8 Simple Ways to Fix One AirPod When It's Not Working

Get your AirPod working again with this easy guide

Co-authored by James Bell and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: September 30, 2024 Fact Checked

If only one AirPod is working, you can easily reset it using the case. Before troubleshooting, you should also check the batteries of both the AirPod and the case. Here's what to do when one AirPod is not working, with expert advice from phone repair specialist James Bell.

Quick Steps

Let both AirPods charge in the case for at least an hour.
Check its battery using your connected iPhone or iPad.
Disconnect your AirPods from your device, and then sync it again.
Reset your AirPods by putting them in the case and pressing and holding the button on the back.

1

Charge your AirPods.

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Make sure both AirPods are fully charged. When the AirPods have a low battery, you'll see a flashing orange light on the case.
- For best results, charge the case simultaneously, and let it charge for at least an hour. A low battery can prevent your AirPods from connecting successfully.
- Make sure your charging cable or charging block is working correctly.
- According to phone repair specialist James Bell, it can be helpful to unpair your AirPods before charging and then pair them back with your device once fully charged.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  James Bell
  Phone Repair Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

2

Check the battery.

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1
Use your iPhone or iPad to confirm the battery level. When you have your iPhone or iPad unlocked and paired to your AirPods, you can easily check the battery.^{[2]
X
Research source} Do the following:
- With your AirPods inside its case, open the lid.
- Hold the case close to your device.
- Wait for the pop-up menu to appear to see its charge.
2
If you see a low charge for only one AirPod and you know it's been charging, it's very possible the battery in that AirPod has failed. "AirPods are terribly simple, internally," Bell says, "so the battery is a very common failure. And absolutely, the battery can fail in one AirPod and not the other".
- Bell notes that while some Apple product repair shops may be able to replace the battery in an AirPod, some don't, as AirPods are quite fragile.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  James Bell
  Phone Repair Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

3

Resync your AirPods.

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Sync your AirPods to your case again. Sometimes, AirPods can fall out of sync with its case. This can happen if you have a replacement case, borrow someone else's, or have mismatched AirPods.
- To sync your AirPods again, disconnect them on any connected devices, and then place them back in their case.
- If you open the case and the light is amber, it's synced. If it isn't, press and hold the button on the back of the case for a few seconds.

4

Reset your AirPods.

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Reset the AirPods to factory settings. Once they've been reset, you'll need to pair them to your device again. Do the following:
- Place the AirPods in their case and close the lid. Wait for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid, and then press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds.
  - The light will flash amber, and then white.

5

Check for debris.

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If one AirPod is louder than the other, there could be a buildup of dust or debris in the speaker mesh. If you see debris, you can gently clean it out with a soft, dry-bristle brush.

6

Check the Audio Balance.

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If your audio balance is set to one side, you may not hear sound in one AirPod. To fix this, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Audio/Visual.
- Tap Balance.
- Make sure the balance is set in the middle.

7

Update your AirPods.

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Your AirPods automatically update when they're in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.^{[4]
X
Research source}

8

Contact Apple.

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Contact Apple Support. If you're still having trouble with your AirPods, contact Apple. This could be a hardware issue, and you may be covered under warranty.