Diagnose Anker Soundcore Motion+ Audio Cut During Phone Calls

Understanding the Issue

When the Anker Soundcore Motion+ suddenly stops playing audio as soon as you receive or make a phone call, it can be frustrating. The speaker is designed to deliver rich, room‑filling sound, yet a call can cause the audio stream to cut out, sometimes completely, other times just intermittently. Knowing why this happens is the first step toward a reliable fix.

The behavior usually falls into one of three categories:

• Full audio drop – the speaker stops playing any sound when the call starts, and resumes only after the call ends.
• Partial drop or distortion – you still hear the speaker, but the volume is reduced, the sound becomes tinny, or there is static.
• Brief interruptions – the audio pauses for a second or two at the moment the call connects, then returns to normal.

Each pattern points to a slightly different root cause, ranging from software settings on the phone to hardware limitations of the Bluetooth link. The troubleshooting guide below walks you through every possible factor, offering clear, actionable steps.

Why Bluetooth Audio Can Be Affected by Calls

Bluetooth Profiles

Bluetooth devices support several “profiles” that define how data is transmitted. Two profiles are relevant here:

• A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) – used for high‑quality stereo music streaming.
• HFP/HSP (Hands‑Free Profile / Headset Profile) – used for voice calls.

When a phone initiates a call, it automatically switches from A2DP to HFP because the hands‑free profile can handle two‑way audio. Unfortunately, HFP has a lower bandwidth and a narrower audio frequency range (usually 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz). This shift can cause the Motion+ to lower its output, mute entirely, or produce garbled sound.

Device Compatibility

Not all phones handle the profile switch smoothly. Some Android skins, iOS versions, or custom ROMs may have bugs that prevent the speaker from correctly re‑negotiating the Bluetooth link. Firmware on the speaker itself can also influence how well the transition is managed.

Interference and Signal Strength

Phone calls often use the cellular radio at the same time Bluetooth is active. In environments with many Wi‑Fi routers, microwaves, or other 2.4 GHz devices, the Bluetooth signal can become unstable. The result is audio dropouts that coincide with call events.

Preparing for Troubleshooting

Before you start, gather the following:

• Your phone’s make, model, and operating system version.
• The current firmware version of the Soundcore Motion+. You can find this in the Soundcore app under Device Settings → Firmware.
• A secondary Bluetooth speaker or headphones (optional, for comparison).

Having this information at hand will help you identify whether the problem is isolated to the Motion+ or is a broader issue with your phone’s Bluetooth stack.

Step‑by‑Step Diagnosis

1. Confirm the Problem Occurs Across Multiple Calls

Place a routine call to a friend or use a test number.
Observe whether the audio cuts immediately at the moment the call rings, when the call is answered, or during the call itself. Note the exact timing.

If the cut only occurs at a specific point, it hints at a profile‑switching issue. If it happens randomly, interference or hardware defects may be involved.

2. Test With a Different Phone

Borrow a friend’s phone (iOS or Android) and pair it with the Motion+. Make a call.

• If the audio remains intact, the problem likely resides in your original phone’s Bluetooth implementation.
• If the issue repeats, the speaker may have a firmware glitch or hardware limitation.

3. Test With a Different Bluetooth Audio Device

Pair your phone with a pair of Bluetooth headphones or another speaker while making a call.

• If those devices also lose audio, the cause is almost certainly the phone.
• If they work fine, the Motion+ is the suspect.

4. Verify Firmware Is Up to Date

Open the Soundcore app, navigate to Device Settings, and check the firmware version.

• If an update is available, install it. Firmware releases often include fixes for Bluetooth profile handling.
• After updating, repeat the call test.

5. Adjust Phone Bluetooth Settings

Android

• Go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
• Tap the gear icon next to the Motion+ entry.
• Turn Media audio off and Phone audio on. This forces the device to use the HFP profile for calls while keeping the speaker active for media.

If the speaker still mutes, try the opposite setting: enable Media audio and disable Phone audio. Some Android versions keep the A2DP stream alive during calls when the two flags are set in this way.

iOS

• Open Settings → Bluetooth.
• Find the Motion+, tap the “i” icon.
• Toggle Call Audio Routing to Bluetooth Headset if it isn’t already.

6. Use the “Call Audio” Feature in the Soundcore App

The Soundcore app includes a Call Audio toggle (found under Device Settings → Call Audio). When enabled, the speaker will stay connected to the call using the HFP profile while still playing media.

• Turn the toggle on, then place a call.
• If the audio still cuts, proceed to the next step.

7. Reduce Bluetooth Interference

• Move the speaker and phone within one meter of each other.
• Turn off nearby Wi‑Fi routers, cordless phones, or other Bluetooth devices temporarily.
• Switch the phone’s Wi‑Fi band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz if possible, as this can reduce overall congestion in the 2.4 GHz spectrum used by Bluetooth.

8. Reset the Speaker

A full reset clears any lingering connection states that could corrupt the profile switch.

Power off the Motion+.
Press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume‑+ buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds until you hear a confirmation tone.
The speaker will enter pairing mode (the LED flashes blue). Re‑pair with your phone.

After resetting, test the call again.

9. Reset Network Settings on the Phone

This step removes all saved Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and VPN configurations, giving the Bluetooth stack a fresh start.

• Android: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
• iOS: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Re‑pair the Motion+ and perform the call test.

10. Examine the Phone’s Accessibility or Audio Enhancements

Certain accessibility features (e.g., “Live Caption” on Android or “Phone Noise Cancellation” on iOS) can interfere with Bluetooth audio routing. Disable these temporarily:

• Android: Settings → Accessibility → Live Caption (off).
• iOS: Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Phone Noise Cancellation (off).

11. Check for Third‑Party Apps That Manage Bluetooth

Apps that claim to boost battery life, manage audio routing, or customize Bluetooth behavior can inadvertently block the profile switch. Uninstall or disable any such apps, then repeat the test.

12. Test Using a Wired Connection (If Possible)

The Motion+ includes a 3.5 mm auxiliary input. Connect the speaker to your phone with a short audio cable (you may need a Lightning‑to‑3.5 mm adapter for iPhone).

• When you make a call, the audio will continue unchanged because the wired link bypasses Bluetooth profiles.
• If the audio now stays on, the root cause is definitely the Bluetooth profile handling, confirming that hardware inside the speaker is not at fault.

13. Evaluate Battery Levels

Both the phone and the Motion+ should have at least 20 % battery. Low battery can cause the speaker to enter a power‑saving mode that disables certain Bluetooth functions during a call.

14. Contact Support If All Else Fails

If you have exhausted every step above and the audio still drops, gather the following before reaching out:

• Serial number of the Motion+ (found on the back or in the Soundcore app).
• Detailed description of the issue, including when it started, phone model, OS version, and steps already taken.
• Any error tones or LED patterns observed during the failure.

Send this information to Anker’s customer support portal or the retailer where you purchased the speaker. In many cases, they will offer a replacement if the device is under warranty.

Preventive Measures for Future Use

Even after you resolve the current problem, adopting a few habits can keep the Motion+ stable during future calls.

• Keep firmware current – Enable automatic updates in the Soundcore app if available.
• Limit simultaneous Bluetooth connections – When you know you’ll be on a call, disconnect other Bluetooth peripherals such as fitness trackers or smart watches.
• Prefer a dedicated call speaker – If you frequently need music while on calls, consider a speaker that explicitly supports dual‑mode (A2DP + HFP) operation. Some newer models label this as “multipoint” or “dual‑audio”.
• Maintain a clear line of sight – Physical obstacles like walls or metal objects can degrade the Bluetooth signal, especially when the phone and speaker are far apart.

Summary of Key Points

• The Motion+ cuts audio during calls because the phone switches from A2DP to HFP, a lower‑bandwidth profile.
• Firmware updates on the speaker and the phone’s OS are the most common fixes.
• Adjusting Bluetooth audio flags, reducing interference, and resetting both devices often restore normal operation.
• Testing with another phone, speaker, or a wired connection isolates whether the issue is with the Soundcore device or the phone’s Bluetooth stack.
• If troubleshooting does not work, detailed logs and device information should be provided to Anker support for warranty service.

By following the systematic approach outlined above, you can pinpoint the exact cause of the audio cut and apply the appropriate remedy. Whether it is a simple setting tweak, a firmware refresh, or a hardware defect, the steps will guide you to a clear resolution, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music even while handling phone calls.