8 Ways to Fix One AirPod Not Working Issue (Left or Right)

AirPods have revolutionized the way we listen to music, take calls, and interact with our devices. Their wireless nature, combined with seamless integration with Apple products, has made them a favorite among users. However, like all technology, AirPods aren’t immune to issues. One common problem users face is when one AirPod stops working—either the left or the right. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy your favorite tunes or engage in a crucial phone call. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to resolve this issue. In this article, we will discuss eight effective solutions to fix one AirPod not working.

The most straightforward and often overlooked step is to check the battery level of your AirPods. If one AirPod is not working, it’s possible that its battery is dead or significantly lower than the other one.

Using your iPhone or iPad: Open the case of your AirPods near your iPhone. A pop-up window should appear showing the battery levels for both the AirPods and the case. If one of your AirPods shows a lower battery percentage, it’s time to charge it.

Using the Battery Widget: If you have added the battery widget to your Today View on your iPhone, you will also see the battery status of your AirPods there.

If you discover that the non-working AirPod has a low battery, place both AirPods in the charging case and ensure the case has sufficient charge. Wait for a few minutes and then try them again.

Dirt and debris can accumulate in the charging ports and speaker meshes of your AirPods, potentially causing one of them to malfunction. If you’re experiencing issues, it’s a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning.

Dry Cloth: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior of your AirPods.

Toothpick or Soft Brush: For stubborn debris, gently use a toothpick or a soft-bristled brush to clean the speaker mesh. Be careful not to push dirt further into the speaker.

Alcohol Wipes: If needed, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth to disinfect the surfaces, but avoid getting moisture in the openings.

After cleaning, re-test your AirPods to check if the problem persists. Regular maintenance can prevent buildup that may interfere with functionality.

If you’ve checked the battery and cleaned your AirPods but are still experiencing issues, resetting them can often resolve connectivity problems.

Place the AirPods in their charging case and keep the lid open.

Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light starts flashing amber, then white.

Release the button.

Reconnect Your AirPods: Open the lid of your charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect.

A reset will restore factory settings and might fix any connectivity errors causing one of your AirPods to malfunction.

Sometimes the problem might not be with the AirPods themselves but with your device’s Bluetooth connectivity. Any glitches or interruptions in the Bluetooth connection can cause one AirPod to not work.

Toggle Bluetooth Off and On: Go to your device’s Settings > Bluetooth and toggle the switch off and then back on. Try reconnecting your AirPods.

Forget and Re-Pair: If toggling doesn’t work, you may need to forget the AirPods:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and select "Forget This Device."

After forgetting, reconnect your AirPods.

Check if both AirPods are functioning properly after re-establishing the connection. If not, proceed to the next steps.

It’s possible that the audio balance settings on your device are skewed, inadvertently causing sound to only come from one AirPod.

Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Navigate to Accessibility > Audio/Visual.

Check the balance slider and make sure it’s centered. If the slider is shifted to one side, it can make one AirPod seem silent.

Adjust the slider to the center and test your AirPods again. This small adjustment could solve the issue.

Like all wireless devices, AirPods are affected by the software of the device they are connected to. Sometimes, compatibility issues arise due to outdated software.

On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

On macOS: Click on the Apple logo at the top left corner, select About This Mac, and then check for updates.

If updates are available, install them. Once updated, reconnect your AirPods and see if the issue is resolved.

While this isn’t a permanent solution, testing each AirPod individually can help determine if the issue is with the AirPod or the device itself.

Remove one AirPod: Place one AirPod back in the charging case.

Use the other AirPod: See if sound plays from the single AirPod.

Switch them: Now place the first one back in the case and take out the second one. Check if the sound works.

If one AirPod works while the other does not, the faulty AirPod may need attention or replacement.

If you have tried all of the above methods and one of your AirPods is still not working, it might be time to reach out for professional help.

Online Support: Visit Apple’s official support website and look for troubleshooting guides specific to your AirPod model.

Apple Store Appointment: If you prefer in-person assistance, consider booking an appointment at your local Apple Store for a technician to examine your AirPods.

Warranty Check: If your AirPods are still under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement or repair at no charge.

Before visiting, have your AirPods handy, along with proof of purchase, to facilitate any warranty claims.

Dealing with one AirPod not working can be an inconvenient experience, but most issues can be resolved with a little troubleshooting. Start with the simplest solutions—checking the battery and cleaning your AirPods—and work your way through to more technical fixes, like resetting or contacting Apple Support. With these eight strategies, you can get back to enjoying your music or calls without being disrupted. Remember, regular maintenance of your AirPods can help prevent issues in the future. Happy listening!