How Far Can AirPods Be Away From Phone? [Optimal & Max. Range]

Do you ever wonder how far can you be away from your phone while using your AirPods or AirPods Pro? I guess yes, and that curiosity has brought you here. Well luckily, you have arrived at the right place. I’m going to satisfy you with the perfect answer here.

In this post, I’m going to explain to you the optimal, recommended, and maximum range for your AirPods to stay away from your phone or iPhone. So, the next time you move away from your phone while wearing the AirPods, you know how far you can go without being interrupted.

How far can you be away from the Phone with AirPods?

The Apple AirPods are among the most popular truly wireless stereo headsets in the world. And, their excellent performance justifies their craze. It offers tons of great features for any music lover. One of the highlights of AirPods is their long-range. But, how long is it actually?

It is important to know how far can you be away from your phone while wearing AirPods. So, you won’t go too far and face any interruptions. The thing is that different Bluetooth versions offer differing ranges in AirPods. Thus, the range of AirPods to be away from a phone depends on the Bluetooth version of the device.

The latest versions of Bluetooth help in providing longer ranges while the older ones will only provide a shorter one. Here is the approximate range for how far AirPods can be away from a phone with a specific version of Bluetooth:-

  • Bluetooth-3: 10 Meters (33 ft).
  • Bluetooth-4: 60 Meters (200 ft).
  • Bluetooth-5: 240 Meters (800 ft).

This is because the AirPods are fitted with the Apple W1 chip which is an SoC from Apple that focuses on wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. It maintains a Bluetooth Class 1 connection with a computer device and decodes the audio stream sent to it while the range depends on the Bluetooth version participating in the connection.

Also Check: Best AirPods 3 Cases

What is the Optimal & Maximum Range for AirPods to be away from a Phone?

The range for AirPods can be divided into two categories- Optimal and Maximum.

The optimal range will be the recommended range by the company at which the AirPods are developed to be used. On the other hand, the maximum range will be the maximum distance to which you can take the AirPods away from the phone without compromising on the performance.

According to Apple, the Optimal range for AirPods is between 30 and 60 feet (between 10 to 18 meters). Whereas, the maximum range for the AirPods will be 60 feet (18 meters). This means you can move with the AirPods without worrying about anything at a distance of 10 to 18 meters.

However, if you’ll move more than 60 feet with the AirPods from the phone, then you’ll experience performance issues. The sound may break, muffle, and it may even stop due to the disconnection. This range is also affected due to a number of factors that we’ll discuss next.

What are the Factors affecting the Range of AirPods to be away from a Phone?

There are a number of factors that affect the range of your AirPods to be away from a phone. We have already seen that the major factor affecting that is the Bluetooth version of the device that you are connected to. However, there are certain minor factors as well that should be taken care of.

The generation of the AirPods is the most prominent one among them. There is a slight range difference between Generation 1 and Generation 2 AirPods. So, if you have the latest ones, you will get a noticeable advantage.

Another thing you can do to maximize the range of AirPods is to use it with an iOS device. You will experience a decreased range while using them with an Android device, PC, or even Mac. This is due to the Bluetooth tech of the specific devices.

The least number of interruptions in your surroundings, and the device connecting only to the AirPods via Bluetooth will also play a significant role in getting the maximum range.

What to do if the range of your AirPods has decreased?

If you are experiencing a decreased range in your AirPods, it could be due to an external or internal cause. The optimal range to use AirPods is between 10 to 18 meters. So, if you are not able to use your AirPods even in this range, then you are facing an issue that needs to be paid attention to.

The range of AirPods to be away from a phone can decrease when they are damaged, the Bluetooth of the device is outdated or not working properly, or when the device is connected to many other BT devices.

Firstly, you should try checking your AirPods with a different device. If they are working fine with that device, then they are absolutely fine and the problem lies within the device. You can try repairing the Bluetooth connection, forgetting other Bluetooth devices, and moving to a different place.

However, if the AirPods are providing decreased range with other devices also, then there would be a problem with them. You should first try to reset the AirPods by yourself. And, if that doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll have to take them to a certified specialist.

How to reset AirPods/AirPods Pro by yourself?

Resetting the AirPods is a very effective solution for a lot of AirPods-related issues. This is how you can reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro by yourself:

  1. Keep the AirPods inside the case and close the lid.
  2. Locate the “Set-up button” present on the back of the AirPods case.
  3. Press and hold this button for 15 seconds.
  4. Check the while LED light flashing on the case turning to Amber, and then white again.
  5. Take out the AirPods, turn them on, and pair them again.

That’s it. You have successfully reset the AirPods by yourself.

Final Words

AirPods are one of the most popular and efficient TWS headsets by Apple. One of the most prominent features of the AirPods is the range. You can use your AirPods while being at a distance of 10 to 18 meters (30 to 60 feet) from your phone. Now you know how far can AirPods be away from a phone without having performance issues.

Remember that this range differs from device to device. That’s all for this post. I hope you have found your answers now. Feel free to use the comment section to ask more questions about the AirPods.