How to Fix It When One AirPod Is Not Working

Check the Battery Level

If you are experiencing issues with one of your AirPods not working, the first step is to check the battery level. Each AirPod has its own battery, and if one of them is low or completely out of battery, it may cause functionality problems.

To check the battery level of your AirPods, follow these steps:

Open the lid of your AirPods case.
Place your AirPods in the case and close the lid for a few seconds.
Open the lid again, and a pop-up should appear on your connected device’s screen, showing the battery percentage for both the case and the AirPods.
Ensure that both AirPods display a similar battery percentage. If one of them has a significantly lower percentage or is listed as “Not Connected,” it’s likely the cause of the issue.

If you find that one of your AirPods has a significantly lower or no battery, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Charge the AirPods: Connect the charging cable to the case and plug it into a power source. Let the AirPods charge for at least 15-20 minutes. Once they have enough battery, try using them again.
Swap AirPods: Remove both AirPods from the case and put them back in. This can help reset the connection between the AirPods and your device.
Check for debris: Inspect the charging ports on the AirPods and the case for any dirt, debris, or lint. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a small brush to clean them if necessary. This can help ensure a proper charging connection.

Once you have checked the battery level and performed these troubleshooting steps, retest your AirPods to see if the issue has been resolved. If not, don’t worry, there are further steps you can take to fix the problem.

Clean the AirPods

If you find that one of your AirPods is not working, it could be due to dirt, debris, or earwax buildup. Cleaning your AirPods can help restore their functionality. Here’s how you can clean your AirPods:

Remove the AirPods from the case: Take out both AirPods from the case and place them on a clean, dry surface.
Inspect the AirPods: Carefully examine both AirPods for any visible dirt, debris, or wax accumulation. Pay special attention to the speaker mesh and the charging ports.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth: Gently wipe the exterior of the AirPods with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the AirPods.
Clean the speaker mesh: If you notice any dirt or debris on the speaker mesh, you can use a soft-bristled brush, such as a clean toothbrush, to gently brush away the particles. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force, as this could damage the mesh.
Clean the charging ports: If the charging ports on the AirPods appear dirty or clogged, use a clean, dry cotton swab to carefully remove any debris. Be gentle and avoid inserting the cotton swab too deeply into the port.
Let them dry: After cleaning, allow the AirPods to air dry completely before placing them back in the case. This will prevent any moisture from entering the charging ports.

Regularly cleaning your AirPods can help maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan. It is recommended to clean them at least once a month or whenever you notice a decrease in audio quality or connectivity. By keeping your AirPods clean, you can ensure optimal sound and functionality.

Reset the AirPods

If you’ve checked the battery level and cleaned your AirPods, but one of them is still not working, you may need to reset them. Resetting the AirPods can help resolve any software glitches or connectivity issues. Follow these steps to reset your AirPods:

Place the AirPods in the case: Put both AirPods back into the charging case and close the lid.
Wait for a few seconds: Let the AirPods sit in the case for about 30 seconds to a minute. This will ensure they have enough time to reset.
Open the lid: Open the lid of the AirPods case while keeping the AirPods inside.
Find the setup button: On the back of the AirPods case, you’ll see a small button. Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds until the LED light on the case starts blinking white.
Reconnect the AirPods: On your device, go to the Bluetooth settings and remove the AirPods from the list of paired devices. Then, put the AirPods back in your ears and wait for them to appear in the Bluetooth menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect the AirPods to your device.

Once you have reset your AirPods, test them to see if the issue has been resolved. They should now be functioning properly. If the problem persists, try the next troubleshooting step.

Update your Devices

If you are still facing issues with one of your AirPods not working, it is important to ensure that your devices are up to date. Software updates can often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connectivity or compatibility issues. Here’s how you can update your devices:

Update iOS: If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then General, and select Software Update. If an update is available, tap on Download and Install to update your device to the latest version of iOS.
Update macOS: If you’re using a Mac, click on the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and go to Software Update. If there is an available update, click on Update Now to install the latest version of macOS.
Update watchOS: If you’re using an Apple Watch, make sure it is connected to your iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, and select Software Update. If there is an update available, tap on Download and Install to update your Apple Watch.

After updating your devices, restart them and test your AirPods again to see if the issue has been resolved. If you’re still experiencing problems, there are a few more troubleshooting steps you can try.

Adjust Bluetooth Settings

If one of your AirPods is not working, it could be due to Bluetooth connectivity issues. Adjusting your Bluetooth settings can help resolve any pairing or connection problems. Follow these steps to optimize your Bluetooth settings:

Turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on: On your device, navigate to the Bluetooth settings and toggle the Bluetooth switch off. Wait for a few seconds, then turn it back on. This can refresh the Bluetooth connection and potentially resolve any temporary glitches.
Forget and reconnect the AirPods: In the Bluetooth settings, find the AirPods listed under your paired devices. Tap on the “i” icon next to the AirPods and select “Forget This Device.” Afterward, put the AirPods back in the case, close the lid, and open it again to initiate the pairing process. Follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect the AirPods to your device.
Reset network settings: If the above steps didn’t work, you can try resetting your device’s network settings. Go to the Settings, select General, and then choose Reset. Tap on “Reset Network Settings” and enter your device passcode if prompted. Keep in mind that this will reset all your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them handy.

After adjusting the Bluetooth settings, retest your AirPods to see if they are now functioning properly. If not, there are a few more troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Try on Different Devices

If you have tried all the previous troubleshooting steps and one of your AirPods is still not working, it’s time to test them on different devices. This step will help determine if the issue lies with your AirPods or the device you are using. Here’s what you can do:

Pair with a different device: Take your AirPods and pair them with another compatible device, such as a different iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Follow the usual pairing process to connect the AirPods to the new device.
Test both AirPods: Once connected to the new device, play audio or make a call to test both AirPods. Pay attention to see if both AirPods are working correctly, or if the issue persists with just one of them.
Try a different set of AirPods: If possible, borrow a friend’s or family member’s AirPods and pair them with your device. This will help determine if the issue lies with your device or your specific set of AirPods.

By trying your AirPods on different devices, you can narrow down and diagnose where the problem might be originating from. If the issue persists on all devices or with different AirPods, there may be a hardware issue that requires further assistance.

However, if the problematic AirPods work fine on another device, or a different set of AirPods work flawlessly with your device, it suggests that the issue lies with the original pairing or the specific AirPods themselves. In that case, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance or consider getting a replacement for the faulty AirPod.

Contact Apple Support

If you have tried all the previous troubleshooting steps and one of your AirPods is still not working, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. Apple’s support team is knowledgeable and experienced in resolving issues with AirPods and can provide personalized solutions. Here’s how you can contact Apple Support:

Visit the Apple Support website: Go to the official Apple Support website (https://support.apple.com/) in your web browser.
Select your device: Choose the relevant product category and select your device, such as AirPods or the specific model you own.
Explore support options: Browse through the support articles and troubleshooting guides available on the website. You may find a solution to your problem without having to contact Apple Support directly.
Contact Apple Support: If you couldn’t find a solution or if your issue requires further assistance, click on the “Contact Support” button to initiate the support process. You will have the option to schedule a call with Apple Support or chat with a representative online.

During your interaction with Apple Support, be sure to provide them with detailed information about the issue you’re facing, the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot, and any error messages or unusual behavior you’ve encountered. This will help them better understand the problem and provide you with the most accurate and efficient solution.

Apple Support will guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or, if necessary, advise you on how to proceed with repairs or replacements. They have access to specialized tools and resources to diagnose and resolve complex issues related to your AirPods.

Remember, Apple provides a warranty for AirPods, so if the issue is determined to be a manufacturing defect, you may be eligible for a free repair or replacement. The support representative will inform you about the available options based on your specific situation.

By contacting Apple Support, you’ll receive expert guidance and ensure that all possible solutions have been explored to resolve the issue with your AirPods.