Is one AirPod louder than the other? How to fix

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AirPods

AirPods offer a great experience, especially when listening to music or receiving calls. At some point, however, you may experience a unique problem. For example, you may notice that one AirPod is louder than the other one. 

There are a few reasons behind this problem, the main one being variable adjustment in sound balance. However, if you ask yourself why your AirPod’s volume isn’t working as it should, you are at the right place. 

Here’s how to fix one AirPod that is louder than the other and restore sound balance in the AirPods.

Why one of my AirPods is quieter than the other?

It can be annoying when you listen to music and notice a sound imbalance between the two AirPods. You may think your AirPods are broken or faulty, but they aren’t. Instead, one AirPod may be louder than the other because of: 

  • Sound imbalance in the audio settings.
  • Connection problem.
  • One AirPod is damaged. 
  • Dirt accumulation. 

If this is the case, you should fix the problem using the troubleshooting tips below.

READ: I’ve found AirPods. Can I use them on my iPhone?

Solutions to fixing one AirPod that is louder than the other

Below are troubleshooting tips on how to fix one AirPod that is louder than the other:

1. Clean off the AirPods and charging case

Your AirPods and their charging case may have accumulated a lot of dirt, causing a sound imbalance between them. The dirt can consist of dust or ear wax that collects on the AirPods’ main speaker. You should, therefore, perform a proper cleaning to fix this problem.

You can use a lint-free cloth and gently clean off your AirPods and charging case. Do not use any tissue or fabric that can shred into the AirPod’s speakers. Alternatively, you can use an old unused toothbrush to remove smaller dirt particles.

2. Check the audio settings

The AirPods’ sound balance is determined by its audio settings. You will hear both AirPods sounding even when the audio settings are balanced. One AirPod being louder than the other means an imbalance must be adjusted. 

Below are steps on how to fix audio balance:

  • Launch the Settings app.
  • Tap on Accessibility. 
  • Tap on Audio/Visual.
  • Drag the slider to the middle point. This way, your audio will be balanced and be in its original settings. 

READ: How to turn off Siri Announce Calls on AirPods

3. Reset your AirPods

In some cases, the software may be experiencing glitches and causing the left AirPods to be quieter than the right. If you are experiencing this, you can reset them and clear off any errors and glitches. 

Here is how you reset your AirPods:

  • Press the Setup button at the center of the charging case and hold it for a few seconds.
  • The indicator light will eventually change from amber to white.
  • When the indicator turns white, gently release the Setup button.

By doing this, your AirPods are completely reset. Remember to repair your AirPods to your iPhone and check whether the volume is fine.

4. Restart your iPhone

Your iPhone’s system may also be experiencing errors and glitches, causing audio imbalance on your AirPods. Here is how you restart your iPhone or iPad:

  • Press the side and volume buttons and hold them until the power off slider appears on the screen.
  • Swipe the slider and wait for 30 seconds before it turns off.
  • Wait for a few minutes before turning it on by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.

You can then check if the AirPods volume is fine or if the problem persists.

5. Reset all iPhone settings

By resetting all your iPhone’s settings, your device will go to factory default settings. Follow these steps to factory reset your iPhone:

  • Tap on the Settings app.
  • Tap on General.
  • Tap on Reset.
  • Select Reset All Settings.
  • You will be required to enter the device’s passcode.
  • Once you’ve entered it, tap on Reset All Settings again.
  • A reset progress bar will display on the screen; once it is complete, your device will shut down and turn itself on.

Contact Apple Support

If all the above troubleshooting tips do not work or you notice the right AirPod is quieter than the left after cleaning, visit the Apple Store. 

You will be provided with a replacement if you have a warranty. Alternatively, you can contact Apple Customer Support for professional help concerning your AirPods.

READ: Airpods keep disconnecting from Mac! How to fix