The Bluetooth headphones should be connected until you manually disconnect them, the battery is low, or when the music stops playing for a certain time amount (for some brands). However, sometimes they will randomly disconnect. Why does this happen and how to fix it?
Bluetooth headphones will disconnect if both devices are out of their Bluetooth range, if there’s Bluetooth interference, if devices have a low battery, or if there’s a software bug or glitch.
To fix Bluetooth headphones that keep disconnecting, keep both devices within Bluetooth range, avoid interference, charge both devices or hard reset the headphones.
Why Do Bluetooth Headphones Keep Disconnecting and How to Fix It?
Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting for the following reasons.
1. Out of Bluetooth Range
The Bluetooth range is 30 feet (or 10 meters). Both devices must be within Bluetooth range of each other or the signal will get weaker or they will lose the connection.
How To Fix:
To fix this, keep both devices within their Bluetooth range (10 meters or 30 feet) even after they are connected.
You can increase the Bluetooth range or distance by using a Bluetooth Range Extender. A Bluetooth range extender is a device designed to increase Bluetooth range. It increases the distance over which Bluetooth devices can communicate (connect) with each other by boosting the Bluetooth signal strength and overcoming limitations in the range of Bluetooth technology.
2. Bluetooth Interference
Bluetooth interference can cause devices to disconnect by disturbing the Bluetooth signal and causing communication errors or drops. Interference will also decrease the Bluetooth range and weaken the signal.
Bluetooth interference refers to the disruption of Bluetooth communication caused by external signals operating in the same frequency range (2.4 GHz). This frequency is also used by different other wireless devices, including Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, microwaves, and other Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth interference occurs when these external devices release signals that interfere with the Bluetooth signals, leading to communication errors, reduced signal strength, or disconnection.
How To Fix:
To fix this, remove and turn off all devices or move to another room. This should stop your device from disconnecting.
3. Low Battery
A low battery will decrease the overall performance of the device. The device will struggle to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with a low battery. Charge both devices (headphones and source device), if the Bluetooth connection drops.
How To Fix:
Charge your device for a few hours and see if it stops disconnecting.
4. Outdated Bluetooth Device Driver (For Windows Pc)
An outdated Windows Bluetooth driver can cause unexpected disconnections between Bluetooth devices as it may not be compatible with the new Bluetooth versions, it can have software bugs, or it may not support the new Bluetooth protocols.
How To Fix:
To fix this problem, update the Bluetooth Device Driver on your PC.
- Turn on your device Bluetooth. Ensure the headset is charged and in range.
- Go to Settings and click on Update and Security.
- From the menu, select Windows Update and tap on the option that shows “Check for updates automatically.”
- Click on the Driver Updates option and select the driver you want to install. Ensure the driver version is compatible with your Windows PC and version.
- You’ll see a Download and Install prompt, click on it and wait for the Bluetooth Driver update to be installed.
- Once completed, restart your devices and see if the headphone stops disconnecting.
Note: Sometimes the PC itself can find or update the driver, so you must download third-party software that will automatically find an update for each driver.
5. Your Device is Inactive
Some Bluetooth headphones will turn off if they aren’t paired with devices or if no music is played within a certain amount of time, usually 5-10 minutes but it depends on the model.
How To Fix:
To fix this, activate the pairing mode, pair the headphones with a source device, and play music.
6. Faulty Device or Hardware Parts
A faulty internal hardware part will prevent the headphones from working properly and can cause them to disconnect randomly. Hardware parts can get damaged if you expose the headphones to high temperatures, improperly store them, or physically damage them.
How To Fix:
To fix this, send the headphones to an authorized repair shop and they will find and replace the faulty hardware part.
7. Software Bugs or Glitches
A software bug or glitch can cause the headphones to randomly disconnect from devices. To fix or remove software bugs, reset the headphones or upgrade their firmware version.
A hard reset will restore the original factory settings, clear the internal memory, and remove software bugs from the headphones. To hard reset the headphones, read the user manual as each brand has a different process. But, usually it includes pressing two buttons at the same time for a few seconds.
To update the software of the headphones, read the manual as each brand or model has a different process. But. most processes include downloading the official application on your phone (For instance, the JBL Headphones app), pairing both devices, and seeing if there’s an update available.
How To Prevent Bluetooth Headphones From Disconnecting?
To prevent Bluetooth headphones from disconnecting, do the following.
- Stay Within Bluetooth Range – As long as both devices are within the 30 feet range, you should be fine.
- Avoid Bluetooth Interference – Next is to turn off and remove any nearby interference. This includes your PC, radio, and TV. Metal doors and devices are known to also alter Bluetooth signals to remove metals.
- Ensure The Device is On and Active – Is your headset on? Ensure you are playing something and don’t leave the device inactive. If it’s inactive for about 10 minutes, it will disconnect and shut off automatically.
- Use Bluetooth Range Extenders – Bluetooth range extenders are devices designed to increase Bluetooth strength and connection between your devices. It is useful if you are playing audio from a device in another room or more than 30 yards away.
- Charge Your Devices – Your headset will disconnect and go off when the battery gets low. Ensure the device is charged fully before using it. Usually, headphones display a blue or green LED light when fully charged.
- Close Other Apps – Check if you aren’t running multiple apps and programs that send or receive radio signals. Apps that also use Bluetooth, data, and Wi-Fi should be closed.
- Ensure The Bluetooth Driver Is Updated – You can also check if the Bluetooth device driver is running the latest update. If the version is outdated, it will not connect to Bluetooth devices. You should download and install an update.