Airpods changing sound when on phone calls

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the icon next to your AirPods.1 Then tap Forget This Device.
2. Put your AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 15 seconds, then open the lid.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until you see the status light flash amber a few times, then flash white.
4. Place your AirPods close to your device. Follow the steps on your iOS device's screen.

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Get help with your AirPods - Apple Support

What I've noticed is that this issue only happens when the phone goes into lock mode. I have mine set up for 1 minute and I can almost guarantee you that when the phone auto-locks during a call, I will get that slowed down voice issue that takes about 5 seconds to clear up. Very frustrating on a phone interview! See if that happens to you too on auto-lock.

I also have an iPhone 7, 128 GB, iOS 11.4, Verizon. It's been happening to me the last couple weeks with my AirPods, but the below threads indicate it's a problem with all versions of the iPhone 7, all Bluetooth devices, all carriers, and looks like some iPhone 6 models as well.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8424970

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7898367

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8431299

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8346723

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7465507

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8387431

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8343905

https://www.reddit.com/r/airpods/comments/8fekbh/audio_distortion_during_a_call/

Since I updated to iOS 12 the issuse seems(!) to be gone. Have you already upgraded?

I’ve been having the same issue and it all started when I updated my iPhone 7 to iOS 11.3

I took my AirPods to the Apple store and they exchanged them for a brand new pair however I’m still having the issue. My voice goes chipmunk while I’m hearing the person on the other end in slow motion. It lasts for about 5 seconds. I’m just waiting for a software patch to come out that will resolve the issue. The 11.3.1 update did not fix the issue. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to conduct a conference call and the issue occurs. Im just hoping there will be a fix soon because this makes me not want to use my AirPods.

Seems like it’s a general Bluetooth issue. I have a friend who is having the same issue when using his car Bluetooth. I believe this is only happening with iPhone 7/7plus models on 11.3

I just did the 11.4 update last night but it didn’t specify this particular bug fix.

From further testing the waters...I’ve come to figure out that this is NOT an AirPod issue but more so an issue with the phone itself. I have an iPhone 7 and since I’ve stopped using my AirPods I have still experienced the same issue and then some when simply using speakerphone. Voices will cut out and then the persons voice will suddenly go into a repeat mode where I hear every word twice while they are talking. This lasts for about 10 seconds or so. Quite frustrating and I never experienced such issues until updating my device to the 11.3 software. Even after updating to 11.4 I feel it’s gotten worse. I would like to know if anyone has tried doing a factory reset to solve this problem and did it resolve the issue? I don’t mind trying it but would prefer not to waste my time if there’s no need. Thank you

I’ve been having the same problem the last few months

IPhone 7 Plus

Verizon

Problem occurs when using my BlueParrott headset AND when using phone’s handset

Just got my phone replaced 4 days ago and the chipmunk/slow motion happened again today

So, it’s safe to say:

it’s not the carrier because the problem is experienced by folks with different carrier.

It’s not the Bluetooth device because we are experiencing the problem with different devices

It’s not Bluetooth related because it happens even when Bluetooth is disabled.

Apple, looks like it’s you...

I tried doing any factory reset which was a complete waste of time because the issue has not stopped. I have an iPhone 7 on Verizon service. I cannot use my phone on any audio source other than holding the phone the standard way. I am experiencing the issue with speakerphone, apple headphones, and air pods. This is definitely an issue that was caused by the 11.3 software update and it’s something apple needs to fix.

Same issue here. Started with 11.4.1 upgrade. I think I was on 11.2.x before. I’m positive it started with this upgrade. Switch from air pods to phone and it instantly goes away. Makes the air pods useless it happens on every call.

I've been having this same issue!! I thought I was going crazy. It happened with regular Apple headphones (plugged into my iphone 7) and my brand new airpods. I went into the Apple store and he said he had never heard of the problem. Had my phone reset to factory settings and didn't transfer over any apps (sometimes bugs can come with the apps if you transfer them over). I still continued to have the same problem.

I got a new iphone 7 Plus (I thought the phone was the problem) and it started happening AGAIN. So frustrating after buying a new phone. I've used 2 different sets of airpods with my new iphone 7 plus and experienced the problem on both. I just signed up for ios 12 Beta so really hoping this fixes the problem.

I have been having this problem for months now. I have called AT&T and they told me to reach out to apple who told me it was AT&T. I have tried everything from restoring to completely starting fresh. I found out how to duplicate this issue by being on a call and letting the phone lock. A few secs after that the phone will do this.

I am beyond frustrated because apple actually wanted to sell me a new phone. I spent countless hours on calls with Apple and AT&T who had no idea this was an issue.

It is so embarrassing that this happens every time I am on a call.

Couldn't agree more. Seems like it started happening after iOS 11.3 for me as well. I had an appointment with the Genius Bar today and they claimed it was an AT&T cellular issue. I went over to the AT&T store and the guy there told me about how Apple is doing this more and more - sending people to AT&T instead of owning the problem and solving it. The AT&T guy ran diagnostics on my phone and SIM card but of course there were no issues. It's difficult to use Airpods for any type of business call at this point, because you just don't know when the issue will present itself which is super frustrating.

I have Verizon and I’m having the issue. I changed my SIM card because someone suggested it and still nothing. I turned off VoLTE and reset network setting on my phone and still nothing. Hopefully someone from Apple sees these posts and comes up with something because I really count on my AirPods. Who wouldn’t after payin $160 for headphones...

Same problem here. I had to stop using them because it happens on every phone call now. Not a good sound for my customers to hear. I have tried every reset possible with no luck. Extremely frustrating.