I have the original AirPods. It last exactly one hour with zoom app. For other apps like YouTube, it last much longer. At least twice as long if not more. Why does zoom app use a lot more energy than other apps?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Why does my AirPod last only one hour with zoom calls?
- Thread starter Sodium Chloride
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
But the thing is I block the microphone and the camera in the zoom apps. I simply watch the professor lecturing.
You are just turning it off in software, but the microphone hardware may still be activated and communicating with your device.
The AirPods battery is really bad on calls. I had the original AirPods and switched them a few weeks ago because I couldn't even get 30 minutes of call time anymore. When I first bought them in 2017 I would normally get around 1.5 hours out of them on a call. As mtneer said, the microphone will be on and ready even if you're turning it off in the software.
Set your microphone in the sound settings to the internal mic. Does wonders for AirPods battery life especially during long Teams/Zoom video calls.
Click on MacBook (Your Device) Microphone (I am in a meeting using my AirPods right now - but it's a short meeting so I don't mind). But longer meetings I do MacBook Microphone and it makes the AirPods last a lot longer.
Click on MacBook (Your Device) Microphone (I am in a meeting using my AirPods right now - but it's a short meeting so I don't mind). But longer meetings I do MacBook Microphone and it makes the AirPods last a lot longer.
This is an excellent tip! I can't believe I hadn't thought about it before. I replaced my AirPods with the Sony WF-1000XM3 which have good battery life but I'm going to start doing this to make it even longer.
When I called in Apple to inquire about getting AirPods (2nd Gen) for future Zoom calls, I was dissuaded from it. I was told to use my old wired headphones because the mic is better and I don't have to worry about battery life on important conference calls. I think the rep was very honest and altruistic even though I will look old fashioned and kind of cheap. But an important call is an important call, I can't risk it.
I went ahead and bought the Apple wired headphones (both lightening port and 3.5mm jack) immediately because my old ones were really beat up.
I went ahead and bought the Apple wired headphones (both lightening port and 3.5mm jack) immediately because my old ones were really beat up.
I thought this was just me. Its really nice to be wireless, but the battery drain is sooooo annoying!
Have resorted to using wired EarPods now for calls.
Have resorted to using wired EarPods now for calls.
For call you can use one AirPods and have another in case ready to be swapped.
The problem is when using Mic, AirPods sound awful. It's either bandwidth or battery reasons, the audio downgrades dramatically. It's a shame because AirPods Pro would be fun to use on discord, if that wasn't the case.
Of course, a shame Apple no longer gives us a wired set in the box to use in this situation.
Of course, a shame Apple no longer gives us a wired set in the box to use in this situation.
I guess maybe it's because the wireless headphone technology is rather nascent. After all, we are only on 2nd generation AirPods. I was hoping that the AirPods quality on calls would be AS GOOD if not better than good old EarPods. So I went ahead and bought the EarPods 3.5mm and EarPods lightning port versions and spent $40 bucks. No biggie.
I hope to hang on to these wired headphones UNTIL AirPods are really, really better and more advanced (Gen 5+). I really can't afford to experience hiccups on my work Zoom calls.
Last edited:
Its Because your microphone or other installed apps is running in the background.
If you are going to use microphone for a long time,then stop the processing of the other apps in the background. Go to your setting and disable background running,it will save your battery life.
If you are going to use microphone for a long time,then stop the processing of the other apps in the background. Go to your setting and disable background running,it will save your battery life.
Couple thoughts:
1. If one airpod microphone doesn't work and/or introduces a buzz, you can usually force the working microphone to always be used for all future connections with any device in the iPhone bluetooth settings. However...Zoom audio (seen in audio midi setup app on mac) always forces both microphones to be used. I don't see a way around this. Anyone?
2. Also - previously read somewhere that using microphone and audio negotiates different bluetooth connection with lower audio quality when both in use. The solution to use the microphone on your laptop should save battery + improve sound it seems.
1. If one airpod microphone doesn't work and/or introduces a buzz, you can usually force the working microphone to always be used for all future connections with any device in the iPhone bluetooth settings. However...Zoom audio (seen in audio midi setup app on mac) always forces both microphones to be used. I don't see a way around this. Anyone?
2. Also - previously read somewhere that using microphone and audio negotiates different bluetooth connection with lower audio quality when both in use. The solution to use the microphone on your laptop should save battery + improve sound it seems.