How to Fix AirPods That Keep Pausing: 9 Fixes

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Prevent your AirPods from auto-pausing

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Why do my AirPods pause on their own?

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Troubleshooting & Fixes

Do your AirPods randomly stop playing while you're using them? This could be due to the Automatic Ear Detection feature, which is enabled by default. If turning it off doesn't help, you may need to clean your AirPods, reset them, or resync them. Here's why your AirPods keep pausing and what to do to fix it.

Stop AirPods from Pausing Music

If your AirPods keep pausing your music, try turning off Automatic Ear Detection. Pair your AirPods to your device, and then open your Settings. Tap your AirPods name, and then toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.

Section 1 of 2:

Why do my AirPods pause on their own?

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AirPods are designed to pause your music or audio whenever they detect they're away from your ear. This can help retain charge and battery life. However, Automatic Ear Detection isn't always accurate, especially if there's dirt or grime accumulated on or around the censor.

Section 2 of 2:

How to Fix AirPods That Keep Pausing

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1
Clean your AirPods. It's easy for dirt and debris to build up on and in your AirPods since they constantly touch your hands and ears. If there is buildup, the Automatic Ear Detection feature may not work properly, causing your AirPods to pause on their own. If you see dirt and grime, you can use a toothpick or another small, pointed object to gently scrape out the dirt.
- To clean your AirPods safely, wipe them with a soft, lint-free, microfiber cloth. You can use one designed for electronics, or even the kind used to clean eyeglasses.
- If you see buildup on the mesh inside your AirPods, you can clean it using a small amount of micellar water and a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. After cleaning, allow your AirPods to dry completely before using them again.^{[1]
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2
Turn off Automatic Ear Detection. If your AirPods are clean, try turning off Automatic Ear Detection to prevent your AirPods from pausing when they think they've moved away from your ears.^{[2]
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Research source} If it's doing this even while in your ear, you can turn it off. Do the following:
- iPhone and iPad:
  - Connect your AirPods to your phone or tablet.
  - Open your Settings.
  - Tap your AirPods name.
  - Toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.
- Mac:
  - Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
  - Click your AirPods name.
  - Toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.
If you have ever used your AirPods with other devices, they may be automatically pairing with a nearby device. This can make it seem like your AirPods are pausing automatically. Disable Bluetooth on your other devices to prevent your AirPods from connecting automatically.
If you tend to use your AirPods away from your iPhone, iPad, or computer, the wireless connection may get lost if you stray too far. Stay close to your listening device, and minimize any physical obstacles.
5
Fully charge your AirPods. If the AirPods keep pausing randomly, the charge may be low, which could cause them to pause on their own. Let them charge for about 1-2 hours inside the case, and plugged into a charging cable before you try to use them again.
- Make sure your case is fully charged as well.
AirPods usually update when they are charging and next to a device connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If it's been a while since you used your AirPods on Wi-Fi, connect them to your device and let it charge so any firmware updates can install.
7
Re-pair your AirPods with your device. Select your AirPods in your iPhone or iPad's Bluetooth menu, and select Forget This Device. To sync them again, do the following:
- Using iPhone or iPad:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap Bluetooth.
  - Open the case (with both AirPods inside) next to your device.
  - Tap AirPods on your device.^{[3]
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- Using Mac:
  - Click the Apple menu.
  - Select System Settings.
  - Click Bluetooth.
  - Open the case (with both AirPods inside) next to your device.
  - On AirPods 1, 2, or 3, press and hold the setup button for 5 seconds or until the light flashes white. On AirPods 4, double-tap the front of the case so the light turns white.
  - Click AirPods.
  - Click Connect.
8
Reset your AirPods. This may fix minor issues with your AirPods. Make sure to disconnect them from any device by turning off Bluetooth on your device. Then, do the following:
- Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- AirPods 1, 2, 3, and Pro: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds or until the light flashes amber, then white.
- AirPods 4: Double-tap the front of the case while the light is on. Double-tap again while the light flashes white. Double-tap again when the light flashes faster. The light will flash amber, then white.
If the previous fixes did not work for you, you may need to contact Apple for repairs or a replacement. If you purchased the AirPods recently, you may be covered under Apple's warranty. You can contact Apple to learn your options for service or replacement.