Having your headphones randomly disconnect during a video call can be incredibly frustrating. There are a few common reasons why this might happen and some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick potential answers to why your headphones might be disconnecting during video calls:
- Bluetooth interference from other devices
- Outdated Bluetooth drivers
- Exceeding the Bluetooth connection range
- Issues with the video calling app
- Battery issues with the headphones
- Faulty headphone Bluetooth antenna
Bluetooth Interference
One of the most common culprits for random Bluetooth headphone disconnections is interference from other wireless devices. Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is the same band used by many common household devices like:
- WiFi routers
- Microwaves
- Wireless landline phones
- Baby monitors
- Garage door openers
- Wireless game controllers
Having several devices transmitting on this crowded band at the same time can cause signal interference and interruptions. This is especially true if you are near the edge of the Bluetooth connection range. Even small disruptions can cause the headphones to momentarily disconnect.
Ways to Fix Bluetooth Interference
- Move closer to the Bluetooth source device
- Turn off or unplug nearby wireless devices during calls
- Use a 5 GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4 GHz if possible
- Update router firmware and enable WiFi optimization features
- Change the channel your router broadcasts on to avoid overlaps
Outdated Bluetooth Drivers
Another common source of Bluetooth headaches is having outdated, buggy or missing drivers for your Bluetooth adapter. All Bluetooth devices require adapter drivers to work properly. Over time, bugs and incompatibilities can creep in as OS updates are pushed out.
Symptoms of driver issues include:
- Frequent lag and stuttering audio
- Random disconnections
- Inability to pair new devices
- Audio distortion or echos
If you are experiencing any of those, it’s a good idea to update your drivers. Here are some tips for doing that:
Updating Bluetooth Drivers
- Search Device Manager for your Bluetooth adapter and update the drivers
- Check the adapter manufacturer’s website for the latest software
- Completely uninstall then reinstall the latest driver version
- Use third-party driver update utilities to fetch the newest drivers
- Update your operating system to the latest version
Exceeding Connection Range
Bluetooth has a limited functional range. While Class 1 devices can transmit up to 100 meters, most consumer headphone connectivity starts dropping out around 10-30 feet from the source.
If you wander too far away from your computer or phone during a call, you may exceed the edge of the headset’s connectivity bubble which can cause temporary disconnections. Moving back closer restores the signal strength.
You can tell if range is the issue by checking if the problem still occurs when positioned very close to the source device. No drops when near it points to a range problem.
Improving Bluetooth Range
- Use Class 1 Bluetooth devices which have longer range
- Keep a clear line of sight between source and headset
- Reduce sources of RF interference
- Upgrade to newer Bluetooth versions like 5.0+ with improved range
- Use a Bluetooth signal booster or extender
Issues with Video Calling App
Problems with the video calling software itself can also lead to headset disruptions. Apps like Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts etc need to be properly coded to integrate with Bluetooth devices.
If the app has bugs or glitches when handling Bluetooth commands, it can manifest in the form of lag, echo, or dropped connections. This tends to happen more commonly with newly released or updated apps that haven’t been thoroughly tested and debugged.
You can test if the app is the problem by trying a call on a different platform and seeing if the drops still occur. If they only happen in one app, an app reinstall or contacting the developer may help resolve it.
Fixing App-Related Bluetooth Issues
- Check for and install app updates
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app
- Use a different video calling app to test
- File a bug report with the app developer
- Check if the issues is replicated on multiple devices
Headphone Battery Problems
For wireless Bluetooth headphones, battery issues can also lead to connectivity problems. As the battery starts to wear out, it may no longer hold a full charge. Weakened batteries can cause the wireless signal to become unstable.
Signs your headphones have battery problems include:
- Decreasing battery life between charges
- Frequent need to recharge
- Powering off even with 50%+ charge left
- Randomly dropping connection
Luckily, batteries are usually easy to replace in most Bluetooth headphones. Third party options are widely available online for affordable prices.
Improving Bluetooth Headphone Battery Life
- Lower volume levels when possible
- Disable unneeded features like RGB lighting
- Use the device at room temperature
- Let battery fully drain then charge to 100% occasionally
- Replace batteries after 2-3 years of moderate use
Faulty Bluetooth Antenna
Bluetooth headphones have a small internal antenna that does the actual transmitting and receiving of the wireless signal. Like any antenna, these can occasionally get damaged or disconnected.
If the antenna develops any faults, it impacts the stability of the connection leading to things like static, cutting in and out, or failed pairing attempts. Unfortunately the only fix is to replace the headset in cases of antenna failure.
Here are some common signs your headphone Bluetooth antenna may be faulty:
- Far shorter connectivity range
- Cutting out even when nearby
- Inability to pair or connect
- Significant static or audio distortions
Before assuming antenna failure, double check for potential software, battery, and interference issues first. But if you’ve eliminated those possibilities, the antenna itself might need replacement.
Other Less Common Causes
While the issues above cover the majority of cases, there are a few other outliers that could lead to headphones disconnecting during video calls including:
Electromagnetic Interference
Any device emitting strong electromagnetic radiation like power transformers, motors, microwaves can disrupt Bluetooth signals.
Paired Device Limit Reached
Most Bluetooth adapters only support a limited number of paired devices, usually 8 or so. Going over this limit can cause unpredictable behavior.
Incompatible Bluetooth Profiles
Unsupported or conflicting Bluetooth profiles between devices can prevent stable connections.
Damaged Bluetooth Dongle
Rarely the physical Bluetooth dongle itself may get damaged, requiring replacement.
Incorrect Codecs
Codec compatibility issues can manifest as stuttering audio and disconnections.
Preventing Future Disconnections
While troubleshooting and eliminating the root cause is important, you also want to take steps to prevent random headset disconnections from occurring again in the future. Here are some good practices to follow:
- Keep devices updated with latest firmware/software
- Reduce sources of potential RF interference
- Recharge batteries frequently
- Stay within optimal Bluetooth range during calls
- Use good quality, proven headsets
- Verify codec compatibility before purchase
Following those tips should help minimize random dropouts and improve the reliability of your wireless headset connectivity while video calling.
Conclusion
Randomly disconnecting headphones can certainly be annoying and disruptive during video calls. However, the problem is usually caused by a handful of common issues like interference, outdated drivers, battery problems or exceeding Bluetooth range limits. By methodically troubleshooting and addressing the potential culprits, you should be able to eliminate those pesky headphone dropouts and have smooth, uninterrupted calls.