One AirPod not working? 10 Real fixes

Apple AirPods are the epitome of convenience. However, they aren’t perfect and have their flaws. One issue that might be bugging you to the extreme is one AirPod not working from the pair, whether left or right. If you’re facing an issue where only the left or right AirPod is not working, follow the steps below. One of these should help fix the issue.

1. Ensure AirPods are charged
2. Re-pair AirPods
3. Restart the connected device
4. Check for software and firmware updates
5. Clean AirPods
6. Hard reset AirPods
7. Reset Network Settings
8. Balance Stereo Settings
9. Battery issues
10. Contact Apple Support

1. Ensure AirPods are charged

The first step is to check if your AirPods are charged. There’s no way they will connect to your device if discharged. Plug them into a charger for a couple of hours and check if they’re working now. You can check out our explainer on how to check the battery level on AirPods to learn more.

2. Re-pair AirPods

Now that your AirPods have charged, the next step is to them. Follow the steps below to re-pair your AirPods.  

1. Toggle off Bluetooth.  
2. Put AirPods back in the charging case for 15 seconds.  
3. Toggle on Bluetooth.
4. Open your AirPods case and re-pair them with your streaming device.  

3. Restart the connected device

It is possible that the device connected to AirPods might have an issue. To overcome this, restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. However, make sure you’ve put the AirPods back in the case while restarting your device.

Check out our explainer on how to restart an iPhone or iPad if you are unaware. Once done, connect AirPods to your device and see if both the AirPods are working!

4. Check for software and firmware updates

Apple is acclaimed for its software support for iPhone. However, it does not leave wearables behind. While the AirPods do not receive software updates, they receive firmware updates. Although the firmware is updated automatically on AirPods, you can check our guide on how to update the firmware of your AirPods if it is still showing the older version.

Also, if the connected device has a software bug, Apple probably has released a software update that fixes this issue. Make sure you update the software of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

5. Clean AirPods 

If the speaker grille of your AirPods is clotted with dirt, it might be muting the audio. It is a possibility, and the only way around it is to clean your AirPods. You do not need any high-end equipment to carry out the cleaning procedure. A simple AirPods cleaning kit would do the job.

If you’re afraid to go about it, you can rely on our guide to clean AirPods for directions.

6. Hard reset AirPods

It is sometimes necessary to reset your devices as doing so might reset any bugs caused due to software updates and even clean the cache. And resetting the AirPods is not even a difficult task. Follow the steps below to reset your AirPods.  

1. Press and hold the button on the AirPods case for 15 seconds.  
   The LED will turn white once the AirPods are reset.
2. Re-pair them with your iPhone, and you’re good to go.  

7. Reset Network Settings

There may be some issue with your network settings causing repeated disconnection with AirPods or not letting the AirPods connect to your iPhone. Follow the steps listed below to learn how to reset these network settings on your iPhone.  

1. Open Settings. 
2. Select General. 
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
4. Tap Reset.
5. Now, select Reset Network Settings.
   
   

8. Balance Stereo Settings

Some might not even be aware of the balanced setting under Audio/visual, but it might be why one of your AirPods has no audio output. Follow the steps below, and this setting might resolve your issue. 

1. Open Settings.  
2. Go to Accessibility.  
3. Tap the Audio/Visual tab.
4. Bring the slider under Balance to the center or at 0.00.
   
   

9. Battery issues 

As I already mentioned, AirPods have their flaws, and one such flaw is longevity. AirPods have tiny batteries, and users constantly charge (and drain) these batteries. This deteriorates battery health. That’s why your AirPods don’t last as long on a single charge as they did when you bought them.  

If your AirPods are not under warranty and the battery is dead and not charging, it’s time to get a new pair of AirPods!

10. Contact Apple Support  

If none of the above fixes solved the problem for you, there might be a hardware issue. Hence, if your AirPods are under warranty or if you’ve subscribed to Apple Care+, there is still hope. You need to contact Apple Support, and they will hopefully resolve your issue or replace the AirPods.

That’s it!

So this is how you can fix the left or right AirPod that’s not working. Let us know if the steps above helped solve your issue. Also, what are your thoughts on TWS and how they changed the wearable audio market? Share in the comments below.

Read more:

• AirPods not charging? Here’s how to fix this issue
• AirPods mistakenly getting detected by Find My? 4 Real fixes
• How to connect two AirPods to one Mac
• How to connect AirPods to Chromebook

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