Having trouble with your AirPods? It can be frustrating when one AirPod sounds louder than the other. This common issue affects many AirPods users and can happen for several reasons. The most common causes are debris buildup on speaker mesh, incorrect audio balance settings, or connection problems that can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps like cleaning, adjusting settings, or resetting your AirPods.
Many users notice this volume imbalance during calls or while enjoying music. The good news is that most fixes are quick and don’t require a trip to the Apple Store. From cleaning the speaker mesh to checking audio balance settings, these solutions can restore equal sound levels in both earbuds.
Before assuming hardware failure, users should try basic troubleshooting. Sometimes the fix is as simple as removing debris that has accumulated over time. For persistent issues, checking device settings and performing a reset often resolves the uneven volume problem that plagues many wireless earbud users.
How To Fix AirPods When One Is Louder Than the Other
If one of your AirPods sounds noticeably louder than the other, it’s a common issue—and usually fixable without a trip to the Apple Store. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and balance the audio.
1. Clean Your AirPods
Why: Wax, dust, and debris can block sound output, especially in one ear.
How:
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down each AirPod.
- Gently clean the speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab.
- For stubborn gunk, use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry toothbrush.
Tip: Avoid using liquids. Never run them under water, even if they’re water-resistant.
2. Check the Audio Balance Setting
Why: iOS and macOS have an audio balance slider that might be accidentally skewed.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility
- Tap Audio/Visual
- Check the Balance slider – make sure it’s centered between L and R.
On Mac:
- Open System Settings → Sound
- Click Output
- Make sure the balance slider is centered
3. Reset Your AirPods
Why: Software bugs or pairing issues can cause uneven volume.
How to reset:
- Put your AirPods in their case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid, press and hold the setup button on the back until the LED flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect them to your device by placing them near your iPhone and following the on-screen prompt.
4. Test With Another Device
Why: The issue could be with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—not your AirPods.
Try playing audio from another device. If the imbalance disappears, it might be a device-specific issue or app-level problem.
5. Calibrate the Volume
Why: Bluetooth syncing can sometimes cause unequal volume scaling.
How:
- Put in your AirPods and play music.
- Turn the volume all the way down.
- Disconnect the AirPods via Bluetooth settings (don’t unpair them).
- Play audio through your phone’s speakers and turn the volume down again.
- Reconnect your AirPods and turn the volume back up.
6. Check Battery Levels
Why: Sometimes, a dying AirPod will sound quieter.
Check battery:
- Open the case near your iPhone or check Settings → Bluetooth → tap the info icon (ℹ️) next to your AirPods.
- If one AirPod has significantly less charge, let both fully recharge and test again.
7. Update Firmware (If Possible)
Why: Rare, but firmware issues can affect audio balance.
How to trigger an update:
- Put both AirPods in the case and connect the case to power.
- Place the case near your iPhone with an internet connection.
- Leave them for 30+ minutes.
8. Still Not Working? Contact Apple Support
If none of the above works, it could be a hardware issue. You might need a replacement for one or both AirPods. Apple can run diagnostics and check warranty status.
Key Takeaways
- Clean your AirPods speaker mesh regularly to prevent volume imbalance caused by dirt buildup.
- Check your device’s accessibility settings to ensure audio balance is centered between left and right ears.
- Reset your AirPods by placing them in the case and holding the setup button when simple fixes don’t work.
Troubleshooting Common AirPods Issues
When one AirPod sounds louder than the other, several factors might be causing this imbalance. These issues typically stem from software settings, physical obstructions, or connectivity problems that affect how your AirPods function.
Assessing the Audio Balance Settings
The most common cause of uneven volume is incorrect audio balance settings. To check this on an iPhone:
- Open Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Audio/Visual
- Look at the balance slider under Balance
- Make sure the slider is centered
If the slider is off-center, this will make one AirPod louder than the other. Moving it to the middle fixes this sound issue.
Software glitches may also cause uneven volume. Try these fixes:
- Forget your AirPods in Bluetooth settings, then reconnect
- Reset all settings on your iPhone if the problem persists
- Adjust volume while using only one AirPod, then test both together
These steps often resolve audio balance problems without needing repairs.
Inspecting for Hardware Obstructions
Physical blockages are a leading cause of one AirPod being quieter. Dirt and earwax build up naturally on the speaker mesh over time.
To clean your AirPods:
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior
- For speaker mesh, use a clean, dry cotton swab
- Never use sharp objects that could damage the mesh
Look closely at both AirPods under good lighting. You might notice one has more debris blocking sound output. Pay special attention to the small speaker openings.
For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth but avoid getting moisture in any openings. Let AirPods dry completely before using or charging them.
Regular cleaning prevents buildup that causes uneven volume and extends the life of your AirPods.
Ensuring Proper Connectivity and Firmware
Connectivity issues often cause audio imbalance between AirPods. Try this reset process:
- Place both AirPods in the charging case
- Close the lid for 30 seconds
- Open the lid and check charging status on your iPhone
- Test the previously quieter AirPod alone
Firmware updates can fix various audio problems. AirPods typically update automatically when:
- They’re in their case with the lid open
- They’re near your paired iPhone
- Your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi
To force a better connection:
- Unpair and repair your AirPods
- Reset your AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds
If problems persist after these steps, try using the AirPods with a different device to determine if the issue is with the AirPods or your original device. Hardware faults may require Apple Support assistance.
Advanced Solutions and Professional Support
When basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue of one AirPod being louder than the other, it’s time to try more advanced methods. These solutions involve resetting your AirPods completely or getting help directly from Apple experts.
Resetting and Re-Pairing AirPods
A complete reset often solves persistent AirPod volume imbalance issues. This process clears any software glitches that might be causing one AirPod to be louder than the other.
Steps to reset AirPods:
- Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth
- Find your AirPods in the device list and tap the “i” icon
- Select “Forget This Device” and confirm
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white
- Reconnect your AirPods to your device
This reset works for regular AirPods and AirPods Pro models. Make sure the charging case has sufficient battery before attempting this process.
Seeking Assistance from Apple Support
If resetting doesn’t fix the issue where one AirPod is louder, professional help from Apple might be necessary. The problem could be hardware-related.
Apple Support offers several ways to get help:
- Online support through the Apple Support website
- Phone support
- Apple Support app
- In-person at an Apple Store (booking an appointment is recommended)
If your AirPods are under warranty, Apple might replace the faulty AirPod free of charge. Even if they’re out of warranty, Apple can diagnose whether it’s a right AirPod, left AirPod, or charging case issue.
The Genius Bar technicians can run diagnostics that aren’t available to users and can determine if the audio volume balance issue is fixable or requires replacement. Many users report that seeking Apple’s assistance resolves persistent AirPod volume problems effectively.
