Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and Kindle Paperwhite via bluetooth.

I can connect my Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) to my Kindle Paperwhite via bluetooth. However, when playing an Audiobook on the Kindle the AirPods only work for 90 seconds or so before cutting out. Before cutting out there is what sounds like static for a few seconds. This happens repeatedly despite numerous reconnections of the link between AirPods and Kindle. The Kindle works fine with my Bose headphones so I'm thinking there is something in the AirPods that is causing the connection to drop after 90 seconds. Does anyone have any ideas why?

Posted on Apr 11, 2023 10:25 AM

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Posted on Jun 18, 2023 7:18 PM

I just called Kindle tech support and they confirmed that Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is not compatible with Apple products although that’s not stated anywhere in the product description… which is bonkers.

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48 replies

Oct 10, 2023 3:54 PM in response to Curare58

I have the same issue when airpods pro 2 gen connect to my kindle and my pixel 6 pro. I was able to fix it on the pixel by disabling A2DP hardware offload. A2DP moves the codec processing to the headphones which does not seem to work on the airpods pro gen 2. Probably something to do with the updated Bluetooth chip, which is different from both the airpods pro gen 1 and the air pods max.


Unfortunately it looks like Kindles use A2DP and there doesn't seem to be a way to disable it or really any fine control of the Bluetooth settings.

Apr 13, 2023 9:53 AM in response to Curare58

Sounds like some sort of interference. First option is always disconnect any form of wireless connection so turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth then turn them back on try you AirPods again if the issue still persists you will need to see what firmware they are running. To do this you will need iPhone, iPad or Mac.


Firmware updates are delivered periodically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Because firmware updates are delivered automatically, you don't need to update your AirPods.

To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button  next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.

To use your Mac to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure you have the latest version of macOS. Press and hold the Option key while choosing Apple menu  > System Information. Click Bluetooth, then look under your AirPods for the firmware version. With macOS Ventura, you can also choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click Bluetooth, then click the Info button  next to the name of your AirPods.


once you know the firmware you can see if there’s an update and that will usually allow them to be more compatible with devices. If you don’t have the above Apple Store can do this for you



Apr 12, 2023 3:08 PM in response to Curare58

Hello Curare58,


Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. AirPods can be used with non-Apple devices. It's mentioned here: Set up AirPods with your Mac and other Bluetooth devices - Apple Support


You can use AirPods as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device. You can't use Siri, but you can listen and talk. To set up your AirPods with an Android phone or other non-Apple device*, follow these steps:
1. On your non-Apple device, go to the settings for Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is on.4 If you have an Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.
2. With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
4. When your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.
*The features of your AirPods might be limited, depending on the Bluetooth device that they're connected to.


If you're getting disconnected, make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is updated on its firmware. You can also try to reset your AirPods to troubleshoot them. Just in case, this resource can guide you through the reset process: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support


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.



We hope these steps help you. Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Take care.




Apr 13, 2023 7:26 AM in response to Curare58

Hi Curare58,


Since it seems like the issue is that the audio is cutting out, please check out the additional suggestions in the following link, which may help with audio issues: If the sound from your wireless headphones cuts out or is distorted


Improve your Bluetooth connection

Your headphones communicate using Bluetooth, and a Bluetooth signal can be interfered with or weakened in some situations.

Your headphones might lose their connection more often with streaming audio than with content that is stored on your device.* With your device within a few feet of you, try to listen to music or other audio content that is stored on your device—not streamed—with your headphones. On your iOS or Android device, open the Music app. On a Mac with macOS Catalina, open the Music app. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. Then play a song that does not have the Download button Download icon next to it. Or tap the Download button Download icon to download the song.

If your headphones maintain their connection without distortion during this test, then here are a couple of things that can help in other situations:

* Keep your iPhone or other device close to you, so that no obstructions, like walls or floors, are between you and your device.
* If possible, move to a different place—in particular, move away from places with many people or a lot of Wi-Fi activity, poorly shielded cables, microwave ovens, and wireless speakers (or turn off the oven or speaker).


Thanks!

Jul 9, 2023 1:40 PM in response to Curare58

I am having the exact same issues with my AirPods gen 2 cutting off after static within 90”. I spent considerable time with tech support at Amazon. They replaced my Paperwhite, confirmed Paperwhite is updated with current firmware. Amazon even replaced my Paperwhite with another new Paperwhite. AirPods are brand new 2nd Generation and work with everything else. It happens in multiple environments. I did all the recommendations that are noted before my post. Apple needs to fix this.

Jun 23, 2024 1:44 PM in response to Curare58

In response to Curare58 and many others on this thread who complain about the audio incompatibility between the Apple AirPods Pro and Kindle, I have recently upgraded to Kindle Signature and invested in new Apple AirPods Pro 2 hoping this would solve the problem. Alas, nothing works and I now regret my expensive efforts to upgrade.


The issue persists — it looks as though they are connected; then it works for a few seconds and then nothing. Last week I decided I'd try a new avenue in the continuing battle to marry audio Ear Pods and Kindle reader. I purchased the Sony Wireless Noise cancelling stereo headset (ear pods). WF-C700N Model: YY2968. These are small black buds and I spent a blissful few hours listening to my audio book on a long flight from Paris to the States. Like the rest of this thread I hope Apple and Amazon sort the problem sooner than later. Clearly other companies already have solved the audio problem with Kindle even as Apple has so far failed.

Apr 29, 2023 7:42 AM in response to Backfire_Fox

So there are several of us with the same issue. It would be really helpful if Apple could investigate this as a new problem and stop giving the same standard advice. There’s clearly an incompatibility problem between the kindle and the AirPods that kicks in after a short period of time. It surely must be something that could be fixed in a firmware upgrade. Just needs the Will from Apple and Amazon to respect the investment made by their customers and fix this!

Jul 22, 2023 6:46 PM in response to Curare58

I have the exact same problem. Interestingly, in my case, I can connect other AirPod devices such as the AirPods Max just fine, it's only the AirPod Pro 2's that are problematic. This is super frustrating as I enjoy using the Pros more than anything else. I've even tried resetting everything to factory default, including the Kindle, but same problem occurs: connection is established and works for a few seconds, then audio stops but the connection isn't actually dropped.

Apr 13, 2023 11:17 PM in response to Brittany1416

Thanks for the extra suggestions. The audiobooks have been downloaded onto the Kindle so they are not streaming over the internet. Also they will play perfectly normally over Bose headphones.


I’ve also taken just the Kindle and the AirPods out into a rural field far away from any possible interference and the signal still cuts out after 90 seconds.


As I mentioned before that period of time before the headphones lose the audio signal is constant every time which seems rather unusual and makes me think it is something inherent in the AirPods that is causing the issue. Especially since I do not get the same problem with Bose headphones.

Jul 23, 2023 8:53 AM in response to Curare58

Similar issue for me, but for me it’s on the Kindle Oasis. I bought a new Oasis and connected it to my AirPods Pro. Tried playing an audible but there’s no sound. Both devices are updated and tried pairing, multiple restarts, turning off Bluetooth on all other devices, etc. Kindle shows connected, AirPod Pros chime as if connected, however no sound from audible even with volume at max.

Jul 30, 2023 7:29 PM in response to Curare58

I posted a comment about having a similar issue with the newest Oasis I got last month. This week I purchased the newest kindle paperwhite. When I connect my AirPod pros to it, it has the exact issue you shared in your post.


I too have tried all tips in this thread. None of them have resolved or alleviated the issue in any way. Each time a play an audio, the AirPods work great for 90 seconds, the crackle for 1-3 seconds, then no sounds at all after that.

Aug 18, 2024 6:23 PM in response to Curare58

It’s 2024, and incredibly, the Kindle White Paper still does not sync properly with Apple AirPods Gen 2. This issue has been discussed for years now, and it’s disappointing to see that neither Apple nor Amazon has taken steps to resolve it. Despite multiple updates and countless complaints on forums like this one and Reddit, the problem persists. The AirPods will connect, but the audio drops after just a few seconds when using Kindle’s text-to-speech feature.


It’s frustrating that Apple hasn’t addressed this issue with one of the most popular earphones on the market. Perhaps it’s time for Apple to rethink where they manufacture these products. Bringing production back to the U.S. might be a step in the right direction for quality control and customer satisfaction.


This situation is absolutely pathetic and deserves more attention. Maybe instead of utilizing slave labor in China to make these things you should make them over here in the US, then maybe they might be compatible with the number 1 E- reader on the planet


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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and Kindle Paperwhite via bluetooth.

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