Keep Your Bluetooth Headphones Alive: No More Low Battery

Many Bluetooth headphones and speakers are designed to notify users when their battery is low, often doing so at regular intervals until the device is charged or the battery dies. This feature can be extremely annoying for users, who often complain that the frequency of the notifications is excessive and that they are alerted when the battery still has a substantial charge remaining. While some people have found ways to disable these notifications, such as by holding down the volume button while turning on the device, this is not always effective and may depend on the specific model of the headphones or speaker. In some cases, the only solution may be to replace the battery or purchase a different product.

Turn off headphones, wait, hold volume down button while turning back on

If your Bluetooth headphones are constantly interrupting your music with "battery low" notifications, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, ensure that your headphones are fully charged. If they are not, charge them until they reach full capacity.

If your headphones are fully charged and you're still experiencing issues, try the following: turn off your headphones, wait for a few minutes, then turn them back on while holding down the volume down button. This may reset the device and fix the issue.

If the problem persists, you may need to reset your headphones. To do this, remove the battery cover and press and hold the power button for about five seconds. If this doesn't work, the issue may lie with the batteries themselves, and they may need to be replaced.

Additionally, you can try turning off other devices connected to your headphones, such as your phone or tablet, to conserve power. If you're using a Samsung device, you can also disable the "Show battery level" option in your Bluetooth settings to stop the low battery notifications. Similarly, for iPhones, you can toggle off "Low Battery Alerts" in your Bluetooth settings.

Use third-party apps like BatON to get a basic battery percentage toast

If you're tired of your Bluetooth headphones constantly interrupting your music with "battery low" notifications, there's a simple solution: use third-party apps like BatON. This app provides a basic but effective way to monitor your headphone's battery percentage, so you can stay informed without the annoying alerts.

Here's how it works: when you connect your Bluetooth headphones, BatON displays a pop-up on your phone screen, showing the current battery level. This is followed by a permanent indicator in your notification tray, which includes the name of your device and its battery percentage. If you prefer a less intrusive display, you can easily swipe to dismiss this notification.

The BatON app is designed for Android users, who often don't have a built-in way to see the battery levels of connected devices. It fills this gap in Android system settings, ensuring you don't have to worry about your headphones dying unexpectedly.

One of the best features of BatON is its simplicity. Once you've connected your headphones, you can open the app to see a list of all your previously linked Bluetooth devices, along with their battery readings. If you want to manually refresh the battery level of a specific device, simply click on it, and the app will check again.

While BatON is a great tool, it's important to note that it has some limitations. It works with Bluetooth devices that have handset functionality, such as accepting or rejecting calls, or those with a GATT profile, typically found in Bluetooth LE devices. Additionally, the accuracy of the battery readings depends on the data provided by the connected device. If a device doesn't send data or sends inaccurate information, the app can't provide a correct reading.

Replace the battery

While some Bluetooth headphones have swappable batteries that can be changed by removing a back panel, others require a more technical approach. In general, Bluetooth headphones have a built-in lithium battery that is packaged in a way that makes it impossible to replace without prying open the device.

If you are considering replacing the battery in your Bluetooth headphones, it is important to note that this will require specific tools and technical skills, such as the use of a soldering iron kit, screwdrivers, and double-sided tape. There is also a chance that you could damage the internal circuit, so it is recommended that you get this done by a technician if you have no prior experience.

• Identify the location of the battery. It is usually housed on the side with the USB charging port.
• Remove the ear cushion. Depending on the headphone model, you may need to rotate it or pry it apart with a plastic prying tool.
• Remove the plastic panel. Use a screwdriver to undo the screws on the panel and pry it open carefully to avoid damaging the edges.
• Locate the battery and use the soldering iron to detach it from the circuit board.
• Take the replacement battery and solder it into the circuit. Ensure that the new battery has the same voltage as the old one and fits into the headphone. The capacity of the new battery does not matter.
• Use a multimeter to test if everything is functioning correctly.
• Once you have confirmed that the new battery is working, use double-sided tape to secure it in place and prevent it from moving around.
• Reassemble the headphone by replacing the cover, screws, and ear cushion.

By following these steps, you can extend the life of your Bluetooth headphones and avoid having to purchase a new pair just because of a dead battery.

It is worth noting that the battery life of Bluetooth headphones is also affected by factors such as the volume at which you listen, the quality and size of the batteries, the quality of the Bluetooth chip, and the distance between the headphones and the audio source. Additionally, to maximise battery output, it is recommended to switch off noise cancellation when not needed, avoid extreme temperatures, and maintain a charge level between 40% and 90-95%.

Use wired headphones

If you're tired of your Bluetooth headphones constantly interrupting your music with "battery low" notifications, it might be time to switch to wired headphones. Here are some reasons why using wired headphones can be a better option:

No Battery Woes: With wired headphones, you never have to worry about running out of battery. They work passively, drawing power directly from the device they're connected to, so you can enjoy uninterrupted listening without constantly having to monitor battery levels or keep them charged.

Audio Quality: Wired headphones typically offer superior audio quality compared to Bluetooth headphones. Bluetooth technology relies on data compression, which can result in a loss of audio quality. With a wired connection, you'll often experience richer, more detailed sound, making them ideal for audiophiles or studio use.

Latency: Wired headphones eliminate audio lag, which is crucial for certain applications. If you're a gamer or a video editor, for instance, you'll appreciate the instantaneous audio response that wired headphones provide.

Device Compatibility: While many modern devices are phasing out the 3.5mm headphone jack, some older devices or equipment with AUX inputs, like amplifiers or digital-to-analog converters (DACs), work best with wired headphones. You can simply plug them in without worrying about Bluetooth compatibility or connectivity issues.

Affordability: Wired headphones tend to be more affordable than their wireless counterparts. If you're on a budget, opting for a wired option can get you comparable or even better sound quality without breaking the bank.

While Bluetooth headphones offer the convenience of wireless connectivity, wired headphones excel in audio quality, reliability, and simplicity. By choosing wired headphones, you can avoid the frustration of low battery notifications and focus on enjoying your music, games, or other audio content without interruptions.

Turn off the headphones when the notification starts

Turning off your headphones when the "battery low" notification starts is one way to deal with persistent and annoying low battery warnings. This method can be especially useful if you want to continue using your headphones without interruption, for example, while sleeping or meditating.

• Turn off your headphones as soon as you hear the "battery low" notification.
• Wait for about 30 seconds. It is important to wait for a short period to ensure that the headphones are completely turned off and any previous settings are reset.
• Now, turn the headphones back on while holding down the volume down button.
• By following these steps, you should have successfully turned off the voice warnings for low battery.

This method is a quick fix to avoid the constant notifications and interruptions, especially if you are unable to charge your headphones immediately. It is a simple process that can enhance your listening experience and reduce the frustration caused by frequent low battery alerts.

While this solution may provide temporary relief, it is worth noting that some users have expressed their dissatisfaction with this issue, considering it a design flaw rather than a feature.

Frequently asked questions