If you’re new to using Bluetooth headphones, you may be wondering, “why are my Bluetooth headphones beeping?” There are a few different causes, and they’re all fairly easy to determine. Even the best Bluetooth headphones can experience connection issues, but it’s rarely an unfixable issue.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Performing a power cycle is a quick and easy fix for many issues that cause your Bluetooth headphones to beep.
- One of the less common issues that can cause beeping is when different audio file types are being played, forcing firmware or software to switch between codecs.
- More often than not, the beeping is caused by a low battery, and a recharge will stop it.
While you’re at it, you may want to look into other common issues like getting no sound when your Bluetooth headphones are plugged in. You could also read about general connection issues with Bluetooth headphones. And, discover the strengths and weaknesses between wireless and Bluetooth headphones.
Why Your iPhone Headphones Beep When They’re Plugged In
Like any wireless technology, Bluetooth can experience connection issues. Bluetooth headphones and some other Bluetooth audio devices can sometimes beep if they have connection issues or other problems. There are a few common reasons that are pretty easy to troubleshoot, regardless of your computer acumen.
Insider Tip
Performing a power cycle will often solve problems that lead to a beeping Bluetooth headset if no other solutions work.
Low Battery
The most common cause of a beeping pair of Bluetooth headphones is a low battery. Most Bluetooth headphones are charged via a USB connection to a wall socket or PC and will require a recharge frequently, especially if you use them regularly and for long periods.
The beep’s tone, volume, and frequency will vary among models, but if you hear one, the best thing to do is to plug your headphones into a power source and see if the beeping stops. Usually, the beeping will start when you’re running low on charge, but with a few minutes before the headphones power off.
Interference From Nearby Devices
Another reason your headphones may be beeping is because of interference from other nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. This can include a mobile device, tablet, or another desktop or laptop PC, especially if they’re pairing with another Bluetooth device. It also is caused by any wireless electronic device, including a cell phone, a cordless telephone, or a portable radio.
First, check your surroundings for any such device that could be the culprit and see if moving into another room stops the beeping. Next, try unpairing your headphones from the connected device and deleting your headphones from its Bluetooth connectivity options.
Try a Reset/Power Cycle
Sometimes a beep could indicate a software or firmware issue with the headphones (this beep may be different than one that indicates a power issue or interference; you can check your model’s manual to see if this is the case). This generally requires a power cycle, which resets the headphones to factory settings,
A power cycle is usually performed simply by pressing and holding the headphones’ power button until they power down and power up again. If this works, you may have to pair your headphones to your device again.
Warning
Beeping sometimes occurs due to interference from nearby electronic wireless devices, such as cell phones, cordless phones, radios, and other Bluetooth devices.
Why Bluetooth Headphones Keep Beeping on Android
If you’re using an Android phone, constant beeping could be caused by:
- Low battery warnings (even when partially charged)
- Bluetooth disconnection/reconnection loops
- App permissions or background processes interfering with audio
- System notifications triggering tones in your headphones
Fixes for Android:
- Fully charge your headphones and phone.
- Unpair and re-pair the headphones in Settings > Bluetooth.
- Disable unnecessary Bluetooth permissions from third-party apps.
- Update your Android OS and headphone firmware (via brand app, if available).
Why Bluetooth Headphones Keep Beeping on iPhone
On iPhones, common reasons for beeping include:
- Low battery alerts
- Audio routing issues when switching between apps or AirPlay devices
- Bluetooth instability when connected to multiple devices (like Mac + iPhone)
- Notification sounds being routed through the headphones
Fixes for iPhone:
- Turn off “Share Across Devices” under Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Handoff.
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and adjust notification settings.
- Forget the device and re-pair: Settings > Bluetooth > [Your Device] > Forget This Device.
- Make sure you’re not connected to multiple Apple devices simultaneously via iCloud.
Popular Bluetooth Headphone Brands That May Beep
Beats / AirPods
- Beep for low battery, connect/disconnect, or audio source switching.
- Fix: Reset your AirPods/Beats and re-pair with your device.
Sony
- Frequent beeping can mean multipoint switching, firmware updates needed, or low battery.
- Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to manage settings and check firmware.
JBL
- Usually beep for low battery, pairing mode, or volume limit warnings.
- Factory reset can stop persistent beeping: Hold Volume Up + Play for 5+ seconds.
Bose
- Known for beeping due to voice prompts, low battery, or firmware issues.
- Update via Bose Music app and disable voice prompts in settings.
STAT: Bluetooth was first conceived of as a personal area network technology in 1997. (source)
