Are your AirPods too quiet even though the volume is already all the way up? Usually it’s a setting on your iPhone, dirt in the speaker mesh or a poor fit that’s holding them back. Here’s how to make your AirPods louder. If only one side is quiet, the guide One AirPod quiet or not working? will help.
1. Make AirPods louder with the right control
Press the volume buttons on your iPhone while music is playing. Only then do you change the playback volume rather than the ringtone volume. Also check the volume control in the app, for example for videos or games. On AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, you can also swipe up on the stem. On the other models, you adjust the volume on your device or with Siri.
2. Check the volume limit on your iPhone
Your iPhone can automatically reduce loud headphone audio. If the limit is set low, the AirPods sound quiet even at full volume.
- Open “Settings” and tap “Sounds & Haptics”.
- Under “Headphones”, tap “Headphone Safety”.
- Move the slider for “Reduce Loud Audio” to a higher level or turn the feature off. Depending on your version of iOS, it may also be called “Reduce Loud Sounds”.
If you can’t change this option, it’s probably locked via Screen Time, for example on a child’s iPhone. If your iPhone has shown you a notification about loud headphone audio, it automatically lowers the volume the next time you connect. You can turn it back up afterwards.
3. Turn off automatic volume
Some models adjust the volume themselves:
- “Personalised Volume” adapts to your surroundings and to how loud you usually listen. This is available on AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.
- “Conversation Awareness” turns the music down as soon as you start speaking. This is available on AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.
If your AirPods sometimes suddenly get quieter, turn both off as a test: open “Settings”, tap the name of your AirPods near the top, open “Audio & Routing” if necessary and change the switches.
4. Amplify soft sounds
With Headphone Accommodations, your iPhone amplifies soft sounds. Open “Settings”, “Accessibility”, “Audio & Visual” and “Headphone Accommodations”. Turn the feature on and choose “Slight”, “Moderate” or “Strong” for soft sounds. Under “Audio & Visual”, also check that the “Balance” slider is exactly in the middle.
If you listen via the Music app, look for the “EQ” and “Sound Check” options under “Settings”, “Apps”, “Music”. Try out whether it sounds louder with a different setting.
5. Clean the speaker mesh
Earwax and dust in the mesh muffle the sound, often gradually over months. Carefully clean the meshes with a soft, dry brush or a dry cotton bud. With AirPods Pro, remove the ear tips first. Don’t use sharp objects and don’t let any liquid get into the openings. There’s more on this in the guide Clean AirPods.
6. Check the fit and ear tips
If AirPods Pro sit loosely, you lose bass in particular, and everything sounds thinner and quieter. Try a different ear tip size and take the fit test on your iPhone. How to do this is explained in the guide Change AirPods Pro ear tips.
7. Software and connection
Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Leave the AirPods charging in the case near your iPhone so that they can update their software. If that doesn’t help, reset the AirPods and connect them again, as described in the guide Reset AirPods.
Look after your hearing
Louder isn’t always better. Listening at very high volume for a long time can permanently damage your hearing. If you have AirPods with noise cancellation, turn it on in loud surroundings. A lower volume is then often enough.
If, after all this, one side still sounds much quieter or distorted, that AirPod is probably faulty. Then you don’t need a new pair: at Lostpod, you can get the left or right AirPod individually, as a genuine replacement part.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my AirPods so quiet?
Common reasons are a volume limit on the iPhone, dirty speaker meshes and, with AirPods Pro, poorly fitting ear tips. Check these points one by one as described above.
Why won’t my AirPods get any louder?
Often the “Reduce Loud Audio” feature in Headphone Safety is kicking in. It reduces everything above the level you’ve set. Also check whether Screen Time is locking this setting.
How do I set the maximum volume of my AirPods?
Under “Settings”, “Sounds & Haptics”, “Headphone Safety”. Use the slider for “Reduce Loud Audio” to set the maximum volume.
Do AirPods get quieter over time?
This often happens when dirt gradually builds up in the mesh. Careful cleaning usually helps. If only one side gets quieter, read the guide to the quiet AirPod.
