AirPods lose connection during workout?

Question

Level 2

270 points

AirPods lose connection during workout?

I have had my AirPods for about 3 weeks now without any issues of losing connection. Tonight was the first time I tried them at the gym. During my 45 minute elliptical workout I kept losing the connection, had to go to settings and re-establish the connection. At least 4 times and then I finally gave up close to the end. It didn't happen right away - about 15 minutes in. I sweat a LOT and I am wondering if my sweat is affecting the sensors that connect when they are in my ears.

ANyone else having this problem? Really disruptive to my workout.

Thanks!

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 10.2, null

Posted on Jan 17, 2017 5:52 PM

Reply

Answer 1

jhalkias Author

Level 2

270 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:37 AM in response to deggie

Aware of that, but was REALLY hoping it would not be an issue, as others have talked about using them for workouts. I really prefer the no-wires approach of the AirPods. I have a pair of the bluetooth Beats over the ear holder with wires, but they are nearing end of life.

Reply

Answer 2

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:39 AM in response to jhalkias

AirPods are not sweat resistant.

You may prefer to consider, for example, Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones, which are sweat and water resistant:

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/ML8V2LL/A/powerbeats3-wireless-earphones-black

Reply

Answer 3

Jan 18, 2017 11:28 AM in response to jhalkias

To fix this issue do the following:

Put the airpods into the charging case and plug the charging case in.
Restart your iDevice by holding the power and home button on devices before the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7S.
Once the phone has restarted leave the case charging and open the case to pair.
Put on the airpods (you can unplug it if you wish).
Make sure that your iDevice is within 50ft of your airpods and in the same room(For better connection having them closer may help).

I hope this helps. If not I'll help trouble shoot.

Have a good day!

Reply

Answer 4

Jan 17, 2017 6:22 PM in response to jhalkias

I've read a few posts in numerous places about AirPods and bad connectivity during workouts, currently I don't know of a fix other then trying a set of wireless headphones that advertise that they can be used during workouts.

Reply

Answer 5

jhalkias Author

Level 2

270 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:29 AM in response to Merurakark12

Nils, I have done that, and we will see how it works, but are you suggesting doing this once, or are you suggesting to repair before every workout? I'll be at the gym again tomorrow night, so we will see how it goes.

Reply

Answer 6

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Jan 18, 2017 12:15 PM in response to jhalkias

I was responding to the post from Johnathan UK. I have the PowerBeats 3 and they are very nice and seem to have good moisture protection as I sweat a lot, but I really haven't put them through the full working yet. For that I use the MEE X: http://www.meeaudio.com/X7Plus At half the price of the PB3 I wouldn't feel so bad about sweating them to death.

Reply

Answer 7

jhalkias Author

Level 2

270 points

Jan 18, 2017 12:15 PM in response to Jonathan UK

I have those - do not like them nearly as much. I have tried others as well, like the Jaybird models. The AirPods so far have been the most comfortable due to lack of wire, but I may have to wait until Apple or Beats comes out with a set rated for moisture similar to the AirPods.

Reply

Answer 8

jhalkias Author

Level 2

270 points

Jan 18, 2017 12:21 PM in response to jhalkias

FYI - I had Jaybird Bluebud X's that were replaced TWICE under their sweatproof warranty. The issue was not with the buds -that seemed fairly sweatproof, but with the inline controller on the wire - which must not be nearly as sweatproof. I really like those even with the wire, but once the third pair stopped working, I started looking for alternatives.

Reply

Answer 9

Jan 18, 2017 1:17 PM in response to deggie

I have the Powerbeats 2 wireless. I use them a lot at the gym and for running. I have had to replace them three times within a year (all under warranty). I am hoping that the PB3 have gotten an upgrage from the PB2. The warranty program only lasts for a year, so I am now also worried about sweating in my last pair of PB2 that were covered under my warranty. I will look forward to hearing if anyone else has any thoughts on how the PB3 stand up to sweat.

Reply

Answer 10

Jan 18, 2017 1:44 PM in response to deggie

I apologize, I may have gotten a product review confused with what apple has stated. I have also found in my use (including them accidentally going through the washing machine) that water doesn't really affect them. This may be different for you.

Reply

Answer 11

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Jan 17, 2017 8:53 PM in response to jhalkias

You may be correct regarding your sweat, the AirPods are not rated as moisture resistant.

Reply

Answer 12

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:42 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Didn't I already say they are not moisture resistant yesterday? Or are you just confirming my statement?

Reply

Answer 13

jhalkias Author

Level 2

270 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:44 AM in response to deggie

Yes, confirming what you said and I am aware they are not rated as being moisture resistant. My fallback may be to just use these for biking, where I do not sweat nearly as much.

Reply

Answer 14

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jan 18, 2017 11:48 AM in response to deggie

deggie wrote:

Didn't I already say they are not moisture resistant yesterday? Or are you just confirming my statement?

You never specified whether they still are today, that will be the problem.

Reply

Answer 15

Jan 18, 2017 12:28 PM in response to jhalkias

I would recommend trying a few times till it works, then everything should be fine for all times in the future.

Reply