5 Ways to Fix AirPods When One is Louder Than the Other

Quick ways to troubleshoot AirPods paired with iPhone or iPad when the volume is uneven

Co-authored by James Bell and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 11, 2025 Fact Checked

Is one AirPod louder or quieter than the other? This can be caused by a variety of problems. You could have debris trapped in the speaker, or it could be an issue with your software. No matter the issue, you can troubleshoot it in a few simple steps. This wikiHow will show you how to fix your AirPods when one AirPod is louder or quieter than the other.

Things You Should Know

Wipe down your AirPods and Charging Case with a lint-free cloth. Remove any debris from the speakers.
Check the audio balance in "Settings" → "Accessibility" → "Audio/Visual" → set "Balance" to "0.00".
Factory reset your AirPods. Press and hold the button on the case until the light flashes yellow, then white. Pair it again.

1

Clean your AirPods and Charging Case.

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Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down your devices. Avoid using thin tissue that could break up and get stuck in your AirPods or case. Cleaning your AirPods regularly can prevent dirt from being lodged in your speakers. This could contribute to muffled sounds.^{[1]
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- For debris that is packed into small places, try using a dry, electric toothbrush to quickly remove it. You can also use a cotton swab.

2

Check the audio balance on your iPhone or iPad.

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Make sure your audio balance is normal. If you're using your AirPods with an iPhone or iPad, you can adjust this in your settings. To fix this:^{[2]
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- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Audio/Visual.
- Set Balance to 0.00. The slider should be in the center.

3

Reset your AirPods.

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Reset your AirPods and reconnect them to your device. Your AirPods may be struggling to connect to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth. A simple reset can help pair the two devices again.^{[3]
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- Press and hold the button on the back of the Charging Case.
- Wait for the status light to flash yellow, and then white.
- Pair your Airpods again.

4

Restart your iPhone or iPad.

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Restart your device to fix minor errors in your software. If you leave your device on without the occasional restart, this could cause your device to run slower.^{[4]
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- On iPhones without a home button, press and hold either volume button and the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
- On iPhones with a home button, press and hold the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
- On iPads, press and hold either volume button and the power button at the same time. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.

5

Contact Apple for a repair or replacement.

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You may have received a faulty pair of AirPods. Contact Apple and see the options for your specific warranty. In most cases, Apple will be able to repair your AirPods for free. If it's unable to be fixed, you can request a replacement.^{[5]
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