If Bluetooth audio keeps dropping or stuttering during calls, the problem is usually not the headset itself. In most cases, it comes down to connection interference, software hiccups, or a setting quietly conflicting in the background. The good news is that this is often quick to fix once you narrow down the cause.
If you want the fastest starting point: reconnect the device completely and restart both the phone and the headset. That alone resolves a surprising number of call-audio interruptions.
Start by resetting the Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth connections can become unstable over time, especially after system updates or switching between multiple devices.
- Turn Bluetooth off on your phone.
- Power off your headset or car system.
- Restart your phone fully.
- Turn the headset back on.
- Enable Bluetooth again and reconnect manually.
Avoid using the automatic reconnect prompt. Open Bluetooth settings and select the device yourself so the connection rebuilds cleanly.
Check if another device is stealing the connection
This happens more often than people realize. Many earbuds and car systems remember several devices and may briefly switch when another paired phone, tablet, or laptop wakes up nearby.
During a call, that brief switching attempt can sound like audio cutting out.
Open Bluetooth settings on other nearby devices and either disable Bluetooth temporarily or remove the headset from their saved list. Then test another call.
Disable battery optimization for call-related apps
Phones sometimes restrict background activity to save power. Unfortunately, this can interrupt Bluetooth audio routing mid-call.
On Android:
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Open the Phone app and any calling apps you use (WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.).
- Open Battery settings.
- Set usage to Unrestricted or Not optimized.
On iPhone, check that Low Power Mode is off during testing. It occasionally reduces wireless stability when the battery is low.
Look for signal interference
Bluetooth shares space with Wi-Fi and other wireless signals. Crowded environments — offices, cars with wireless adapters, or areas packed with electronics — can cause brief audio gaps.
Try a short test call while:
- Turning Wi-Fi off temporarily
- Moving the phone closer to the headset
- Keeping the phone out of a pocket or bag
If the audio stabilizes, interference was likely the trigger.
Update software on both devices
Bluetooth call stability depends heavily on firmware compatibility. A phone update without a matching headset update can introduce call-only issues even when music works fine.
Check:
- Phone system updates
- Headset or earbuds companion app for firmware updates
Install updates, then reconnect the device again rather than relying on the previous pairing.
Reset network settings if problems continue
If audio still cuts out after trying the steps above, resetting wireless settings often clears deeper conflicts.
On most phones:
- Open Settings.
- Find Reset options.
- Select Reset Network Settings.
This removes saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairings, so you’ll need to reconnect afterward, but it frequently fixes persistent call instability.
Practical tip: If music playback works perfectly but calls do not, test with another calling app. Some apps handle Bluetooth microphones differently, which can quickly reveal whether the issue is system-level or app-specific.
Once calls stay clear without drops, you’re done — no further adjustment should be necessary.