Sound skips when using the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open
Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Before you start
- Update the headphones' software to the latest version. Perform the update before proceeding.
- Using headphones in a crowded place, such as on a train or busy road, nearby devices may interrupt Bluetooth® communication and cause sound interruptions, interference, or noise. If the issue doesn't occur at home or somewhere with fewer nearby devices, Bluetooth® communication interference is causing the issue, not the headphones.
Solution
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Changed the sound quality mode to Priority on Stable Connection.
Note: If the headphones are connected with LE Audio, switch back to Classic Audio only (conventional connection method) in the LE Audio connection setting for headphones in the Sony | Sound Connect app before following these steps.
- Open the Sony | Sound Connect app, and connect the headphones and the device via Bluetooth.
- In the My Device tab, select Device settings → Sound tab, and set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Prioritize Stable Connection.
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Change the codecs and wireless preferences of the playback device (smartphone, Walkman®, etc.).
If the device can select the SBC or AAC codec in the Wireless Playback Quality setting, select AAC. For details, refer to the device's operating manual.
- The issue is resolved
- When the sound quality is high, the audio processing load will be heavy and may cause the audio to skip. Changing the Bluetooth Connection Quality setting will reduce the load, which may resolve the issue.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Turn off the Speak-to-Chat function.
- Open the Sony | Sound Connect app and connect the device via Bluetooth.
- In the My Device tab, select Device settings → Sound tab, and turn off the Speak-to-Chat function.
- The issue is resolved
- The Speak-to-Chat setting was the cause of the issue. When Speak-to-Chat is set to ON, the headphones pause or mute the music being played and capture the voice of the person you are talking with to make it easier to hear. This may make you feel that the sound from the headphones is interrupted.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Stop the Bluetooth connection to any device other than the headphones.
- The issue is resolved
- The sound can skip when another device (smartwatch, etc.) is also connected.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Close all apps except the one you are currently using.
- The issue is resolved
- The sound can skip when multiple apps are open at one time.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Perform the following procedure, then check if the issue is resolved.
- Set the headphones into the charging case, close the lid, wait a few seconds, and then remove the headphones again.
- Reset (restart) the playback device.
Since the playback device may be temporarily malfunctioning, turn it off once and turn it on again. - Bring the headphones and the playback device closer together.
- The issue is resolved
- The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones or the playback device.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
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Reset the headphones.
Refer to the appropriate article:
- The issue is resolved
- The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Initialize the headphones and pair them with the playback device again.
- Initialize the headphones.
Initialization returns the headphones to the factory settings, and all Bluetooth pairing information is deleted.
Refer to the appropriate article:
- Refer to the appropriate article to perform pairing again: LinkBuds Fit LinkBuds Open
- The issue is resolved
- The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones or the playback device.
- The issue is not resolved
- Go to the next troubleshooting step.
- Initialize the headphones.
- Check if the issue also occurs when connected with other devices.
- The issue is resolved
- The playback device that was initially connected may be malfunctioning. Consult the manufacturer of the device.
- The issue is not resolved
- The headphones may be malfunctioning, and service may be required.  Go to Product Repair.