Why does my phone keep pausing my music Bluetooth?
Many smartphone users experience an annoying issue where music or audio playback will randomly pause when connected to a Bluetooth device like wireless headphones or a car stereo. This can happen across various smartphone brands and models when using services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or other audio apps. The music doesn’t fully disconnect, but rather just briefly pauses before resuming again. This can occur whether you are actively listening or if the phone is idle in your pocket.
This problem appears to stem from a range of possible causes inherent to how modern smartphones handle multiple wireless connections. While frustrating, there are both quick fixes and long-term solutions users can try to address the Bluetooth music pausing problem.
Possible Causes
There are a few common possibilities that can cause music to pause when connected to Bluetooth:
Bluetooth Signal Interference
Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other devices. Interference from these other wireless devices in close proximity can disrupt the Bluetooth signal and cause music to pause or skip.1
Issues with Bluetooth Codec Support
If your phone and Bluetooth speaker use different audio codecs, this can lead to intermittent pausing as the devices switch between codecs. For example, if your phone only supports SBC codec but your speaker uses AptX, there may be compatibility issues.2
Problems with the Music App
Bugs or glitches within the music app itself, such as Spotify, can also be a cause. Restarting the app or your phone may resolve app-specific issues if the music pausing only happens with one app.3
Bluetooth Interference
One common cause of Bluetooth music pausing is interference from other wireless devices that operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as Bluetooth, such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, microwaves, and wireless speakers (Audio-Technica). These devices can create radio frequency interference that disrupts the Bluetooth signal between your phone and headphones/speakers.
Physical barriers between your phone and Bluetooth device can also cause interference. The Bluetooth signal has trouble penetrating some materials like walls, water, and the human body. If you put your phone in your pocket or walk to another room, the signal may be blocked enough to cause music pausing (Sony). Keeping your phone and Bluetooth device within close line-of-sight helps maintain a strong connection.
Codec Support Issues
Different devices support different Bluetooth codecs that compress audio in different ways. Newer versions of Bluetooth support more advanced codecs that deliver better audio quality. Older devices may only support basic codecs like SBC, while newer devices support higher quality codecs like aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, etc. [1]
If your phone and headphone/speaker have incompatible codecs, the audio transmission will default back to SBC which can result in lower quality streaming. For example, iPhones only support AAC and SBC codecs. So if you pair iPhone with headphones using aptX, the audio will revert to SBC since iPhone doesn’t support aptX. This codec mismatch can potentially cause streaming issues like pausing, lag, etc. [2]
To avoid codec conflicts, check headphone and phone specs to ensure both support at least one high quality codec like AAC, aptX, or LDAC. Also try updating device firmware which sometimes adds new codec support. Using a common advanced codec on both devices provides optimal streaming quality and stability.
Music App Problems
One potential cause of music pausing over Bluetooth is bugs or glitches within the music app itself. According to discussions on the Apple Support Communities forum, some users have experienced issues streaming music to Bluetooth speakers specifically when using the iOS Music app (1). One user reported the Music app pausing songs unpredictably when streaming to a Bluetooth speaker, with no issues when using a different media app like YouTube (1).
Problems seem most common when using the iOS Music app, but Android users have also reported intermittent music pausing when streaming over Bluetooth (3). This indicates app-specific bugs may be partly responsible, especially if other Bluetooth functions work normally.
Try adjusting settings in the Music app itself, like disabling any EQ or audio effects, or toggling options like gapless playback. Updating to the latest version of iOS or the Music app can also resolve app-specific bugs causing music to pause. As a workaround, use a different media app like Spotify to stream music over Bluetooth if possible. But if problems persist across apps, the issue likely lies elsewhere.
Sources:
(1) https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253555030
(3) https://support.google.com/android/answer/9769184?hl=en
Phone Settings
The Bluetooth and audio settings on your phone can impact music streaming performance over Bluetooth. For example, some key settings to check on an Android phone are:
- Bluetooth Audio Codec – This determines which audio codecs your phone will use for Bluetooth streaming, like SBC, AAC, aptX, etc. Some codecs handle music better than others. Try using aptX or AAC if available. (Source)
- Bluetooth Audio Sample Rate and Bits Per Sample – Higher values like 44.1kHz/16bit can improve audio quality for music. Lower values are better for calls. (Source)
- Bluetooth Advanced Settings – Options like audio focus can improve streaming reliability by preventing interruptions when other apps play audio. (Source)
Likewise on iOS, key Bluetooth settings include enabling high-quality audio streaming under Settings > Bluetooth. Trying different combinations of settings can help minimize music disruptions over Bluetooth.
Headphone/Speaker Issues
One common cause of Bluetooth music pausing is compatibility problems between your phone and your Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Not all Bluetooth devices work seamlessly together, and this can cause intermittent skipping, pausing, or cutting out of audio. Try pairing your headphones or speakers with another phone or audio source to see if the problem persists. If the audio issues only occur with your phone, then there may be a compatibility problem between the two devices.
You should also inspect your headphones or speakers for potential issues. Problems like low battery, damaged cables, connection problems with the headphones themselves, or hardware flaws can all lead to pausing and skipping during music playback over Bluetooth. Check that your headphones are charged, cables are not damaged, and the headphones/speakers work properly when connected directly to another audio source. If you can isolate the problem to the headphones or speakers themselves, it’s likely time to replace them.
According to one source, “Does the Bluetooth connection between your headphones and smartphone (or another device) sometimes cut out, or do you experience sound cuts? This may be due to connection issues with your headphones or speakers themselves. Check for low battery, damaged cables, or other hardware issues with your headphones.” (https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00294247)
Network Connectivity
Issues with your phone’s network connectivity can sometimes disrupt Bluetooth music streaming. Both WiFi and cellular data networks can cause interference that leads to music pausing, skipping, or cutting out entirely. This is because Bluetooth relies on the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as WiFi, so the two signals can clash and cause issues with maintaining a stable Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth.com). Cellular data networks like 3G, 4G, and 5G can also potentially disrupt Bluetooth streaming, as the phone has to switch between managing different wireless signals.
Another common connectivity issue is when your phone switches between WiFi and cellular data networks. This changeover in network can momentarily disconnect Bluetooth devices as the phone reconnects to the new network. Music will often pause when this happens until the Bluetooth connection is re-established. Network changes can also occur if you move out of range of a WiFi network or enter an area with poor cell reception. The resulting instability in the network connection makes it harder to maintain consistent Bluetooth streaming.
Solutions
There are several potential solutions for fixing issues with music pausing over Bluetooth:
First, adjusting your phone’s Bluetooth settings can help. Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and try changing the Audio Codec to SBC instead of AAC or other advanced codecs. SBC is more universally supported across devices which may prevent pausing issues. You can also try disabling options like Media Audio Sync or HD Audio if available (source).
If your headphones or speakers allow it, change their Bluetooth codec settings to match your phone’s. Make sure any EQ settings or audio effects are disabled on both devices as these can sometimes interfere.
Switching to a wired connection with an AUX cable can also resolve any Bluetooth-related problems. This may be preferable for consistent audio quality if Bluetooth issues persist.
Finally, updating your music apps, phone operating system, and Bluetooth drivers can potentially fix bugs causing pausing problems. Keep your software updated for best compatibility across devices (source).
Preventing Issues
There are a few things you can do to prevent issues with music pausing over Bluetooth:
Buying Compatible Devices
Make sure any Bluetooth speakers, headphones, cars, etc. you purchase are designed to work with your specific phone model. Check manufacturer websites for compatibility information. Opt for higher-quality Bluetooth devices from reputable brands, as cheaper devices may have connectivity issues.
Positioning Devices Optimally
Try to minimize obstructions between your phone and Bluetooth device – keep them in close proximity and avoid placing them on opposite sides of your body. Avoid storing Bluetooth devices in Faraday cages like metal boxes which can block signals.
Using Airplane Mode
Switch your phone to Airplane Mode then re-enable just Bluetooth. This prevents interference from cellular signals, WiFi networks, and other radios on your phone that may disrupt the Bluetooth connection.