AirPods - Inconsistent Performance when AppleWatch is Connected

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Level 1

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AirPods - Inconsistent Performance when AppleWatch is Connected

I have an iPhone, AppleWatch, and AirPods. When the AppleWatch is connected, the AirPods have inconsistent performance. Sometimes, both products will be connected to the iPhone, and a call will come in, and the AirPods will handle the audio from the ring tone, but will not connect for the phone call audio. When this problem is present, phone call audio is not possible while placing an outbound call with the AirPods connected. Shutting the AppleWatch off will correct it 100% of the time. I identified that solution on one of the support calls with Apple. They must know that this is an issue, but they have not put in any software fixes yet.

I have opened several support cases on this, and nothing has fixed it. The problem is not because of any piece of hardware being defective. I know this because:

It happened with both by iPhone 7 Plus and remained when I upgraded to the iPhone X.
It happened when I upgraded from AppleWatch Series 2 to AppleWatch Series 3
It happened after they swapped out the AirPods to try to correct the issue

After they swapped out the AirPods, they said if it continues, try completely wiping both the iPhone and AppleWatch, and set them up as new devices. The problem persisted, so I did just that. The problem continues after unpairing all devices from each other, and setting them all up as new. All firmware and software is current as of today.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue? Does anyone have any idea as to how this can be addressed other than Apple issuing a fix?

iPhone X, iOS 11.2.5

Posted on Feb 10, 2018 6:26 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10

229,486 points

Feb 10, 2018 7:41 AM in response to amauriello

The problem is you have other Bluetooth devices connected to the phone, and it exceeds the total number of devices that the phone supports. Playing music through AirPods uses 2 connections. Siri and phone calls use another two. If you are near the limit the 2nd two can't connect. The most common app that causes this problem is the Tile app, although there are others. If you have the Tile app go into its settings and turn off "use bluetooth". This will resolve the problem. If you ever need to locate a time you can turn Bluetooth back on in the app.

I have spoken to Tile, and they are working on a way to resolve the problem. The reason the problem is intermittent is because the number of Tiles currently in range changes the number of Bluetooth connections.

The reason turning off the Apple Watch helps is it reduces the number of Bluetooth connections (it uses two also). But the real problem is the total number of connections, not the fact that it is the Apple watch.

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Answer 2

Feb 23, 2018 5:47 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I’ve been frustrated with this for months. I too have Tiles and Apple Watch. Turned bt off on both and AirPods work correctly for calls. It wouldn’t be as big a deal if there was some sort of notification..... IE “All bluetooth connections are currently being used. All functions of your AirPods may not work properly until other Bluetooth connections are terminated.”

Thanks for your post. It solved my issue.

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Answer 3

amauriello Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 10, 2018 7:41 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

This is entirely possible. I do have several tiles. I have disabled Bluetooth from the Tile app. I will try to use everything normally, and will report back. I feel very strongly that this will fix the issue based on your explanation. I can't thank you enough; this plagues me every day.

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AirPods - Inconsistent Performance when AppleWatch is Connected

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