What to do when sound is only coming out of one AirPod

You pop in your AirPods®, press play, and only one side works. Whether it’s your left or right AirPod that’s silent, it’s a frustrating issue—especially if everything looks normal.

At Asurion, we help people fix tech issues like this every day, from Bluetooth® glitches to audio dropouts. If sound is only coming out of one AirPod, here’s how to get both earbuds working again.

Make sure your AirPods are charged

If one AirPod is completely dead, it won’t produce sound.

• Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid
• Wait at least 30 seconds, then check the battery status on your iPhone
• If one still isn’t charging, clean the charging contacts with a dry, soft-bristle brush

Clean your AirPods

Dust and earwax can block sound and make it seem like an AirPod isn't working.

• Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe each AirPod
• Carefully clean the speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab or soft-bristled brush
• Avoid using liquids or sharp tools

Check your audio balance settings

Your iPhone or iPad may be set to play audio in only one ear.

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility
2. Tap Audio/Visual
3. Under Balance, make sure the slider is centered

Reconnect your AirPods

Disconnecting and reconnecting can fix Bluetooth issues.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Tap the i next to your AirPods
3. Select Forget This Device, then confirm
4. Put your AirPods back in the case, close the lid, then reopen it
5. Press and hold the setup button on the case until the light flashes white
6. Re-pair your AirPods by following the on-screen instructions

Reset your AirPods

If the problem continues, try a full reset.

1. Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button until the light flashes amber, then white
4. Reconnect your AirPods to your device

Test with another device

To see if the problem is with your AirPods or your device:

• Pair your AirPods with another phone, tablet, or computer
• Play audio to see if both sides work
• If the issue only happens on one device, try restarting it or updating the software

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FAQ

Why is only one of my AirPods working?

It could be low battery, debris blocking the speaker, or your audio settings. Try cleaning, charging, or resetting them.

How do I fix the sound balance on my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, then make sure the Balance slider is centered.

Can AirPods work one at a time?

Yes, but both should work when used together. If only one is producing sound, there may be a hardware or Bluetooth issue.