While AirPods are designed to seamlessly integrate with all Apple Devices, they can also go through problems like stopping or pausing on their own, while you are listening to music, podcast or watching a movie.
There could be various reasons for AirPods pausing on their own, ranging from Bluetooth & Network connectivity issues to problem with proximity sensors and other issues.
AirPods Keep Pausing
If you are struggling with the issue of AirPods pausing on their own, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Make Sure You Are Within Range
A common reason for AirPods appearing to stop or pause is due to weak Bluetooth connectivity. This can happen, if you are moving around while listening to music or podcast and the Bluetooth connectivity gets obstructed by furniture or other surrounding obstacles.
In such cases, you should be able to fix the problem by moving closer to your iPhone or MacBook and making sure that Bluetooth connectivity is not being obstructed.
2. Restart Bluetooth
Restarting Bluetooth can help in fixing common Bluetooth connectivity issues.
1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > move the toggle next to Bluetooth to OFF position.
2. Wait for 30 seconds and move the toggle next to ON position.
After restarting Bluetooth, try to connect your AirPods again.
3. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
If AirPods are pausing or disconnecting when you move your head or walking around, the problem is most likely due to the Automatic Ear Detection feature being enabled on your device.
1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap on the (i) icon located next to your AirPods.
2. On the next screen, disable Automatic Ear Detection by moving the toggle to OFF position.
Note: You can enable Automatic Ear Detection after the issue is fixed.
4. Switch OFF Double-tap on AirPods
The problem of AirPods Pausing might be due to Pause/Play on Double Tap being enabled on your device.
1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap on the (i) icon located next to your AirPods.
2. On the next screen, select the Left AirPod.
3. On the next screen, make sure that Play/Pause option is not selected.
4. Similarly, tap on the Right AirPod and disable the Play/Pause option.
5. Install Updates
The problem could be due to an iOS update waiting to be installed on your device.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the software update screen, tap on Download and Install (in case a software update is available).
6. Disconnect Bluetooth on Other Devices
If you are using AirPods while working on Mac or with iPhone being placed near the Mac, the problem could be due to AirPods trying to play audio from both devices.
The solution in this case is to switch OFF Bluetooth on the device that you are not currently playing audio from.
7. Restart iPhone
The problem could simply be due to stuck app or processes interfering with proper functioning of AirPods.
1. Go to Settings > General > scroll down to bottom and tap on Shut Down.
2. On the next screen, use the Slide to power off button to Power OFF your iPhone.
3. Wait for 30 seconds and restart iPhone by pressing the Power button.
8. Reset AirPods
If above solutions did not help in fixing the problem, you can follow the steps below to Reset AirPods to their original factory default settings.
1. Place AirPods in the Charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait for 60 seconds, and open the Lid of the charging case.
3. On your iPhone go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap on the i icon located next to your AirPods Name.
4. On the next screen, tap on Forget this Device option.
5. On the confirmation pop-up, tap on Forget Device to confirm.
6. With the Charging Case Lid open, press and hold the Setup button located at back of the case, until the status light flashes amber and then white.
7. After this, go to Settings > Bluetooth > and select your AirPods under “Devices’ section.
Wait for AirPods to finish connecting and once they are connected, you should be able to use them.