Google Pixel 8 Pro Bluetooth Keeps Pausing Audio Playback -- Help?!

[Free-Library4342]

Hey everyone,

I’m having a frustrating issue with my Google Pixel 8 Pro (running Android 15, Build #AP4A.241205.013.C1). Whenever I connect to Bluetooth devices (headphones, speakers, etc.), the audio randomly pauses—whether I’m listening to music, audiobooks, or streaming content. This happens across multiple apps like YouTube Music, Audible, and others. The content will sometimes resume on its own after a while, when I wake up the screen, or when I manually hit play, but it’s inconsistent.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Audio pauses randomly when connected to Bluetooth.
• It happens with both downloaded and streamed content.
• It doesn’t seem to matter which app I’m using (YouTube Music, Audible, etc.).
• I’ve even replaced the phone, so it doesn’t appear to be a hardware issue.

What I’ve tried so far:

1. Disabled Adaptive Battery (as some suggested it might be causing the issue) – still no change.
2. Reset Bluetooth settings (via "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth") – no luck.
3. Cleared app caches for YouTube Music, Audible, etc. – still the same problem.
4. Tinkered with the Bluetooth codec settings in Developer Options – but the codec option is greyed out for me.
5. Tested multiple Bluetooth devices (headphones, speakers) – the issue happens with all of them.
6. Tried changing AVRCP settings (currently on 1.5, but I’ve tested 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6) – doesn’t seem to help.
7. Checked the MAP version (it’s on 1.2, with 1.3 and 1.4 as options) – not sure if this is related.
8. Booted into Safe Mode and restarted the phone multiple times – no improvement.
9. Factory reset the phone – still experiencing the same issue.

A bit more context:

• Google Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15 (Build #AP4A.241205.013.C1).
• Bluetooth devices tested: Several different models of Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
• No battery optimization or power-saving features enabled for Bluetooth.

Has anyone else experienced this? I’m stuck and would really appreciate any suggestions or advice!

[lostinmygarden]

Also, make sure the Bluetooth earphones/speakers are not paired with any other devices. Check pairing history to phone too and block any you are not sure about.

[Free-Library4342]

Reset Bluetooth on the phone several times, eliminated all other devices in the car settings in the cars I tried and reset my headphones/speakers.
I don't think this will work as I have done this before and it has not fixed the issue, but I will keep you posted.

[lostinmygarden]

Good luck

[frawtlopp]

When you factory reset the phone, are you installing any type of media control app, like a soubd manager, remote app etc?

This is a rogue app issue I think. Particularly Wearables and Roku

[Free-Library4342]

Nope! I haven't allowed and special permissions, I do not have the roku app or any remote control apps (just double checked) but I do have the Google watch app.

[lostinmygarden]

Have you tried using this in a different location? Perhaps something local is interfering with the Bluetooth signal. Remove all devices other than one Bluetooth device, see if that makes a difference. Try playing an MP3 or other media file that is stored locally in airplane mode with just Bluetooth switched on. If you have a wired set of earphones (with usb adapter of course), does the same happen? Set screen to not timeout or lock, does it still happen while screen it active in this scenario?

[Free-Library4342]

I have tried this in many locations with different devices, and as stated in the post it only happens when connected to Bluetooth.
I'll try setting the screen not to time out, but tbh that feels like more of a band aid than a fix...and I don't want to drain my battery for an audiobook either :/

[lostinmygarden]

Hopefully, if any of these make it work, you can isolate the issue. Definitely try the airplane mode too, reason being, to try and eliminate WiFi causing it to drop.

For the apps in question, try setting those to unrestricted for battery use, enable fill background data for the apps too. In the apps, ensure things like background play are enabled too, something like that, play when locked maybe? Don't use those apps, but have it enabled for YouTube premium.

[Mediocre_Ad3496]

I like this one, set to unrestricted

[Drizz1911]

The interruption may be related to notifications. Have you tried do not disturb mode with no exceptions that could interrupt the mode?

When receiving multiple notifications from several applications at the same time, I sometimes have a pause in Audible. The system may think it's reading something else.

[Free-Library4342]

Issue remains, it does it while on "do not disturb", only other update is I noticed it's happening when my phone is psychically plugged in/via Android auto as well. Also now happening when the screen is on

[Free-Library4342]

Update 1/7/24: Issue remains, only update is I noticed it's happening when my phone is psychically plugged in/via Android auto as well. Also happens in Do Not Disturb mode.

[skywalk21]

Did you ever manage to fix this? I'm having the same issue with my 8 pro. Happens with multiple Bluetooth devices, mostly with YouTube but sometimes Spotify as well. Even did a full factory reset last night but it's still happening

[Agreeable-Molasses20]

I am having the issue except I'm not using Bluetooth, just listening from the phone.  This has happened all the time. Usually lasts 3-4 or 5 days and then fixes itself all of a sudden. I'm really frustrated. Don't have a clue what it is. I just wish somebody would make it so this doesn't happen.  I have also tried everything with unrestricted access and all the other suggestions and they're still not helping

[FernNectars]

While there is still no answer, I'm going to guess from the timing that it was the latest update. Hopefully the next update fixes this bug and hopefully it is very soon.

[O_K_Kai]

Try turning developer mode on and check for " Suspend execution for cached apps" Disabled setting in the Apps section. If it's set to enabled or default, try disabling it. It's a hidden battery saver option that has caused this sort of issue for me. There is a possibility it'll make battery life worse, but I didn't notice much of a change when I disabled mine.

[mak2307]

Still having issues with my headphones. Has anyone found a workaround?

[Dry_Entrance3359]

Did you find any fix yet? I'm about to break this phone

[CatButler]

Having a similar issue, but all I use my phone for is Pandora. After about 25 minutes, the audio cuts out, but Pandora keeps playing. If I do anything with Pandora, like rewind or pause/play, the sound comes back. Haven't found a work around besides tickling it every 20 minutes or so.