One AirPod quiet or not working? Here’s what you can do

One AirPod quieter than the other, no longer making any sound or losing charge much faster? You can often fix this yourself in a few minutes. If not, you only replace that one side, not the whole pair.

1. Clean the AirPod

Earwax and dust in the speaker mesh are a common reason for a quiet AirPod. Carefully clean the mesh with a dry cotton bud or a soft, dry brush. Don’t use any liquid or sharp objects. With AirPods Pro, remove the ear tips first.

2. Check the balance on your iPhone

Open “Settings”, then “Accessibility” and “Audio & Visual”. The “Balance” slider should be exactly in the middle. If it’s further towards one side, the other AirPod will sound quieter.

3. Reset your AirPods

Resetting and reconnecting fixes many problems, for example if only one AirPod plays sound. Our guide Pair AirPods explains how. Afterwards, leave the AirPods charging in the case for a while, near your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi. This way, they get the latest software.

4. Battery no longer lasting?

If one AirPod runs out much faster than the other, its battery is usually worn out. The battery alone can’t be replaced in AirPods. What helps here is a new AirPod for that side.

Nothing helps? Replace just one side

If an AirPod stays quiet, silent or quickly runs out of battery, it’s probably faulty. You don’t need a new pair for that: just replace the left or the right AirPod. If the case no longer charges, the charging case is also available on its own. Our table of all model numbers shows which part fits your AirPods.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my right AirPod quieter than the left one?

Usually the speaker mesh is dirty or the balance on your iPhone has been changed. Clean the AirPod and check the balance as described above. The same applies to the left AirPod.

One AirPod makes no sound at all. What now?

Charge both AirPods in the case, reset them and connect them again. If it stays silent, it’s probably faulty, and you only replace that side.

Will a new AirPod work with my old one?

Yes, as long as both belong to the same model. With AirPods Pro 2, check whether you have Lightning or USB-C, and with AirPods 4, whether you have the version with or without ANC. More on this in the guide Buy a single AirPod.