All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Only one of your AirPods working? Here's how to fix it
If you’re only hearing audio through one of your AirPods, you might have to work through some troubleshooting to fix them. A lot of things can cause this issue, including charging problems, Bluetooth issues, software bugs, and incorrect settings. Here are some possible solutions.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on November 19, 2024, to include information on AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC.
Ensure that your AirPods are charged
The most obvious cause is also one of the easiest to fix. Make sure that both the charging case and the AirPods themselves are charged. Learn how to check AirPods battery status if needed.
- Charge both AirPods inside the case using a Lightning power connector.
- Wait 30 seconds or more after placing the malfunctioning AirPod in the case.
- Check the charging status on your iPhone or iPad. If they’re charging, try using them again.
If this has worked, you can place the AirPods in your ears and start playing audio to ensure they work. If they are still not charging, see our dedicated guide to help resolve that issue.
Turn your device off and on again
This is the classic calling card of anyone who’s worked at an IT help desk. “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
- Turn off your device. For newer models, hold the volume down and power buttons simultaneously; older models may only require the power button.
- Turn it back on and try pairing your AirPods again.
Once this is done, attempt to pair your AirPods again and see if they work. If the AirPods are connected but there is no sound, we have a guide to help resolve that.
Reset your AirPods
If your AirPods still aren’t working, then next consider doing a full reset.
- Place your AirPods in the charging case and keep the lid open.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back for 15 seconds.
- Pair your AirPods again once the case’s light flashes amber and white.
Once completed, the AirPods should be ready to pair again; open the case lid, place it near your iPhone or iPad, and follow the onscreen instructions.
See our guide on how to fix problems with AirPods and what to do if your AirPods won’t connect to your iPhone for more troubleshooting tips.
Check the stereo balance in accessibility
- Go to the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
- Adjust the Balance slider to ensure it’s in the middle. If it’s too far to the right or left, audio will play predominantly out of that AirPod instead of out of both sides evenly.
Once this is done, place your AirPods back in your ears and check to see if the problem has been fixed. You should ensure that you’re listening to audio you know to be stereo to ensure that you’re not solely listening to audio with only left or right content. Some example songs you can test are “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen or “Money” by Pink Floyd.
If you experience one AirPod being quieter than the other, see our guide on AirPods crackling/static noise for additional sound quality issues troubleshooting.
Clean your AirPods
The speaker mesh on the Apple AirPods can quickly become dirty. Cleaning it is easy to ensure sound quality and fit when using your AirPods.
- Inspect the microphone and speaker mesh. Is there any visible dirt or debris?
- Gently clean with a soft cloth and dry cotton swabs. Avoid water and sharp objects.
For deeper cleaning tips or if the AirPods got wet, learn how to get water out of your AirPods.
Contact Apple
If none of these steps work, contact Apple Support for further assistance — or find support in person at one of their stores’ Genius Bars.
We have some tips on replacing AirPods if you want to understand better and explore your replacement options.
Addressing the right AirPod issue
It’s been noted that the right AirPod often has more issues than the left. Go figure. This could be due to more frequent use, as many people might choose to use just one AirPod for calls and default to the right one. Additionally, slight design differences or how we store them might impact the right AirPod more. Pay extra attention when cleaning and storing your right AirPod, and consider alternating which AirPod you use solo, if applicable.
Following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot common issues with your AirPods, particularly the right one. If problems persist, remember that Apple’s technical support is there to help.
FAQs
One AirPod may not connect due to various reasons, such as charging issues, Bluetooth pairing problems, software glitches, or incorrect settings. To troubleshoot, ensure both AirPods and the case are charged, restart your device, reset the AirPods by pressing the setup button on the case for 15 seconds, and then attempt to pair again.
If one of your AirPods is quieter than the other, it could be due to an imbalance in the stereo audio settings or debris blocking the speaker mesh. Check the audio balance in your device’s Settings under Accessibility > Audio/Visual and adjust the balance slider if necessary. Also, inspect and clean the speaker mesh of your AirPods gently with a soft, dry cloth.
If your AirPods remain quiet even after cleaning, the issue might not be with physical blockages. Still, it could involve software settings, a need for resetting, or internal damage not visible externally. Try resetting your AirPods and check the volume limit settings on your device. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
To reset and repair the AirPods 4, follow these steps:
- Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
- Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
- Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster. When it flashes amber and then white, you can reconnect your AirPods.
If that doesn’t work, head over to our how to fix problems with AirPods 4 article.