with heavy Wi-Fi congestion (e.g., offices with many routers)
Store AirPods in their case when not in use to maintain charge	Don’t expose AirPods to moisture or extreme temperatures
Use one AirPod at a time only if necessary; dual mode stabilizes the call link	Don’t attempt DIY repairs if sensors are malfunctioning
Update your iOS regularly to ensure compatibility	Don’t ignore repeated disconnection patterns—they indicate underlying issues

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Remote Work Fix

Sarah, a project manager based in Chicago, began experiencing frequent AirPods Pro dropouts during Zoom meetings. She’d hear her colleagues say, “You’re breaking up,” while her connection appeared stable. At first, she assumed it was her internet, but the issue persisted even on strong Wi-Fi.

After testing multiple fixes, she discovered two key problems: her AirPods were running outdated firmware due to infrequent iPhone updates, and her desk sat directly between a Wi-Fi router and a cordless phone base station—both sources of 2.4 GHz interference.

She updated her iPhone to iOS 17.5, reset her AirPods, and moved her workspace five feet to the left, away from the router. The disconnections stopped entirely. “It wasn’t magic,” she said. “Just a few small changes made a huge difference.”

Expert Insight: What Engineers Say About Bluetooth Stability

“Bluetooth call performance depends on consistent packet transmission. When multiple devices compete for bandwidth or sensors misfire, even high-end earbuds like AirPods can struggle. The solution isn’t always hardware—it’s often about optimizing the ecosystem around the device.” — Dr. Marcus Lin, Wireless Systems Engineer at MIT Media Lab

This insight underscores a crucial point: your AirPods don’t operate in isolation. Their performance is influenced by your phone’s software health, surrounding electronics, and even how you physically carry your device. Keeping your iPhone in a metal-lined pocket or backpack, for example, can block the Bluetooth signal enough to cause micro-disconnects during calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my AirPods disconnect only during calls but not when listening to music?

Voice calls require bidirectional data flow—your voice is transmitted back to the phone via the microphone, which demands a more stable and responsive Bluetooth connection than passive audio playback. If the link wavers, the system may drop the call channel while maintaining media audio. Sensor errors or firmware bugs often affect call handling more severely.

Can third-party apps cause AirPods disconnections?

Yes. Some VoIP or conferencing apps (like WhatsApp, Slack, or Google Meet) manage audio routing differently than native phone calls. Background apps may also hijack audio focus. Try making a standard FaceTime or cellular call to test if the issue persists outside third-party platforms.

How do I check my AirPods’ firmware version?

You can’t view the firmware version directly in iOS settings, but it updates automatically when your AirPods are connected to a charging iPhone. To verify an update occurred, connect your AirPods, go to Settings > General > About > AirPods, and check details like model number. Sudden improvements in stability often follow silent firmware upgrades.

Essential Checklist: Fix AirPods Call Dropouts Fast

Quick Action Checklist:

• ✅ Restart your iPhone and AirPods
• ✅ Check battery levels on both AirPods
• ✅ Clean sensors and charging contacts gently
• ✅ Forget and re-pair your AirPods
• ✅ Update your iPhone to the latest iOS
• ✅ Disable Automatic Ear Detection temporarily
• ✅ Move away from Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth-heavy zones
• ✅ Test with a standard phone call (not third-party app)
• ✅ Reset network settings if all else fails

Run through this checklist in order. Most users resolve the issue by step five. If problems continue beyond this, consider contacting Apple Support—there may be a hardware defect, especially if one AirPod consistently underperforms.

Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Results

Dealing with AirPods disconnecting during calls doesn’t have to mean replacing them or enduring constant frustration. In most cases, the fix lies in overlooked settings, environmental factors, or minor maintenance steps. The key is systematic troubleshooting: isolate variables, test changes, and observe results.

Modern wireless audio is convenient, but it’s not immune to interference or degradation over time. By treating your AirPods as part of a broader tech ecosystem—not just standalone accessories—you gain better control over their performance.

💬 Have you fixed your AirPods disconnection issue? Share your experience below. Your tip could help someone avoid hours of frustration.