How to Fix AirPods Keep Pausing

You're deep into your favorite song, right at the best part—then suddenly, silence. Your AirPods have paused again, as if they have a mind of their own. Maybe they think you took them out (you didn't), or perhaps they just enjoy messing with you. Whatever the reason, it's frustrating.

But don't worry- this isn't some unsolvable mystery. Whether it's a sneaky setting, a stubborn sensor, or an iOS quirk, we're about to troubleshoot the AirPods keep pausing issue and get your AirPods back to playing uninterrupted. Let's dive in.

Part 1. Why Do My AirPods Keep Pausing?

1. Automatic Ear Detection Malfunction: AirPods have built-in sensors that detect when they're in your ears. If these sensors malfunction, they may mistakenly think you've removed your AirPods, causing the audio to pause.

2. Dirty Sensors or Speaker Mesh: Dirt, earwax, or debris can block the sensors or the speaker mesh, leading to incorrect readings and causing the AirPods to pause playback as they think they are no longer in your ears.

3. Bluetooth Interference or Multiple Device Connection: If your AirPods are connected to multiple devices, like your iPhone and MacBook, one of them may take control and pause playback. Bluetooth interference from nearby devices can also cause random pauses.

4. Low Power Mode: When Low Power Mode is enabled on your iPhone, it limits background processes, which can sometimes affect Bluetooth connectivity and cause disruptions like pausing.

5. iOS or AirPods Firmware Issues: Outdated iOS or AirPods firmware may have bugs or stability issues that affect the Bluetooth connection, leading to unexpected pausing or interruptions in playback.

6. App-Specific Issues: Some music or video apps (like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music) have built-in auto-pause features, which may malfunction and cause audio to pause unexpectedly, especially if the app is not properly synced with the AirPods.

Part 2. How to Fix AirPods Keep Pausing iPhone

Below is a detailed guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue of AirPods keep pausing and give a smooth AirPods experience back to you.

Fix 1. Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection

If the built-in sensors of AirPods malfunction or are obstructed, your AirPods may pause playback randomly, thinking you have removed them. Turning of the sensor feature will make the detection not available.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Select Bluetooth.

Step 3. Locate your AirPods in the list and tap the (i) info button next to them.

Step 4. Find Automatic Ear Detection and toggle it off.

Play audio again and see if it stops randomly. If the problem disappears, the sensors were likely the cause. However, this will prevent your AirPods from pausing automatically when removed.

Fix 2. Clean Your AirPods

AirPods may think they outside your ears when your AirPods have dirt, earwax, or debris that can block the sensors. You should try your best to clean your AirPods.

Step 1. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe down your AirPods.

Step 2. For sensor areas (black dots on AirPods Pro, inside speaker mesh on regular AirPods): Gently clean them using a dry cotton swab. If necessary, slightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and carefully wipe the sensor areas.

Step 3. For the speaker mesh: Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry toothbrush to remove buildup.

Fix 3. Reset Your AirPods

If your AirPods are experiencing software glitches, resetting them can clear stored settings and refresh their connection.

Step 1. Put your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.

Step 2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.

Step 3. Go to iPhone Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i) info button next to your AirPods, and select Forget This Device.

Step 4. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button (on the back of the case) for ~15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.

Step 5. Reconnect your AirPods by placing them near your iPhone and following the on-screen setup.

Fix 4. Turn Off Low Power Mode

Low Power Made limits background processes, including Bluetooth functionality, which can cause connection pausing.

Step 1. Open the Settings app.

Step 2. Select Battery and toggle Low Power Mode off.

Fix 5. Check Bluetooth & Interference

Bluetooth interference from multiple connected devices or wireless signals can cause connection disruptions, leading to random pauses of your AirPods.

• Disconnect Other Bluetooth Devices

Step 1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.

Step 2. Identify other connected Bluetooth devices (like another set of headphones or a car system).

Step 3. Tap on them and select Disconnect or Forget This Device (if not in use).

• Forget & Reconnect AirPods

Step 1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Tap (i) next to AirPods.

Step 2. Select Forget This Device, then reconnect as if setting up new AirPods (see Step 3 above).

Fix 6. Update iOS & AirPods Firmware

Outdated software may contain bugs affecting Bluetooth and AirPods performance. Apple regularly releases updates to fix such issues so you can try to update your iOS and AirPods to fix your problem..

• Update iOS

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2. If an update is available, download and install it.

• Check AirPods Firmware

Firmware updates for AirPods install automatically when they are charging and near your iPhone.

To check if your AirPods have the latest firmware:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Tap (i) next to AirPods.

Step 2. Look for the Version number.

Step 3. If it is outdated, place AirPods in the case, keep them charging, and leave them near your iPhone overnight.

Fix 7. Reset Network Settings

If the problem is due to corrupt Bluetooth network settings, resetting network settings can help you fix the AirPods issue.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

Step 2. Select Reset Network Settings.

Step 3. After the reset, reconnect your AirPods and WiFi.

Fix 8. Test AirPods on Another Device

This helps determine whether the AirPods keep pausing issue is with your AirPods or your iPhone.

Step 1. Connect your AirPods to another Apple device (iPad, Mac, or a different iPhone).

Step 2. Play audio and check if the pausing issue occurs.

Step 3. If AirPods work fine on another device: The problem is likely with your iPhone's settings or software.

Step 4. If AirPods still pause randomly: The issue is with the AirPods hardware, and further repair may be needed.

Fix 9. Fix AirPods Keep Pausing via TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If you find that your AirPods are no problem, the cause is on your iPhone. Maybe there are some system issues on your iPhone that makes your AirPods keep pausing music or audiobooks when you are enjoying. TunesKit iOS System Recovery can help you fix those possible issues on your iPhone or iPad.

TunesKit iOS System Recovery offers a professional iOS system repair feature for Apple users. More than 150 iOS issues can be fixed in this powerful software in one click without data loss. Similar issues like Bluetooth keeps disconnecting, and cellular data is not working can also be solved in TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Let’s learn how to fix AirPods keep pausing via TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1Connect your iPhone to PC

Download and install the software on your computer. Use a USB cable to link your iPhone to that computer.

Open the tool and select the iOS System Repair button and then click the Start button to continue the repair process.

Step 2Select repair mode

The Standard Repair mode will help you fix your iPhone issues without data loss.

Step 3Download firmware package

In this download page, you should confirm the info of your iPhone. If everything is OK, click the Download button to download a firmware package for your iPhone.

Step 4Repair AirPods keep pausing

Click the Repair button to start fixing your iPhone issues so that you can use your AirPods without any sudden pause.

Part 3. Conclusion

Nothing kills a vibe faster than AirPods that won't stop pausing, but now you've got the tools to fight back. Whether it was a sneaky setting, a dusty sensor, or a rogue Bluetooth connection, you're no longer at the mercy of unpredictable pauses. Music, podcasts, and calls should flow seamlessly again - just like they were meant to.

TunesKit iOS System Recovery can fix your iPhone issues which may cause the AirPods keep pausing issue. Try it when you cannot find the specific causes of AirPods issues.