Why Is My AirPods One Side Not Working? (8 Fixes)

Having one side of your AirPods stop working is incredibly frustrating. You're in the middle of a podcast, workout, or important call, and suddenly, you're only hearing half the audio. You're not alone—this is one of the most common issues AirPods users face, affecting thousands of people based on forums and support threads across the web.

This problem often stems from simple connectivity issues, dirt buildup, or software glitches, but it can also signal deeper hardware failure. In this guide, we'll walk you through 8 practical fixes to get both AirPods working again, starting with quick checks and moving to more advanced troubleshooting. By the end, you'll know whether you can fix the issue yourself or if it's time for a replacement.

We'll cover everything from resetting your AirPods to checking for physical damage, with clear steps and expected outcomes. Let's get started on bringing stereo sound back to your life!

Common Causes

• Bluetooth connectivity issues or pairing glitches
• Dirt or debris blocking the speaker or sensors
• Battery imbalance or charging issues in one AirPod
• Software bugs or outdated firmware
• Physical damage or hardware failure

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Audio Balance Settings

Difficulty: easy | Time: 2 minutes

Go to your device's Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual (on iOS) or similar audio balance settings (on Android). Ensure the balance slider is centered. If it's skewed to one side, adjust it back to the middle.

Why this works: Sometimes, accessibility settings get accidentally adjusted, sending audio to only one earbud. What you should see: If this was the issue, sound should return to both AirPods immediately after adjusting. Warning signs: If the balance is centered but one side is still silent, move to the next step.

2. Clean Your AirPods

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

Inspect the affected AirPod for dirt, earwax, or debris on the speaker mesh or sensors. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a small brush (like a toothbrush) to gently clean it. Avoid liquids or sharp objects.

Why this works: Debris can block sound output or interfere with sensors, causing one AirPod to stop working. What you should see: Sound may return if buildup was the issue. Warning signs: If cleaning doesn’t help, the problem isn’t physical blockage—proceed to the next step.

Safety note: Don’t use water or cleaning solutions, as they can damage internal components.

Tools needed: Microfiber cloth, Small brush

3. Check Battery Levels

Difficulty: easy | Time: 15 minutes

Place both AirPods in their charging case for 10-15 minutes, then check the battery status on your device (open the case near your iPhone to see the widget). If one AirPod shows significantly lower battery, keep charging until they’re balanced.

Why this works: A drained AirPod won’t play audio, even if the other has charge. What you should see: If battery imbalance was the issue, the silent AirPod should start working after charging. Warning signs: If both show charge but one still doesn’t work, it’s not a battery issue.

Tools needed: Charging case, Lightning cable

4. Reconnect Your AirPods

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your device, find your AirPods, and tap 'Forget This Device.' Then, place both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, open it, and press the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. Re-pair them to your device.

Why this works: This resets the Bluetooth connection, fixing minor pairing glitches. What you should see: Both AirPods should work after reconnecting. Warning signs: If one side remains silent, the issue might be deeper.

5. Update Your Device and AirPods Firmware

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10-20 minutes

Ensure your iPhone or device is updated to the latest OS version (Settings > General > Software Update). For AirPods firmware, keep them in the case, connected to power, and near your updated device—they update automatically when idle.

Why this works: Software bugs can cause audio issues, and updates often include fixes. What you should see: If a bug was the cause, sound should return after updating. Warning signs: If updates don’t help, it’s likely not a software issue.

6. Test on Another Device

Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes

Pair your AirPods with a different device (another phone or tablet) via Bluetooth and play audio. Observe if the issue persists on the new device.

Why this works: This isolates whether the problem is with your AirPods or the original device’s settings/connection. What you should see: If both AirPods work on the new device, troubleshoot your original device’s Bluetooth. Warning signs: If one side still doesn’t work, the issue is with the AirPod itself.

Tools needed: Secondary device

7. Reset Network Settings on Your Device

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: This will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so you’ll need to reconnect devices afterward.

Why this works: Network settings can interfere with Bluetooth functionality. What you should see: After resetting and re-pairing, both AirPods should work. Warning signs: If this fails, the issue is likely hardware-related.

8. Inspect for Physical Damage

Difficulty: hard | Time: 5 minutes

Examine the silent AirPod for visible cracks, dents, or signs of water damage. If you’ve dropped it or exposed it to liquid, internal components may be damaged.

Why this works: Identifying physical damage can confirm if repair or replacement is needed. What you should see: If damage is evident, DIY fixes are unlikely to work. Warning signs: Even without visible damage, internal issues could exist—contact Apple Support for diagnostics.

Safety note: Don’t attempt to open or repair internals yourself; this voids warranties and risks further damage.

When to Upgrade

If you’ve gone through all 8 troubleshooting steps and one AirPod still doesn’t work, it’s likely a hardware failure. Signs of permanent issues include persistent silence despite full charge, visible damage, or the AirPod being over 2-3 years old—battery and component wear often become uneconomical to repair at this point. Additionally, if you’re outside Apple’s warranty or AppleCare+ (typically 1-2 years from purchase), repair costs for a single AirPod can range from $49-$89, which may not be worth it compared to replacing the set.

Consider the cost-benefit: A new pair of AirPods (2nd Gen) starts around $129, while AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is around $249 with better features. If your current pair is outdated or frequently malfunctions, upgrading might save you repeated frustration. Check your warranty status on Apple’s website—if covered, pursue a free or discounted repair first.

Lastly, safety is a non-issue with AirPods unless liquid damage causes short-circuiting (rare but possible). The bigger concern is wasting time on a failing product. If your AirPods are old or damaged beyond repair, it’s time to invest in a new pair for reliability and improved audio tech.

Upgrade Now

🛒 Buy Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) on Amazon

🛒 Buy Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) on Amazon

🛒 Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds on Amazon

🛒 Buy JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless Earbuds on Amazon

Prevention Tips

• Clean your AirPods regularly with a dry cloth to prevent debris buildup.
• Store AirPods in their case when not in use to avoid physical damage.
• Avoid exposing AirPods to water or extreme humidity unless they’re water-resistant models.
• Keep your device’s software updated to prevent connectivity bugs.
• Charge AirPods evenly by placing both in the case after use.