Why does my music keep pausing on Bluetooth?
Many people experience an annoying issue where music or audio playback will randomly pause when playing over a Bluetooth connection. This can happen in the car, with wireless headphones, speakers, or other Bluetooth devices. The music pausing seems to occur randomly and frequently, often multiple times per song. It’s an increasingly common problem that affects devices across platforms like Android, iOS, and others.
In this article, we’ll dive into the various factors that can cause music to keep pausing on Bluetooth and explore potential solutions. Understanding what’s behind the Bluetooth music pausing issue can help resolve it.
How Bluetooth Audio Works
Bluetooth uses profiles to allow devices to communicate with each other for different purposes. For streaming audio, the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is used. This profile allows high quality audio to be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection.
For A2DP to work, the audio signal first needs to be compressed using an audio codec like SBC, AAC, aptX, or LDAC. The compressed audio data is then transmitted over the Bluetooth wireless connection from one device to another. On the receiving device, the audio data is decompressed and decoded back into an analog audio signal that can be played through headphones or speakers. This allows wireless transmission of high quality audio between devices like smartphones, headphones, speakers, TVs, cars, etc.
Bluetooth uses a radio transmission method called frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). This allows the signal to rapidly switch frequencies up to 1600 times per second across 79 different bands to avoid interference. For optimal audio quality, Bluetooth can transmit data at speeds up to 2-3 Mbps depending on the Bluetooth version.
Sources:
https://kb.plugable.com/bluetooth/understanding-bluetooth-wireless-audio
https://citizenside.com/technology/does-bluetooth-wireless-audio-reduce-sound-quality/
Interference
One of the most common causes of Bluetooth audio pausing or skipping is interference from other devices. Bluetooth uses the 2.4GHz frequency band to transmit data, which is the same frequency used by many cordless phones, WiFi networks, microwave ovens, and other wireless devices [1]. This crowded frequency spectrum means that Bluetooth signals can easily get disrupted by interference from other nearby devices operating on the same band.
Microwave ovens are a major source of 2.4GHz interference that can disrupt Bluetooth connections. The magnetron that generates the microwave radiation in ovens also emits pulses of 2.4GHz signals. Opening the oven door while it’s on allows these pulses to escape and potentially interfere with Bluetooth [2]. Similarly, having too many active WiFi networks in the same area can create signal congestion that interrupts Bluetooth audio. Other wireless peripherals like wireless speakers, keyboards, and mice can also interfere with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
To reduce interference, try to minimize the number of other wireless devices operating nearby. Turn off or unplug the source of interference if possible, or move your Bluetooth devices farther away from it. Switching to the 5GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4GHz, using wired peripherals, and even repositioning your Bluetooth device’s orientation can also help avoid interference in some cases.
Bluetooth Version
The Bluetooth version used by your devices can impact audio streaming quality and reliability. Newer Bluetooth versions typically offer faster data rates, longer ranges, and improved audio codecs.[1][2] Here’s an overview of key Bluetooth versions for audio:
Bluetooth 1.0-2.1 – These early versions have limited bandwidth and support lower quality audio codecs like SBC. Range is generally 10 meters or less.
Bluetooth 3.0 – Introduced faster data transfer. But it still uses the basic SBC audio codec, so sound quality is not improved.[3]
Bluetooth 4.0-4.2 – Focuses on low energy consumption rather than audio quality. Mostly maintains Bluetooth 3.0 specs.
Bluetooth 5 – Significantly improves data rate and range over previous versions. Range can reach up to 800 feet with ideal conditions. Supports advanced audio codecs like aptX and AAC for better sound quality.
Bluetooth 5.1 – Refines Bluetooth 5 with minor improvements like faster data pairing. But audio streaming is similar.
Overall, Bluetooth 5 and higher tend to offer the best performance for music streaming with greater range, less interference, and improved audio quality. If audio cuts out frequently, upgrading devices to use newer Bluetooth versions can help. Just ensure both devices support the same Bluetooth version and advanced audio codecs.
[1] https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/bluetooth-versions
[2] https://www.headphonesty.com/2021/01/bluetooth-versions/
[3] https://www.dusuniot.com/blog/how-bluetooth-1-0-2-0-3-0-4-0-and-5-0-compare/
Codec Used
The Bluetooth audio codec used can significantly impact audio quality and reliability. The most common codecs are SBC, AAC, and aptX.
SBC (Subband Coding) is the default and mandatory Bluetooth audio codec. SBC works across all Bluetooth devices but offers lower quality audio compared to other codecs. SBC has a bitrate of up to 345kbps.[1]
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) offers improved audio quality over SBC and is supported on many modern smartphones and headphones. AAC has a variable bitrate ranging from 250kbps to 400kbps depending on the audio source. iPhones uses AAC by default over Bluetooth.[2]
aptX and aptX HD are proprietary codecs developed by Qualcomm and supported on many Android devices. aptX provides near CD-quality audio at a bitrate of 352kbps. aptX HD offers high resolution 24-bit audio up to a 576kbps bitrate but requires compatible devices on both ends.[3]
So in summary, AAC and aptX generally provide better audio quality over SBC, with aptX HD offering the highest quality for supported devices. But even with high bitrate codecs, Bluetooth audio can still suffer from interference and connectivity issues.
Device Compatibility
Not all Bluetooth devices support the same audio codecs, which can lead to compatibility issues. Older Bluetooth versions like Bluetooth 4.0 support only basic codecs like SBC, while newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 support advanced codecs like AAC and aptX. Android devices from different manufacturers also have varying codec support – many Samsung phones support aptX but few Pixel phones do. iPhones support AAC but not aptX. Windows PCs usually support SBC and AAC, while Macs can handle ALAC and AAC.
If two paired devices don’t share a supported codec, the audio transmission will fall back to the basic SBC codec. This can result in lower audio quality with symptoms like audio cutting out, lag, pops, clicks, and static. Checking hardware codec compatibility and choosing matching devices can help avoid these issues.
Sources:
[1] https://www.soundguys.com/understanding-bluetooth-codecs-15352/
[2] https://www.whathifi.com/advice/what-are-the-best-bluetooth-codecs-aptx-aac-ldac-and-more-explained
Distance and Obstructions
The effective range for Bluetooth connections depends on the specific Bluetooth version being used. Bluetooth 5.0 generally has the longest range, extending up to 800 feet or 240 meters in open spaces. Bluetooth 4.2 has a typical range of up to 98 feet or 30 meters, while older versions like Bluetooth 2.0 and 3.0 may only reach 33 feet or 10 meters (Bluetooth.com).
Obstacles between your phone and Bluetooth speaker can also impact the connection. Walls, floors, furniture, and even your body can block or weaken the Bluetooth signal. The more dense and numerous the obstructions, the shorter the operable range will become. Metal and liquid barriers are especially detrimental to Bluetooth connectivity (Crutchfield).
To maximize Bluetooth range, make sure there is a clear line-of-sight between your phone and speaker. Avoid placing the devices on opposite sides of thick walls or other major barriers. Positioning your phone and speaker higher up can also help avoid obstructions from furniture and people walking between the two devices.
Battery Level
Bluetooth can consume a significant amount of battery, especially for smaller devices like wireless earbuds or headphones. According to Chipolo, “Bluetooth only uses your phone’s battery when it is being actively used. And even then, thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy technology, it doesn’t use up that much power” (https://chipolo.net/en-us/blogs/bluetooth-drains-your-phone-battery-myth-or-fact). However, if the battery level in your connected Bluetooth device like headphones or a speaker is low, it can start to cause issues like audio cutting in and out.
Having enough battery charge is crucial for stable Bluetooth connections. As the battery drains on devices like wireless headphones, the Bluetooth signal strength can start to degrade. Cleer Audio notes that “Another reason why your headphone battery drains quickly is improper charging. If your headset is new, it may not come with a full battery charger. Charge the battery fully as per the user manual for optimum performance.” Keeping devices fully charged will help minimize Bluetooth issues (https://cleeraudio.com/battery-draining-issue-in-bluetooth-headphones-try-these-smart-hacks/).
Software and Configuration
Driver issues are one of the most common causes of Bluetooth audio problems on Windows devices. An outdated, buggy, or incompatible Bluetooth driver can disrupt connections and cause intermittent audio. Always make sure you have the latest driver from your device manufacturer installed. You can manually update the driver in Device Manager. See this Microsoft guide for detailed steps.
Along with the driver, settings in the Windows Sound control panel can also interfere with Bluetooth audio. Try disabling audio enhancements like “loudness equalization” which can cause stuttering. Make sure the sample rate and bit depth match what your Bluetooth headphones or speakers support. You may need to try different audio formats like SBC until you find the optimal setting. Consult your device’s documentation to find the recommended configurations.
As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers and Bluetooth stack can clear up software-related gremlins. Use Device Manager to uninstall the driver and Bluetooth Support Service, then reboot and reinstall the latest versions.
Potential Solutions
There are several things you can try to stop your music from pausing over Bluetooth.
Upgrade Devices
If you are using older Bluetooth devices, upgrading them may help. Newer versions of Bluetooth like 4.0, 4.2 or 5.0 offer improved stability over older versions like 2.0 or 3.0. Getting new Bluetooth headphones, speakers, car stereo or other devices that support a more recent Bluetooth version can improve performance.
Adjust Settings
Check the settings on both your phone and Bluetooth device. Disable any battery saving settings which may interfere with connectivity. Make sure the volume is turned up. Try adjusting Bluetooth codecs in developer options if available. Switch off and on again to refresh the Bluetooth connection.
Minimize Interference
Other devices using the 2.4Ghz WiFi frequency can interfere with Bluetooth and cause music to pause. Turn off WiFi if not in use. Move devices closer together with fewer obstructions between them. Avoid potential sources of interference like microwaves and baby monitors. Use airplane mode if all else fails.