Fix AirPods That Keep Cutting Out on Spotify
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-08
Right, you've got your AirPods in, favourite Spotify playlist fired up, and then – bloop – silence. Drives you mad, doesn't it? Luckily, most issues are easily fixed.
Right, you've got your AirPods in, favourite Spotify playlist fired up, and then – *bloop* – silence. Or worse, crackle, then silence. Drives you mad, doesn't it? I've had more than a few calls from mates and readers tearing their hair out over this exact problem, and honestly, nine times out of ten, it's something daft and easily fixed. So, let's get those tunes flowing properly again without the frustrating dropouts. ### **Quick Verdict: Most AirPods cutting out on Spotify issues are resolved by resetting connections or clearing app cache.** Sometimes, it feels like everything wireless is just having a laugh at our expense. You've spent good money on those AirPods, and Spotify's a decent service, so why the faff? Usually, it's not a fault with the gear itself, but more of a communication breakdown. Think of it like trying to shout instructions across a busy pub; sometimes the signal just gets lost in the noise. I'll walk you through the common culprits and the proper solutions I use in the workshop and recommend to anyone who rings me up.  *Fix AirPods That Keep Cutting Out on Spotify — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Do My AirPods Keep Cutting Out on Spotify? Before we dive into the fixes, it helps to understand *why* this happens. It’s not just a random act of spite from your tech, I promise. It's usually down to one of these: a dodgy Bluetooth connection, interference, outdated software, app glitches, or sometimes, just old, tired AirPods. I've seen it all, from a bloke's microwave causing havoc with his headphones (true story, never place your smart speaker next to the oven!), to someone's phone just being absolutely stuffed with old app data. Each scenario needs a slightly different poke and prod, but they're all manageable. ### Bluetooth Blues Bluetooth is brilliant when it works, but it can be a bit flaky. Your AirPods connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, and if that connection is weak or interrupted, you're going to get dropouts. Things like distance, physical obstructions (a thick wall, even your own body), or too many other Bluetooth devices in the same space can all muck it up. ### Wi-Fi Whackiness Believe it or not, your Wi-Fi can interfere with Bluetooth. They both operate on similar frequencies (2.4GHz). If you've got a crowded Wi-Fi network or a poorly placed router, it can cause crosstalk. I often tell people, if you're streaming from Spotify on your phone *and* trying to connect your AirPods, and your Wi-Fi signal is pants, that's a recipe for disaster. ### Software Snafus Old software is a silent killer of good tech performance. If your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) isn't up to date, or if the Spotify app itself is ancient, you're asking for trouble. Bugs get fixed in updates, and often, stability improvements are part of the package. It's not glamorous, but it's crucial. ### App Oddities Sometimes, Spotify itself can be the problem. It might have a temporary glitch, a corrupted cache, or some setting that's gone a bit sideways. I've seen apps just decide to misbehave for no good reason until you give them a good kick up the backside. ### Old Age & Wear and Tear Let's be honest, nothing lasts forever. If your AirPods are a few years old, the internal components, especially the battery and Bluetooth module, might not be performing as they once did. Batteries degrade, and sometimes that can affect overall stability. If they've had a few drops or gotten wet, that certainly won't help. ## The Proper Fixes: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Right, enough chat. Let's get stuck into fixing this. I always start with the simplest, quickest checks and then move onto the more involved stuff. Don't skip steps, you might solve it early doors! ### 1. The Classic Restart: Your First Port of Call Honestly, I know it sounds like something your grandma would suggest, but turning it off and on again fixes a surprising amount of tech grief. It clears out temporary glitches and resets connections. * **Restart your phone/tablet:** A full restart, not just putting it to sleep. This clears out all sorts of background processes that might be interfering. * **Restart your AirPods:** Put them back in their case, close the lid for about 30 seconds, then open it up again. This effectively reboots them. This simple step alone sorts out a good 30-40% of these kinds of problems, in my experience. ### 2. Check Your Bluetooth Connection & Forget Device Bluetooth can get a bit confused, especially if you've connected your AirPods to multiple devices recently. Sometimes, clearing the slate entirely is the best way. * **Turn Bluetooth off and on:** On your phone, switch Bluetooth off for 10 seconds, then switch it back on. This refreshes the connection. * **Forget and Re-pair AirPods:** This is a big one. Go into your phone's Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods, and select "Forget This Device" (or similar). Then, put your AirPods in their case, open the lid, and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Re-pair them as if they were brand new. This often clears up persistent connection issues. ### 3. Clear Spotify's Cache & Reinstall Apps, especially streaming ones, build up a lot of temporary data (cache) over time. Sometimes this cache gets corrupted and causes all sorts of weirdness. * **Clear Spotify Cache:** * **iOS:** Go to iPhone Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Spotify. You won't find a "Clear Cache" button directly. Instead, you'll usually need to "Offload App" (which keeps your data but removes the app) or "Delete App" (removes everything). If you offload, then reinstall, it often has the desired effect. If not, delete and reinstall. * **Android:** Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Storage. You should see options for "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data." Start with "Clear Cache." If that doesn't work, try "Clear Data" (be warned, this will log you out and delete downloaded songs, so be ready to log back in and re-download). Then, if that still doesn't fix it, uninstall and reinstall the app completely. * **Reinstall Spotify:** If clearing the cache didn't work, just delete the Spotify app entirely and download a fresh copy from the App Store or Google Play. This ensures you have the latest version and a clean installation. I've seen this fix countless issues, not just with AirPods, but with app performance in general. It's a good habit to clear app caches every now and then anyway. ### 4. Update Everything: OS and App Outdated software is a common cause of instability. Manufacturers and developers constantly release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility. * **Update your phone's operating system:** * **iOS:** Settings > General > Software Update. * **Android:** Settings > System > System Update (path might vary slightly depending on your phone's make). * **Update Spotify App:** Go to your device's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and check for updates for Spotify. Make sure automatic updates are turned on if you want to avoid this in the future. * **Update AirPods Firmware:** AirPods firmware usually updates automatically when they're connected to an iOS device and charging near it. Make sure your iPhone is updated, AirPods are in their case, charging, and near your phone. Leave them overnight sometimes; it just happens. It's amazing how many problems just vanish with a simple update. Don't neglect it. ### 5. Check for Interference & Proximity Remember that crowded pub analogy? Wireless signals hate competition. * **Move Closer:** Obvious, but often overlooked. Are you too far from your phone? Bluetooth has a limited range, usually about 10 metres, but that drops significantly with walls or other obstacles. * **Minimise Interference:** Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby if you can. Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other wireless headphones, smart speakers, and even some baby monitors can all cause interference on the 2.4GHz band. Try moving away from these potential culprits. * **Try a different environment:** If it only happens in one specific room, something in that room might be causing the problem. I had a bloke in once, swore his headphones were broken. Turned out his new mesh Wi-Fi system was just clashing constantly. Moving his phone to a different room sorted it. Simple things, eh? ### 6. Reset AirPods to Factory Settings If "forgetting" them didn't quite do it, a full factory reset is the next step. This wipes all custom settings and effectively makes them brand new out of the box again (software-wise, anyway). 1. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds. 2. Open the lid. 3. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods, and then tap "Forget This Device." Confirm. 4. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white. 5. Reconnect your AirPods to your device as if they were new. This is a bit more drastic, but it can fix stubborn internal glitches. ### 7. Disable Automatic Ear Detection (Temporary Test) Some users report that the automatic ear detection feature, which pauses music when you take an AirPod out, can occasionally cause issues or false positives leading to cutting out. * Go to Bluetooth settings on your iPhone/iPad, tap the "i" next to your AirPods, and toggle off "Automatic Ear Detection." Test if this makes a difference. If it does, you might have a faulty sensor, or it's just a temporary software hiccup. You can always turn it back on later if it's not the culprit. ### 8. Check for Battery Drain When your AirPods (or your phone) are running on fumes, they can behave erratically. Low battery can affect Bluetooth signal strength and overall performance. * **Charge Everything:** Make sure both your AirPods and your source device (phone/tablet) are fully charged. Test again. Seems obvious, but you'd be surprised. A struggling battery can cause all sorts of gremlins. ## Who It's For and Who Should Skip It This guide is for anyone pulling their hair out because their music keeps stopping. It's for the Spotify faithful who just want a smooth listening experience. If you're dealing with intermittent dropouts, crackling, or complete silence, these steps are your best bet. **Who it's for:** * Anyone with AirPods experiencing regular cut-outs or disconnections on Spotify. * Users who've tried basic troubleshooting like restarting the app. * Those wanting to avoid an expensive trip to a repair shop for a software-related issue. **Who should skip it:** * If your AirPods are physically damaged (e.g., water damage, broken case). This guide won't magically fix hardware. * If your AirPods refuse to connect *at all* to any device, not just Spotify. That's a different beast entirely, likely a hardware failure. * If you're expecting a magic wand for truly ancient or extremely cheap knock-off earbuds. Some things just can't be saved. ## Comparison Table: Common Issues & Solutions | Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fixes | More Involved Fixes | | :------------------------------------ | :--------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------- | | Occasional music pauses / skips | Bluetooth interference, weak signal, app glitch | Restart phone/AirPods, move closer, toggle Bluetooth off/on | Clear Spotify cache, update apps/OS, reset AirPods factory settings | | Complete disconnection, then reconnects | Unstable Bluetooth, old firmware, low battery | Restart all devices, ensure full charge, check for obstructions | Forget & re-pair AirPods, update all software, factory reset AirPods | | Crackling or distorted audio | Interference, faulty AirPod, old firmware | Check for physical damage, try in another location, toggle Bluetooth | Update firmware, reset AirPods, contact support if persistent | | Only one AirPod working | Connection issue, dirty contacts, sensor fault | Put both in case & re-insert, check battery of individual AirPod | Clean contacts, forget & re-pair, reset AirPods, disable ear detection (test) | ## AirPods Not Working with Spotify Only? Specific Spotify Quirks Sometimes, the problem isn't your AirPods at all, but Spotify being a bit particular. I've seen it. Here are a couple of things to check that are Spotify-specific. ### Data Saver Mode If you're on a tight data plan, you might have Spotify's Data Saver mode enabled. While useful, it can sometimes cause buffering issues, especially if your network connection is a bit wobbly. These buffers can manifest as cutting out. * In Spotify, go to Settings > Data Saver. Try turning it off temporarily and see if the problem persists. ### Offline Mode / Downloaded Songs If you're relying on downloaded songs and your phone is running low on storage, or the downloads themselves are corrupted, Spotify might struggle. Try streaming a track that *isn't* downloaded or re-download some of your favourites. ### Background App Refresh (iOS) For iPhone users, if you have Background App Refresh turned off for Spotify, it *can* sometimes affect its stability, particularly if you're switching between apps a lot. It's usually not the primary culprit for AirPods cutting out, but it's worth a quick check. * Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Spotify. Make sure it's enabled. ## When to Call in the Big Guns (or Apple Support) Look, I'm all for DIY fixes, but sometimes, the gear is just knackered. If you've gone through *all* these steps – and I mean *all* of them, properly – and your AirPods are still playing up, then it might be time to admit defeat and seek professional help. If they're still under warranty, get onto Apple support. Explain everything you've tried. They might have a diagnostic tool or offer a replacement. If they're older, it might be time to consider a new pair. It's not what you want to hear, but sometimes that's the reality of modern tech. ## FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered ### Q: Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting when I leave the room? A: Bluetooth has a limited range, usually around 10 metres in open space. Walls, furniture, and even people absorb or block the signal, drastically reducing that range. You're probably just moving too far away from your phone. ### Q: My AirPods cut out only when I'm walking outside. Why? A: This often points to environmental interference. Other Bluetooth devices (from passers-by), public Wi-Fi signals, even some cellular masts can cause signal degradation. Try tucking your phone closer to your body, or into a front pocket, to minimise obstructions. ### Q: Does a weak phone signal affect AirPods on Spotify? A: Indirectly, yes. If your phone has a poor cellular or Wi-Fi connection, Spotify will struggle to stream music. This leads to buffering and pauses, which can *seem* like your AirPods are cutting out, but it's actually the music source struggling. Try downloading your playlists for offline listening in areas with dodgy signal. ### Q: Should I clean my AirPods? Could that help? A: Absolutely. Earwax and grime can block the mesh grilles, affecting sound quality, and potentially interfere with the ear detection sensors. Use a soft, dry cloth and a cotton swab to gently clean them. Never use liquids directly on the AirPods themselves. ## Final Word There you have it. A good run-through of pretty much every trick I've got up my sleeve for when AirPods and Spotify decide to have a domestic. Most of the time, it's not some deep, dark mystery, just a bit of digital dust or a connection having a bad day. Take your time, work through the steps methodically, and you'll usually get your favourite tunes back without a hitch. If all else fails, well, sometimes you just need to shell out for a new bit of kit. But let's hope it doesn't come to that, eh? Keep listening, and keep those speakers booming!