How do I fix my Bluetooth audio stuttering?
What Causes Bluetooth Audio Stuttering?
There are a few common causes of Bluetooth audio stuttering:
Interference from other devices using the 2.4 GHz frequency can disrupt the Bluetooth signal and cause stuttering. This includes wireless routers, cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens. Being in close proximity to these devices while using Bluetooth can degrade the signal quality (https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-bluetooth-audio-stutter-fix/).
Obstacles physically blocking the signal between Bluetooth devices, like walls or your body, can also cause intermittent audio. Try moving closer and minimizing obstructions between your phone and Bluetooth speaker or headphones (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/bluetooth-audio-stuttering-and-lagging/a1b60477-3ec8-4bb0-8475-f732b04da0e3).
Issues with Bluetooth codec support between your devices can also lead to choppy audio. Try changing the Bluetooth codec in your device settings to one that is better supported.
Finally, underlying problems with the Bluetooth hardware in your device, like an old Bluetooth adapter, can cause latency and skipping. Updating drivers or getting a new Bluetooth transmitter may help.
Check Your Bluetooth Version
One potential cause for Bluetooth audio stuttering is an older Bluetooth version that can’t handle high quality audio streaming. Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 offer improved bandwidth and data transfer speeds compared to older versions.
Bluetooth 5.0, introduced in 2016, provides a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps. This allows it to handle advanced audio codecs like aptX HD and LDAC that require higher bandwidth. Older versions like Bluetooth 4.0 are limited to just 1 Mbps maximum data rate.
For the best Bluetooth audio quality with minimal stuttering, you’ll want devices that support Bluetooth 5.0. If your source and receiver device are stuck on older versions like 4.0 or below, the constrained bandwidth can lead to choppy audio when streaming high bitrate files.
Check your device specifications to see which Bluetooth version they use. If needed, consider upgrading to newer devices supporting Bluetooth 5.0 or later for smoother wireless audio transmission.
Sources:
https://www.dusuniot.com/blog/how-bluetooth-1-0-2-0-3-0-4-0-and-5-0-compare/
https://www.symmetryelectronics.com/blog/bluetooth-1-0-vs-2-0-vs-3-0-vs-4-0-vs-5-0-how-they-compare-symmetry-blog/
Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause a variety of connectivity issues, including audio stuttering. To rule out driver problems, it’s important to update the drivers on both the source device (like your phone or computer) as well as the receiving device (such as headphones, speakers or car audio system).
On Windows 10 and 11 computers, you can update Bluetooth drivers by going to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Click on the device and then select “Update driver.” Windows will automatically search for the latest driver. You can also visit the device manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver manually. Make sure to get the correct driver for your Windows version.
For other devices like smartphones, tablets, headphones and speakers, check the manufacturer’s website for driver updates. Follow any instructions to update the firmware wirelessly or via cable connection. Keeping both source and receiving device drivers updated is key to maintaining a stable Bluetooth connection.
Sources:
https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/how-to-install-and-fix-bluetooth-drivers-in-windows-10
Adjust Bluetooth Audio Codec
Switching to a higher quality Bluetooth audio codec like aptX or AAC can help reduce stuttering and improve audio quality. The default SBC codec compresses audio at a lower bitrate which can introduce latency and choppiness.
aptX supports audio up to 352 kbps while aptX HD handles up to 576 kbps, compared to just 328 kbps for SBC [1]. AAC also provides improved quality over SBC in the 250-400 kbps range [2].
To change the Bluetooth codec in Android, go to Developer Options and select aptX or AAC as your preferred audio codec. On iPhone, AAC is used automatically when available. Check your device and headphone specs to ensure aptX/AAC compatibility.
Avoiding lower bitrate SBC and switching to aptX or AAC can provide noticeably better quality streaming for music, videos, games, and calls over Bluetooth.
Change Bluetooth Channel
Interference from nearby WiFi networks often causes stuttering and skipping in Bluetooth audio. WiFi and Bluetooth both operate on the 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum, so they can interfere with each other if using the same channel or overlapping channels.
Try changing the channel on your wireless router or access point to 1, 6 or 11 instead of the more congested mid-range channels. Resetting your router may prompt it to switch to a less crowded channel. Refer to your router manual or settings to adjust the channel. This often resolves issues with Bluetooth audio stuttering because it reduces interference between WiFi and Bluetooth connections. [1]
You can also try disabling WiFi altogether when using Bluetooth to remove the interference. Just remember to turn WiFi back on when done listening. Separating the wireless channels allows for smoother streaming over Bluetooth.
Move Closer to Audio Source
Being farther away from your Bluetooth audio source can cause intermittent signal issues that lead to audio stuttering. Most Bluetooth devices have a range of up to 30 feet for stable connectivity.
Try moving closer to your Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or other audio source to improve the signal strength. Stay within 30 feet if possible for optimal audio performance without stuttering or drops. The effective range depends on factors like Bluetooth version, obstacles, and interference so closer proximity ensures a solid connection.
According to Bluetooth.com, the reliable range between Bluetooth devices can vary from over 1 kilometer down to less than a meter. But for high quality audio streaming, staying within 30 feet or closer is recommended.
Remove Obstacles Between Devices
Bluetooth signals can be easily blocked by walls, furniture, human bodies, and other objects in between the Bluetooth source and receiver. For best results, try to maintain a clear line of sight between your Bluetooth devices. Keeping the source and receiver within 30 feet and free of major obstacles will help optimize signal strength.
If you are experiencing stuttering or loss of signal, try repositioning devices so there are as few obstacles as possible in between. Even cupping the Bluetooth device in your hand can degrade the signal, so hold it openly. Eliminating obstacles helps maintain a strong connection for smooth, uninterrupted Bluetooth audio.
Thick concrete and stone walls can severely impact Bluetooth range and connection quality. Where possible, move your listening position to be in the same room as the source. For larger open spaces, placing devices closer together and limiting clutter in the signal path can allow for robust Bluetooth performance.
Disable WiFi
2.4GHz WiFi networks can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections, causing issues like stuttering audio. This is because Bluetooth and WiFi both operate in the 2.4GHz frequency band, so their signals can overlap and interfere with each other [1].
One potential solution is to temporarily turn off the WiFi on your router to remove the source of interference. You can disable just the 2.4GHz band if your router supports dual-band WiFi. This allows devices to connect using the 5GHz WiFi band instead, avoiding the Bluetooth interference issue. Just keep in mind that 5GHz has shorter range than 2.4GHz [2].
Turning off WiFi is worth trying if you experience frequent Bluetooth audio stuttering. After disabling WiFi, check if the stuttering stops. If it does, WiFi interference was likely the cause. You can then look into better router placement or settings to minimize disruption to your Bluetooth audio.
Reset Bluetooth Devices
Forcing a reconnect by resetting the Bluetooth devices can often resolve connectivity issues and audio stuttering. On Windows 10 and 11, you can reset Bluetooth by going to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and other devices, then selecting each device and choosing “Remove device” to forget it. On Android, go to Settings > Connected devices > Previously connected devices and “Forget” each Bluetooth device. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset all networks including Bluetooth. This will force your devices to go through the full pairing process again which can clear up glitches (Source).
After resetting the Bluetooth connection, check if the stuttering persists. Many connectivity problems can be resolved simply by clearing out old pairing information and forcing the devices to re-establish the connection. Just be sure to re-pair all your desired Bluetooth audio devices afterwards.
Get a Bluetooth Transmitter or Receiver
Dedicated Bluetooth audio hardware can often improve performance compared to built-in Bluetooth in phones, computers, and TVs. This is because they are optimized for wireless audio transmission. Look for transmitters and receivers that support aptX Low Latency (LL) codec. This can significantly reduce lag compared to standard Bluetooth audio codecs.
For example, Avantree makes several aptX LL Bluetooth transmitters designed for TV and audio lag like the Avantree Audikast Plus. Using an aptX LL transmitter with supported headphones can lower audio delay to around 40ms, which is much less noticeable.
Bluetooth receivers can also help reduce stuttering by providing a consistent wireless signal. Place the receiver near the audio source to ensure the best connection. Receivers like the Avantree DG60 can retransmit audio to headphones with minimal lag.
While dedicated Bluetooth transmitters and receivers require an additional purchase, they can resolve lag issues, especially with older devices lacking modern Bluetooth 5 support.