Sony SupportWireless Headphones

Article ID : 00377930 / Last Modified : 13/02/2026Print

Sound skips when using the LinkBuds Clip

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

    Before you start

    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 | Sound Connect app, and connect the headphones and the device via Bluetooth.
      2. In the My Device tab, select Device settings → Connection, and set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Prioritize Stable Connection.

      3. Change the codecs and wireless preferences of the playback device (smartphone, Walkman, etc.).

        If the device has the option to select the SBC or AAC codec in the Wireless Playback Quality setting, select AAC. For details, refer to the operating manuals of the device.

      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. 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.
    3. Adjust the position of the earbuds to find a position where sound quality is optimal.

      Two images illustrate the position of the earbuds. Left image: The earbuds clip is positioned horizontally across the outer ear. Right image: The earbuds clip is in a vertical / rotated position.

      The issue is resolved
      The position of the earbuds may have caused the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    4. Attache the supplied fitting cushions.

      Attaching the supplied fitting cushions may help improve the fit of the earbuds.
      Image attaching the fitting cushions to the flexible clip of the headphones

      The issue is resolved
      The attaching conditions may have caused the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    5. If you have connected the headphones to 2 devices simultaneously using the multipoint connection feature, disconnect the Bluetooth connection with a device you are currently not using.
      The issue is resolved
      When you are using the multipoint connection, the processing load goes heavy and the issue may occur. Disconnecting the Bluetooth connection with one device has resolved the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    6. Turn off the Service Link setting on the Sony | Sound Connect app.

      In the My Device tab, select Device settings → System, and turn off Service Link.

      The issue is resolved
      When you are using the Service Link feature, the processing load goes heavy and the issue may occur.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    7. Check the location of the antenna on the connected device.

      Be careful not to cover the antenna on the connected device with a hand or something metallic or the issue may occur.

      The issue is resolved
      Covering the antenna on the connected device has caused the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    8. 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.

    9. Check the Wi-Fi settings on your home network and the connected device.

      • Use the 5 GHz band if you are using the Wi-Fi network.
      • If the Wi-Fi setting on the connected device is ON but you are not connecting with any devices using a Wi-Fi network, turn off the Wi-Fi setting.
      The issue is resolved
      The Wi-Fi settings may have caused the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    10. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control function on the Sony | Sound Connect app.

      If these settings are ON, music playback may be interrupted when the headphones detect your action. This may make you feel that the sound from the headphones is interrupted. To avoid this, turn off the settings.

      • To turn off the Adaptive Sound Control:
        1. Connect the headphones and smartphone via Bluetooth, and then launch the Sony | Sound Connect app.
        2. In the My Device tab, check the Adaptive Sound Control status. If the status shows other than Off (Staying, Walking, etc.), select right arrow on the right side of the Adaptive Sound Control menu.
        3. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control.
      The issue is resolved
      The headphones settings have caused the issue.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    11. 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.

    12. Reset (restart) the headphones.

      Refer to the Help Guide or view the How to reset video below:

      If your headphones model does not appear in the device list of the playback device after the reset, turn off the Bluetooth setting in the device and turn it on again, or leave the Bluetooth setting once and return to try the connection again.

      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.
    13. Initialize the headphones and pair them with the playback device again.
      1. Initialize the headphones.

        Initialization returns the headphones to the factory settings and all Bluetooth pairing information is deleted.

        Refer to the Help Guide or view the How to reset video below:

      2. Refer to the appropriate article to perform 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
      The headphones may be malfunctioning, and service may be required.