Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other? 10 Fixes for Perfect Balance

Ever noticed one AirPod sounding louder than the other, ruining your music or podcast experience? This frustrating imbalance can stem from dirt buildup, misconfigured settings, or even hardware issues. In this guide, I’ll explain why it happens and walk you through 10 tried-and-tested solutions to restore perfect audio balance in your AirPods.

Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?

Uneven audio in AirPods can happen for several reasons.  

• Dirt or earwax might clog the speaker mesh, muffling sound.  
• Sound settings, such as audio balance or equalizer adjustments, may be misconfigured.  
• Battery issues, improper fit, or outdated firmware can also cause one AirPod to sound quieter.  
• In rare cases, hardware damage might be the culprit. 

The good news? Most of these issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. Let’s dive into the fixes.

1. Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case

A dirty speaker mesh is one of the most common reasons for uneven sound.

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Here’s how to clean your AirPods:

• Gently wipe the AirPods with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove surface dust. 
• Use a small brush to clear debris from the speaker mesh. Be gentle to avoid pushing dirt deeper. 
• Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (don’t soak it) and clean the mesh and crevices. 
• For the charging case, clean the charging ports with a dry brush or toothpick to remove debris. 
• Let everything dry completely before testing the audio. 

Tip

Avoid water and sharp objects. If you have AirPods Pro, remove and clean the silicone ear tips separately.

2. Reset Audio Balance and EQ Settings

Sometimes your iPhone or iPad’s audio settings are to blame.

Steps to reset audio balance:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual. 
2. Find the Balance slider (L-R). Ensure it’s centered. If it’s tilted left or right, adjust it to the middle. 
   
   
3. Then, go back and tap on Apps. Select Music > EQ and select Flat or Off to avoid boosting one side. 3
   
   

This resets any software-based sound imbalance.

3. Ensure Both AirPods Are Fully Charged

One AirPod with a lower battery may sound quieter or disconnect intermittently.

How to check battery levels:

1. Place both AirPods in their case, open the lid, and hold them near your iPhone.
2. Take one AirPod out of the case. A pop-up will show the battery levels for each AirPod and the case.
   
    
3. If you see a low battery, charge it for at least 15–20 minutes using a Lightning or USB-C cable (depending on your model).  

4. Turn Off Head-Tracked Spatial Audio

Personalized Spatial Audio (available on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max) adjusts sound based on head movement, which can sometimes make one AirPod seem louder.

To disable it: 

1. On your iPhone/iPad, open Settings and select your AirPods. 
2. Tap on Personalised Spatial Audio and select Stop Using Personalised Spatial Audio.
   
   

Alternative: Open the Control Center, press and hold the volume slider, and turn off Spatial Audio. 

5. Re-Pair Your AirPods

Reconnecting your AirPods from scratch can resolve connection glitches that cause uneven sound.

Steps to re-pair:

1. Place both AirPods in their case and close the lid. 
2. On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the (i) button next to your AirPods, then select Forget This Device. 
   
   
3. Open the AirPods case lid, press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white. 
4. Reconnect by holding the case near your device and following the on-screen pairing instructions. 

6. Restart Your iPhone or iPad

Sometimes, your device—not the AirPods—is the problem. A restart can fix temporary software issues.

To restart:

• Press and hold the Side button + volume button until the “slide to power off” appears. Slide to shut down, then turn it back on. 

7. Update AirPods Firmware

Apple releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

How to update AirPods firmware:

1. Put AirPods inside their case and plug the case into a charger. 
2. Now, place it close to your paired internet-enabled device.
3. Leave it for 30–60 minutes. Updates install automatically in the background.

8. Test Fit and Try Another Device

A poor fit can affect perceived volume. Plus, testing on another device helps isolate whether the issue lies with the AirPods or your phone.

To test the fit:

• For AirPods Pro, ensure you’re using the right ear tip size. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > Ear Tip Fit Test to check. 
• Adjust the AirPods to sit snugly in your ears. For AirPods Max, ensure the headband and ear cushions are properly aligned. 
• Clean your ears gently to ensure no earwax is blocking sound. 

To test another device:

• Pair your AirPods with another phone, tablet, or computer (e.g., iPad or Mac). 
• Play audio to see if the volume imbalance persists. If it’s gone, the issue lies with your original device’s settings. 

9. Reset Your AirPods to Factory Settings

When all else fails, a factory reset wipes all settings and connection history to fix stubborn bugs.

To reset:

1. Place both AirPods in their case and close the lid. 
2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. 
3. Press and hold the setup button on the case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. 
4. Re-pair your AirPods with your device (see step 5). 

If you have AirPods 4 or AirPods Max, follow our guide to reset them quickly. 

10. Use Mono Audio (Temporary Fix)

Until the issue is fully resolved, Mono Audio sends identical sound to both AirPods, bypassing stereo channels.

To enable:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility and select Audio & Visual. 
2. Scroll down and toggle on Mono Audio. 

While it doesn’t fix the root problem, it equalizes audio output for a better experience.

When to Consider Replacing Your AirPods

If none of the solutions fix the issue, it might be time to consider hardware replacement.

Here’s when to replace:

• Persistent imbalance after trying all fixes
• Visible damage or water exposure
• Out-of-warranty devices with known issues

Apple Support Tip: If you’re covered by AppleCare+, you might be eligible for a discounted or free replacement. Standard replacement costs range from $69 to $89 per AirPod, depending on the model.

How to Prevent the Issue in the Future

Prevent uneven sound with regular care:

• Clean your AirPods and case every 1–2 weeks to prevent buildup. 
• Keep AirPods in their case when not in use to avoid debris or damage. 
• Monitor battery levels and avoid letting AirPods fully discharge. 
• Keep your AirPods and devices updated with the latest software. 
• For AirPods Pro, use the correct ear tip size for optimal sound. 
• Don’t expose AirPods to excessive heat, cold, or moisture. 

Fixed: One AirPod Louder Than the Other

A louder AirPod can be annoying, but in most cases, it’s a fixable issue. From simple cleaning and setting tweaks to firmware updates and resets, the steps above will help you restore balanced, crystal-clear sound.

Still stuck? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support or visit your nearest Apple Store for expert help.

Check out these helpful guides too:

• iOS 26 Supercharges Your AirPods With These New Features
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