Sony Support

Article ID : 00278481 / Last Modified : 06/12/2022Print

Sound skips when using the LinkBuds

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

    Before you start

    • For LinkBuds only: Update the headphones' software to the latest version. This may resolve the issue. Perform the update before proceeding.
    • Using the 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 does not occur at home or somewhere with fewer nearby devices, then it is Bluetooth communication interference causing the issue, and not headphones.

    Solution

    1. Switch the sound quality mode to Priority on Stable Connection.
      1. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and connect the headphones and the device via Bluetooth.
      2. In the Sound tab, set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Stable Connection.
      The issue is resolved
      When the sound quality is high, the audio processing load will be heavy and may cause the audio to skip. By changing the Bluetooth Connection Quality setting, the load will be reduced and may resolve the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    2. Turn off the Speak-to-Chat function.
      1. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and connect the device via Bluetooth.
      2. In the Sound tab, 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Try the following procedure, then check if the issue is resolved.
      1. Set the headphones into the charging case, close the lid, wait for a few seconds, and then remove the headphones again.
      2. Reset (restart) the playback device.
        Since the playback device may be temporarily malfunctioning, turn off the device once, and turn it on again.
      3. 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.

    6. Reset the headphones.

      Visit the Help Guide or view the How to reset video:


      Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

      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.
    7. Initialize the headphones and pair them with the playback device again.
      1. Initialize the headphones.
        Note: Initialization returns the headphones to the factory settings and all Bluetooth pairing information is deleted.

        Visit the Help Guide or view the How to initialize video:


        Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

      2. Refer to the appropriate article to perform the pairing again:
      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.
    8. 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 the Headphones Troubleshooting Guide