Hi there. The AirPods surround sound turns off after about 30 seconds and I have to switch it back on or switch it back on and then it works all the time

Hi Martin_osowy,

Thanks for being part of Apple Support Communities. We'd understand that you're having issues with your AirPods when using spatial audio. We'd like to help.

Which device are you AirPods connected to? Is that device running the highest iOS, macOS, or tvOS? Does the device meet the requirements of successfully use spacial audio?

What you need

* AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation), AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd generation), or Beats Fit Pro

* The built-in speakers on an iPhone 7 or later, or on one of these iPad models:

* iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation) and later

* iPad Pro 11‑inch

* iPad Air (3rd generation) and later

* iPad (6th generation) and later

* iPad mini (5th generation) and later

* iOS or iPadOS 15.1 or later

* The built-in speakers on a Mac computer with Apple silicon

* Apple TV 4K with tvOS 15 or later

* Audiovisual content from a supported app

If you're updated, and the issue persists after checking the requirements, resetting your AirPods may help:

How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

You might need to reset your AirPods if they won't charge, or to fix a different issue.

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

2. Wait 30 seconds.

3. Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears.

4. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods].

* If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button  next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm.

* If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step. 

5. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and keep the lid open. 

6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white.*

7. Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the steps on your device's screen.

If you need more help after that, just let us know which device you're paired to and we'll go from there.

Take care!