Why Do My Wireless Earbuds Keep Cutting Out During Calls Troubleshooting Guide

Wireless earbuds have transformed the way we communicate, listen to music, and take calls on the go. But nothing disrupts productivity or conversation quite like audio cutting out mid-call. If you’ve found yourself repeating “Can you hear me now?” more than once, you’re not alone. Intermittent audio dropouts during phone or video calls are a common frustration — but they’re rarely random. Most issues stem from identifiable causes, ranging from Bluetooth interference to firmware bugs. This guide breaks down the root causes of call disruptions and provides actionable solutions to restore seamless connectivity.

Understanding the Common Causes of Audio Dropouts

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what might be causing your earbuds to cut out. Unlike music playback, voice calls place different demands on Bluetooth performance. The codec used, connection stability, microphone handoff between earbuds, and environmental interference all play critical roles.

• Bluetooth interference: Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and other wireless devices operating on the 2.4 GHz band can interfere with your earbuds’ signal.
• Distance and obstacles: Moving too far from your device or placing physical barriers (like walls or your body) between your phone and earbuds weakens the signal.
• Firmware bugs: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause instability in audio transmission, especially during two-way communication.
• Low battery: When earbud batteries dip below a certain threshold, some models reduce power to maintain basic function, which can lead to audio hiccups.
• Poor codec support: Not all Bluetooth codecs handle voice calls efficiently. SBC, the default codec, is less reliable for real-time communication compared to newer standards like aptX or AAC.
• Microphone switching issues: Many earbuds use one bud as the primary microphone during calls. If that bud disconnects momentarily, the call audio may drop until the system switches back.

Tip: During important calls, use only one earbud if the other isn’t needed—this reduces strain on the connection and can improve stability.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Solving call dropouts requires systematic testing. Follow these steps in order to isolate and resolve the issue.

1. Restart both your earbuds and source device. A simple reboot clears temporary glitches in Bluetooth stacks. Turn off your phone or tablet, power down the earbuds by holding the case button, then restart both.
2. Forget and re-pair the earbuds. Go to your device’s Bluetooth settings, select your earbuds, and choose “Forget This Device.” Then, place the earbuds back in pairing mode and reconnect them fresh.
3. Check for firmware updates. Visit the manufacturer’s app (e.g., Sony Headphones Connect, Samsung Galaxy Wearable, Apple AirPods firmware via iOS) and ensure your earbuds are running the latest software version.
4. Test with another device. Pair your earbuds with a different smartphone or tablet. If the problem persists across devices, the issue likely lies with the earbuds. If it doesn’t occur elsewhere, the original device may have Bluetooth driver issues.
5. Disable dual-device connections. If your earbuds are paired to multiple devices simultaneously, disable auto-switching temporarily. Multiple active links can overload the Bluetooth chip during calls.
6. Reduce wireless congestion. Move away from dense Wi-Fi areas, turn off nearby Bluetooth devices, or switch your router’s channel to reduce interference.
7. Clean the earbuds and charging contacts. Dust or debris in the charging case or on metal contacts can cause inconsistent power delivery, leading to intermittent behavior.

When Software Isn’t Enough: Hardware Checks

If software resets don’t help, inspect the hardware. Check for visible damage, moisture exposure, or corrosion on the earbud stems and inside the case. Some users report dropout issues after accidental water exposure—even if the earbuds are rated IPX4 or higher, internal condensation can affect circuitry.

Also, verify that both earbuds are charging properly. Use the companion app to check individual battery levels. A failing battery in one bud can cause asymmetric performance during calls when the microphone switches between left and right units.

Optimizing Your Environment for Stable Calls

Your surroundings matter more than you think. Bluetooth operates best in open spaces with minimal electromagnetic noise. Consider these environmental adjustments:

• Avoid standing near large metal objects, refrigerators, or elevators—these reflect or absorb radio signals.
• Keep your phone in your front pocket or on a desk rather than in a bag or back pocket, which blocks the signal path.
• Limit movement during calls. Walking around, especially turning your head, can temporarily break the line-of-sight connection between phone and earbuds.
• Use wired headphones in high-interference zones like offices with many active Wi-Fi networks or public transit stations.

Environment	Risk Level	Recommended Action
Home office with few devices	Low	Ensure firmware is updated; no further action needed
Crowded café or co-working space	High	Switch to airplane mode + Wi-Fi calling; minimize Bluetooth usage
Public transport or subway	Very High	Use wired earbuds or speakerphone
Kitchen near microwave	Medium	Move away while appliance is running

Tip: If you frequently make calls in noisy environments, consider using earbuds with dedicated call-enhancing features like beamforming mics or AI noise suppression.

Real-World Example: Fixing Persistent Call Dropouts

Take the case of Sarah, a remote project manager who relied on her AirPods Pro for daily Zoom meetings. She began experiencing frequent audio cuts—her team would lose her voice for seconds at a time, forcing her to repeat herself. Initially, she assumed it was her internet connection, but tests showed full bandwidth. After ruling out Wi-Fi issues, she tested her earbuds with a colleague’s Android phone. The problem disappeared.

This pointed to her iPhone. She discovered that a recent iOS update had introduced Bluetooth instability with certain accessory profiles. A quick reset of network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings) resolved the issue. Her earbuds reconnected cleanly, and call quality remained stable thereafter.

Sarah’s experience highlights a key principle: always test variables independently. Was it the earbuds? The phone? The environment? Isolating each factor led to a fast resolution without unnecessary returns or replacements.

Expert Insight: What Engineers Say About Bluetooth Stability

Bluetooth technology has evolved significantly, but trade-offs remain between power efficiency, range, and audio fidelity—especially for bidirectional communication like calls.

“Voice calls are more sensitive to latency and packet loss than music streaming. Even a 5% packet dropout can cause noticeable gaps. The real challenge is maintaining a stable link while conserving battery.” — Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Senior RF Engineer at Nordic Semiconductor

This explains why some earbuds perform flawlessly with music but falter during calls. Manufacturers often prioritize audio codecs optimized for media playback over voice clarity. For example, while aptX Adaptive supports dynamic bitrate switching, not all devices implement it fully for telephony profiles.

Troubleshooting Checklist: Quick Actions to Restore Call Quality

Use this checklist whenever your earbuds start cutting out during calls. Complete each step before moving to the next.

• ✅ Restart your phone and earbuds
• ✅ Forget and re-pair the Bluetooth connection
• ✅ Update earbud firmware via the manufacturer’s app
• ✅ Test with a second device to isolate the problem
• ✅ Disable multi-point or dual-device pairing
• ✅ Clean earbuds and charging case contacts
• ✅ Move to a low-interference area during calls
• ✅ Reset network settings on your phone if issues persist
• ✅ Contact manufacturer support if hardware failure is suspected

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my earbuds work fine for music but cut out during calls?

Music playback uses a one-way Bluetooth profile (A2DP), which is more forgiving of minor interruptions. Voice calls rely on the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), which transmits data in both directions and is more sensitive to latency and signal strength. Lower bitrates and compression in HFP also make dropouts more noticeable.

Can I prevent call dropouts without switching earbuds?

Yes. Most issues are fixable through firmware updates, proper maintenance, and optimizing your usage environment. Ensuring your earbuds are within close proximity to your phone and minimizing wireless interference goes a long way. Also, keeping your phone’s operating system up to date ensures better Bluetooth stack performance.

Do cheaper earbuds have more call issues?

Generally, budget models are more prone to call instability due to lower-quality Bluetooth chips, limited firmware support, and reliance on the SBC codec. However, several mid-range options (like certain Anker, Jabra, or Xiaomi models) offer strong call performance by prioritizing microphone quality and noise cancellation algorithms.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Call Experience

Audio dropouts during calls don’t have to be an accepted inconvenience. With a methodical approach, most issues can be diagnosed and resolved—often without needing to replace your earbuds. From resetting connections to updating firmware and adjusting your environment, the tools to fix the problem are already within reach. Understanding the technical nuances behind Bluetooth behavior empowers you to make smarter choices about how and where you use your devices.

💬 Have a fix that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help someone else end their call frustrations for good.