Why does a bluetooth headset discharge quickly? AirPods problems: what they are and what you can fix yourself

I've never used wireless headphones. It was difficult to find a compelling argument for buying them: they are more expensive than usual, and they sound either the same or worse. The wire didn't bother me, but times change.

It seems that the new iPhone line will still lose output for a standard 3.5 mm mini jack, which will radically change the accessory market. I seriously doubt that Apple will put a Lightning to mini jack adapter in the box with new smartphones - it would not be in the spirit of the company; it would be better to sell it for some money in the store. The best we can hope for is new EarPods, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple abandons bundled headphones altogether. There are none in the iPad box and that doesn’t bother anyone.

Therefore, it is worth preparing for the worst. There are three options for how we will listen to music from iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

– Using my old headphones and an adapter that Apple will sell us for 70 bucks. The option is scary; such a clutter of wires in your pocket or bag is clearly not what you want from using an iPhone-class device.

– You’ll have to buy new headphones that have Lightning. The option is simple, but expensive. It costs money for manufacturers to get certified to use this interface. Apple takes money from them, and they take money from us. Such headphones, even with comparable performance and sound quality, will always be more expensive than similar ones, but with a simple jack.

– We will use wireless Bluetooth headphones.

I decided to try the latter, having found some old Creative Hitz WP380 in the IG editorial office that were in storage. It’s funny that back then they cost 3,590 rubles, and today their average price on Yandex.Market is already 6,340 rubles. Miracles of the Russian economy.

But that’s not what we’re talking about; I won’t talk about these headphones again. I wondered what a person who has listened to music through wired headphones all his life and didn’t worry about it would feel when using Bluetooth headphones.

They need to be charged

The first problem I encountered. I got used to not thinking about headphones, remembering them only when needed. They are lying around in your bag or near the computer, but not near the outlet. Yes, my model can be connected at any time using a regular wire, but this will not work with the iPhone 7.

I had to charge the headphones every three days. They ran out of charge several times along the way, and I had to face the terrifying reality of the Moscow-Petushki commuter train. In general, charging headphones is not such a problem if you don't have a lot of devices. But when you have an iPhone, Apple Watch and headphones, you start to run out of space on your bedside table.

Another conclusion that I made after using the Creative hitz wp380 is that I need a universal interface for charging and data transfer. More precisely, I want USB Type-C everywhere.

– iPhone 7 with Lightning.
– MacBook 12 with USB Type-C.
– Headphones with microUSB.

Typical situation: you are going on a train, in order to charge all your gadgets, you will have to take three different wires! Three! It shouldn't be this way.

Apple Magic

The Apple ecosystem has long been ready for humanity to completely abandon wires. Wireless headphones integrate perfectly with iOS - the notification shade and status bar show the charge level of the connected accessory. But this is not news, but what pleasantly surprised me is that iOS displays sound output sources in one menu.

How it works. I have a third-generation Apple TV at home, and when I go home with headphones on, I can switch music playback from the headphones to the home stereo right from the control center in two clicks. All this works before I even close the front door behind me. Very comfortably.

Run Forest run

But there are still scenarios where ditching the wire has made my life a little easier. For example, running. I have absolutely idiotic shaped ears and attaching headphones to them is difficult. When you run, you can easily touch the wire with your hands and the headphones will fly out. With wireless ones this situation does not arise; you can turn your head in all directions and wave your arms as you wish.

Here you can indicate a rather far-fetched point, but which has a place to be – security. Still, using wireless headphones really puts your life in less danger - they cannot get caught on something, dragging the device they are connected to and, as a result, you.

I started turning on my smartphone less often

Wireless headphones, in theory, should drain your smartphone more, but in practice it’s quite the opposite. My regular headphones cannot independently control the player on the iPhone, so I had to turn on the smartphone display every time to change the music track. But what happens when you turn on the display? That's right, notifications fall on you, you unlock your phone, start answering someone, read some article on the Internet and look for nearby Pokemon.

This does not happen with wireless headphones - any model has player control buttons. I can easily turn on Spotify and put my phone in my bag. I will only need to get it if I hear that an important notification is coming. The phone began to last longer, and I was less distracted by unnecessary things.

Conclusion

As my experience has shown, life is better with wireless headphones than without. Don't be afraid of the appearance of the iPhone 7 and the fact that it won't have a mini-jack. Life will not end there, and technological progress cannot be stopped. If Apple had stuck with the old interfaces, the whole world might still be using SCSI instead of USB. Don't be afraid of progress, be ready for it. And we have collected for you the coolest wireless headphones on the market.

Long before the start of their sales, they attracted the attention of users.

After the Apple product was released, customers began to talk about discovering several problematic aspects that were quite easy to fix on their own.

What to do if your AirPods or one of them doesn't work?

If the sound disappears in wireless headphones, then experts advise paying attention to the following signs:

• Is Bluetooth enabled on iPhone?
• the need to overload the gadget;
• low charge level.

To get rid of the problem, you should try setting the headset to work through a single earphone in case of a telephone conversation. You can decide which right or left earphone will be used during a conversation through the Bluetooth menu.

You can easily repair a gadget when only one earphone fails if:

• put AirPods in the charging container and wait 10-15 seconds;
• turn Bluetooth on and off several times in a row;
• reboot wireless headphones;
• If one of the headphones has been replaced, then you should select the “Forget device” function in the menu and register it again.

If the sound is too quiet or absent

Sometimes one of the AirPods starts to sound very quiet. This problem needs to be fixed as follows:

• recharge both headphones or one of them;
• clean the mesh from lint and dust;
• clean the entire disassembled headset using a soft brush;
• disable the automatic ear detection option;
• check the volume connection in the main gadget.

If all stages are completed, and the sound is still not satisfactory, then it is strongly recommended to take the wireless headphones to a company service center.

Apple slightly delayed the release of new wireless AirPods, thanks to which, they say, the company managed to solve a number of technical problems that inevitably happen with new devices. However, judging by the reviews, Apple specialists have not yet solved all the problems with AirPods.

On the other hand, most of the troubles that users most often complain about can be classified as standard. That is, those that the user himself can eliminate without much effort.

If it comes to the point, competently.

In this regard, about what can happen With during their operation, and what should be done in such cases.

AirPods problems - won't connect

If one or both AirPods suddenly stop connecting to the iPhone, iPod or iPad with which you usually use them, then the first thing you need to do is simply insert them into the case. Next, wait at least 10 seconds, then take out both headphones and insert them into your ears. After another 3-5 seconds, AirPods should automatically connect to any of the devices already “familiar” to them, if one is nearby and in working condition.

During the process, the connection indicator on the headphone case should blink white. If the white color of the indicator is not observed, close the case, press the reset button, holding it, open the case again and look at the color of the indication. It will either immediately turn white, or you need to hold the button down a little longer until it flashes yellow several times and then finally flashes white.

If the headphones still do not connect, then you need to turn off and on Bluetooth, to which the headphones are “attached”, and to which they do not want to connect at the moment. Open " Control Center ", turn off the Bluetooth module, wait with half a minute , turn it on again and look at the behavior of our AirPods. Connected - good, if not connected - reboot them (more on this separately - at the end of the post ).

AirPods problems - only one earphone works ( left or right)

As practice shows, this sometimes happens if for some reason you replace one of the headphones in a pair. Without preliminary setup, the new AirPod, as a rule, simply does not sync with the old one and does not connect to the playback device. To fix the problem, you just need to command your iPhone, iPad or Mac to “forget” the old AirPods and then connect both existing ones as a new pair. You can do this as follows:

• open " Settings ", then " Bluetooth » and find the old AirPods in the list;
• tap the letter “i” on the right and then “ Forget this device "(if you didn’t find the “Forget” function in the device settings, try restarting the network settings: “Settings” → “General” → “Reset” → “Reset network settings”).

After this, we connect both headphones to the device by following the standard pairing procedure. If after this only one earphone still works, perform the reboot procedure (see below).

AirPods problems - won't connect to Mac

First, let's note that if your Mac is, let's say, not very new, then connecting AirPods to it may indeed not be so easy. But sometimes AirPods for some reason don’t want to connect to new Macs. If such an opportunity occurs, then we begin with the actions listed in the previous paragraph.

But keep in mind that if you turn off Bluetooth on your computer, then all wireless BT peripherals that worked with it will also turn off. In particular, a mouse, if it is also Bluetooth. Therefore, instead of disconnecting the laptop’s Bluetooth module, it is better to try removing the current pair with headphones and pairing them again ( “System Settings” -> “Bluetooth” choose "AirPods" and click " X «).

By the way, directly from the Mac, via iCloud, you can also “unlink” the headphones from all your iOS devices with which they are paired, i.e. iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Only after this is it advisable to reboot each of these devices.

New pair with AirPods, open the Bluetooth settings on the Mac again and carry out the standard pairing procedure. Next, iCloud will automatically connect the headphones to all other devices. In the vast majority of cases, failures when connecting AirPods to Apple devices are resolved in this way.

If your AirPods suddenly stop automatically connecting to your Mac...

...then you can quickly resolve the problem using one of the following methods:

• open " System Settings ", click " Bluetooth ", Further - " Turn off Bluetooth ", wait at least 30 seconds, then click " Enable Bluetooth «;
• in the menu bar, click the speaker icon and in the list “ Output device » indicate AirPods ;
• on Mac open " System Settings", click " Bluetooth", wait a little while the computer finishes searching for all available Bluetooth devices and AirPods appear in the list (most likely marked " Not connected"), Now in the menu bar (at the very top of the screen) click the speaker icon, also wait a little until all devices are displayed in the list, select AirPods and wait for the sound signal, which indicates the completion of the headphone connection procedure.
• in some cases they also help several Mac reboots in a row , during which the old iCloud and Bluetooth cache is cleared.

AirPods problems - won't connect to Apple Watch

Before connecting Airpods to your smartwatch via Airplay, try turning on Airplane mode on your Apple Watch for a few seconds, and then turning it off. Focus often helps resolve bugs with connecting or syncing headphones to the Apple Watch.

AirPods problems - won't sync with iCloud

In this case, you should simply log out of iCloud and then log in again. Often this is enough to eliminate various synchronization bugs. Including those that cause one earphone to stop working (this often happens in the first 1-2 days after connecting AirPods).

If reconnecting to iCloud does not help, then the synchronization problem can also be solved by restarting the headphones themselves. The procedure is described below.

AirPods problems - turning off while talking on the phone

There is such a problem. And it is especially annoying if the call is very important, or the headphones are turned off when you are on the move - driving, walking or running. Such a sudden shutdown occurs for a number of reasons, and therefore the problem is also resolved in different ways.

Let's start with the simplest thing - check the battery charge level of the headphones. If this is okay, then we switch the AirPods to work with phone calls only through one earphone. This is their normal mode and AirPods should work without problems in it. We configure AirPods so that the left or right earbud always works as the headset microphone. To do this, tap on the iPhone “Settings” -> “Bluetooth” , in the list of devices we find AirPods and click letter "i" to the right of the name, then tap “ Microphone " and choose at your discretion " Always left AirPods" or " Always the right AirPods«.

In addition, you can also try disabling the automatic ear detection feature for a while. This will reduce the mega-functionality of your AirPods somewhat, but you may be able to find out why the headphones turn off during a call. On the iPhone, press again “Settings” -> “Bluetooth” , in the list of devices we find AirPods and tap letter "i" to the right of the name and on the next screen turn off “ Auto ear detection «.

In some cases, rebooting the iPhone and/or completely rebooting the AirPods helps.

AirPods problems - they discharge very quickly

Ideally, fully charged AirPods have up to 5 hours of battery life. A 15-minute charge of completely discharged headphones is enough for about 3 hours of work. And the headphones work for about a day if you put them in the case from time to time.

If the autonomy of your AirPods differs noticeably from these indicators, then first check if the " Auto ear detection ". Thanks to it, the headphones automatically turn off as soon as you take them out of your ears, and do not waste battery power. Let's tap “Settings” -> “Bluetooth”, letter “i” next to AirPods -> “Auto-detection ear”(switch must be green).

If your headphones are draining faster than usual, try opening and closing the AirPods case near your iPhone (or iPad) less often. It is believed that the headphones somehow update the Bluetooth connection every time, which also does not help save the power of their tiny batteries.

If the AirPods discharge very quickly, even if they are not used in any way, then you need to reboot them. And if resetting the settings did not produce the desired effect, then it is better to contact a service or store for advice. It may be that AirPods will have to be replaced.

how to restart AirPods

The procedure is simple, takes about 20 seconds, but, as you already understand, it allows you to solve many software problems that arise with AirPods. Plus, after rebooting the headphones. As a rule, they also connect faster. So, in order:

• put AirPods into the case;
• on the back of the case we find the button, press it and hold the press for at least 20-30 seconds;
• the orange light on the case lights up - the reboot is complete, close the case;
• open the case next to the iPhone, after which the headphones will automatically reconnect to the smartphone;
• iCloud will also automatically reconnect AirPods to all your other Apple devices.

how to clean AirPods

First of all, regularly. Secondly, if you notice that one earphone has started to sound worse (or both have started to sound worse at once), then the first thing you need to do is inspect both devices for the presence of various kinds of substances on them, that is, dirt.

The longer you wear your headphones and the longer you neglect to care for them, the more unpleasant this procedure will end up being. For the simple reason that getting out the earwax that has accumulated in the AirPods holes is not only unpleasant, but also difficult.

You can clean your AirPods using a regular toothbrush (clean and dry) with soft bristles. If the radiator grilles are heavily clogged, try first “stirring up” the dirt with a brush, and then, with the utmost care, pull it out using... for example, a vacuum cleaner. And don’t forget that you have in your hands, “ears” for 160 bucks.

As a last resort and if the headphones are yours , then you can use your mouth (they say that this is even more effective than using a vacuum cleaner). It’s unlikely to succeed the first time, but if you repeat the procedure several times and using a suitable brush, sooner or later you will remove debris from the grates.

Let’s repeat, there really isn’t much that’s pleasant, so it’s better not to let things get to that point and just clean your headphones at least from time to time, without waiting until they get clogged to a completely indecent state.

In this article I will talk about how to use wireless headphones for phones and other equipment, and I will try to give some useful tips to everyone interested in this topic.

Even those who are not used to following fashion and do not keep up with the latest electronics are increasingly thinking about buying wireless headphones. Smartphone manufacturers have already begun to gradually abandon standard audio connectors. Whether the 3.5 mm output will become an echo of the past is still unclear, but the issue of using Bluetooth devices is more relevant than ever.

I'll start with the process of connecting to standard tablets and smartphones. It’s easiest to connect to them, since paired operation of such devices is already planned by the manufacturer during development, which means you won’t need an additional adapter (for most desktop PCs and TVs, you’ll need to buy a Bluetooth adapter and connect it to a USB port or audio output).

In the case of smartphones, tablets and laptops that have a built-in communication module, before setting up Bluetooth headphones you will need to:

• Turn them on;

• In the settings of the device broadcasting sound, activate Bluetooth;
• In the list of wireless equipment found nearby, find your headphones and click on their name;

• The connection name and password (if required) are indicated in the operating instructions, usually 0000 or 1111.

Just a few steps and half a minute of time and you can enjoy music, audiobook or any other audio content. Of course, until the built-in battery runs out.

Battery charging information

The built-in rechargeable batteries in devices of this kind do not have a large capacity, but due to their low power consumption they are enough for several hours of operation. In this case, charging will take a maximum of 2-3 hours, usually less.

You can find the exact time and ideal conditions for charging in the official instructions for the wireless headphones of the selected model. I personally advise you not to allow the battery to be partially filled, not to 100%. This will negatively affect the properties of the battery and its service life.

Use only the original “charger” included in the standard package, or select a power supply that exactly matches its parameters.

To sum up the final answer to the question “how to use Bluetooth headphones?”, you can derive a very laconic formula: consider the features of all the gadgets you use before buying a new one, always charge them to 100% and do not use chargers with incompatible parameters.

No doubt, wireless headphones are easy to use. The bundle of crumpled wires has disappeared, there is no need to connect to the signal source. It became possible to move freely over tens of meters. Travelers, athletes, drivers, and people of certain professions appreciated the ease of movement and the ability to use both hands. Despite all the positive properties of the wireless design, there is a slight difficulty in use - the need for recharging.

A little about the wireless device

The operating principle of wireless headphones is based on signal conversion received through:

• Bluetooth connection. The analog signal is processed into a digital one. Stable communication is maintained at a distance of up to 10 meters. The presence of building partitions or furniture is not an obstacle to the signal.
• Infrared port. Audio communication is based on optical signal transmission in the infrared range. It is distinguished by the high quality of transmitted sound information, including music. The connection is resistant to electromagnetic interference. A significant disadvantage is that the transmitter and receiver must be in line of sight: furniture will not only distort the signal, but can also completely stop the relationship. An analogue of such a device is a remote control.
• Radio wave communication. The audio signal is reproduced from spatial electromagnetic radiation - radio waves. Stable reception area within 100~200 meters. Sound quality may be affected by extraneous noise.

Wireless headphones work with any transmitter equipped with an appropriate mechanism: computer, telephone (smartphone), TV and other devices.

The portable design must include a power source - a battery or accumulator. The first option is rarely used due to its disposability. But, as a temporary solution, it is quite useful when replacing the battery. The latter is a reusable device, but requires periodic charging.

Kinds

Wireless headphones are divided according to the method of signal transmission:

• Radio earphone. The first type of wireless audio playback. The most long-range device. Stable reception distance up to 100~150 meters. Increasing the range - moving away from the transmitter - will cause sound deterioration.
• Infrared design. Perceives a signal in the optical infrared range. Headphones differ in sound quality. Resistant to interference from electromagnetic radiation. Disadvantage: Line of sight must be maintained.
• Bluetooth system. A popular system for transmitting and reproducing audio signals. The signal is not affected by visible obstacles or radio interference. Limited reception radius, up to 10 meters. Can be used with a computer, tablet, player, mobile phone.

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How to connect wireless headphones to your phone
, How to use wireless Bluetooth headphones

Charging the headphones

Despite its small size and apparent simplicity, the wireless design imposes a number of requirements for long-term and stable operation:

• Avoid falls to avoid mechanical damage.
• Store in a dry place at normal temperature.
• Timely and correct charging.

The power source, battery, depends on a number of parameters:

• Charging time.
• The degree of discharge before the recharging process.
• Charging wire design.
• Recharge method - from an electrical stationary network, personal computer, car.

Charging duration

The process of pumping battery energy does not exceed 3 hours. The type of power source and charging time are reflected in the instructions for the headphones. The manufacturer also indicates the degree of discharge from which it is required to recharge with electricity. It is determined by the type of battery and its properties.

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Charge level

Wireless headphone models are equipped with indicator lights that indicate the status of the power source. The number of visual highlights varies and ranges from 2 to 5 pieces. The colors of the lampshades are white, red, blue, green and yellow. Gamma is determined by the headphone model.

Operating mode: off, constant light or flashing. The last parameter is determined by the program embedded in the charge control unit. The meaning of the signals is deciphered in the accompanying documentation for the product.

A decrease in capacitive charge will cause a decrease in sound volume and signal quality will deteriorate. Most manufacturers recommend discharging the battery completely. This improves the physical and chemical charging process. You can completely discharge the battery by leaving the headphones on. The time of energy depletion will be signaled by a certain light indicator.

Power wire

Wireless headphones must include a wire to connect to a power source. The headphone charger and cable are fully adapted to each other's electrical parameters. The use of a third-party wire may cause a discrepancy in resistance and poor contact.

The result is an abnormal charging mode, the battery receives little electricity. The internal structure of the power source is damaged. This affects the quality of the sound signal and leads to premature discharge and failure of the battery.

Source of external energy

The headphone charger is adapted to a stationary power supply and designs with a USB connector, such as a computer or a car. If the latter does not have a connector, you will need to purchase a special adapter.