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Airpods stop working after 5 minutes

For the past month or so, every time I start out on a morning walk, my AirPods stop working after about 5 minutes. If I go into Settings->Bluetooth on my iPhone 7, I can reconnect them, but only the left airpod works. Once I get back to my house, everything works fine.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]


Posted on Dec 23, 2020 9:13 AM

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Posted on Jan 10, 2021 6:36 AM

Thanks for the response, Karina184. I updated the os on my iphone as you recommended. The next time I went walking, both Airpods worked fine at first (like always) and then the right Airpod stopped working after a few minutes. However, this behavior was a little different than previously because they didn't completely stop. However, on my next walk, it was the same old behavior: after approximately 8 minutes, the Airpods both stop, after I reconnect, only the left one works.


I don't believe I have another ios device that uses bluetooth. Later this week, I intend to try streaming music here in the house and see how long they both work. I would have tried this last week, but I needed to charge the airbuds (at least the left one :)) after my walk and forgot to try it again later.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 10, 2021 6:36 AM in response to karina184

Thanks for the response, Karina184. I updated the os on my iphone as you recommended. The next time I went walking, both Airpods worked fine at first (like always) and then the right Airpod stopped working after a few minutes. However, this behavior was a little different than previously because they didn't completely stop. However, on my next walk, it was the same old behavior: after approximately 8 minutes, the Airpods both stop, after I reconnect, only the left one works.


I don't believe I have another ios device that uses bluetooth. Later this week, I intend to try streaming music here in the house and see how long they both work. I would have tried this last week, but I needed to charge the airbuds (at least the left one :)) after my walk and forgot to try it again later.


Dec 27, 2020 11:03 AM in response to F2Noles

Hello F2Noles,


Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having trouble with your AirPods they stop working every time you start a morning walk. The AirPods stop working after about 5 minutes. You're in the right place to get help. The issue you're describing may be related to wireless interference.


Check out the following support articles:


Reset your AirPods


Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference



Cheers!

Dec 28, 2020 4:36 PM in response to F2Noles

Hello F2Noles, 


Thanks for the additional information.

 

We'd like to ask a couple questions to narrow down the cause of this issue with your AirPods. Is the companion iPhone fully updated? In case you need to update your iPhone, back up your iPhone to secure your data. Staying up to date helps ensure your devices can function the best. Would it be possible to test your AirPods with a different iOS device? This can help us to isolate the issue to your AirPods or the iPhone.


The resources below can help:


How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


If your left or right AirPod isn't working


If the steps above don't help, reach out for additional support here: Get Support

 

Take care!

Dec 28, 2020 2:56 PM in response to savila23

I have tried resetting the AirPods once I was back at my house -- it worked fine until 5 minutes after I started my next walk. Poof! The sound stops immediately and in a few seconds I'll heard the disconnect ba-doom. I always leave the Airpod case at home while I go walking, so I've never tried resetting while I'm out walking. However, I have disconnected and re-connected while I'm walking and it always works in only the left ear. If you think it will help, I'll take the case with me but I am skeptical.


I don't think I mentioned that I am using the AirPods to play music saved on my phone, so I'm not streaming via WiFi or cellular service, so I don't see how the problem could be caused by interference. The phone is in my pocket and the Airpods are on my feet (just kidding), so they aren't more than a couple of feet apart. Last week, about an hour after my walk and my Airpods disconnecting, I put them on in the house and both Airpods worked immediately with no static and no interruptions. I was able to use them for almost two hours before the battery in the left ear wore out.


At first, I thought the issue might be cold or static electricity caused by nylon windpants, but I have read where it shouldn't be a problem unless it's below freezing. Do either of those things strike a cord with someone?

Airpods stop working after 5 minutes

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