One AirPod not working: causes and what to do

The left AirPod is silent, the right one is quieter than the left, or they die within an hour. Here are the common problems and what to do.

One AirPod is silent

1. Put both AirPods in the case for 30 seconds and take them out again.
2. Check the balance: Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Balance.
3. Reset the AirPods: Settings → Bluetooth → "i" → Forget This Device. Then, with the case lid open, hold the button on the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber/white, and pair again.
4. Check whether the problem AirPod charges in the case (its level shows on the iPhone screen).

Quiet sound in one AirPod

Most often it's earwax and dirt in the speaker mesh. Gently clean the mesh with a soft dry brush. Don't use water, too much alcohol, or sharp objects.

One AirPod drains fast

AirPods batteries wear out after 2–3 years. If one bud drains noticeably faster, its battery is done.

The case won't charge

• Clean the contacts in the case slots and on the AirPod stems (a dry cotton bud).
• Check the cable and the case port, where dirt often collects.
• If the case won't charge itself, the port or the case battery may be faulty.

What we can do

Small AirPods (1, 2, 3, 4 and Pro) are not worth repairing: the shell is glued and a repair costs almost as much as a new earbud. For them we clean the meshes and microphones. That often helps when the sound got quiet or people hear you badly.

If an earbud no longer holds a charge or does not turn on, it is more honest to buy a single earbud.

We do repair full-size AirPods Max. More: AirPods Max repair. Send us your model and the problem on Telegram.

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