How to Fix right or left AirPod isn’t working

If you unwrap your AirPods and find only one side is working, there are a couple of very easy fixes for this common problem. Here's a step-by-step guide to get your AirPods back into action if you're facing problems.

If your AirPods aren't working, here's what to do:

These are some further things you can check if you'd like to try more of our help for fixing an AirPod that is not working on either the left or right side.

See how the battery is holding up on the AirPods

By default, you got to ensure that both of your AirPods have enough juice. Sometimes these connection issues are caused by inconsistencies in the battery life of the earphones. You should be able to see the charge status of your AirPods once you have placed them in their case near your iPhone. Or, close your AirPods, let the charging indicator on both of them turn red and then go to your iPhone's Bluetooth settings and select your headphones. If you've tried cleaning the contacts already and still have an undercharging issue with either AirPod, place them back in the case again. This should reset a proper connection when charging.

Check for balanced audio settings.

And if on, the "Mono Audio" option.

You can't rule out an awry setting in your device causing malfunctioning AirPods.

Setting Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

Adjust the sound level: Once you navigate to

"Accessibility," all you need to do is scroll down to

"Audio/Visual." From this menu, you will be able to adjust the relative volumes of the left and right channels. Make sure the slider is to the middle to ensure an equal weight distribution of both AirPods.

Third-party, disable "Mono Audio" if enabled. There are some problems with Mono Audio, which can be related to one AirPod set to mute while playing the same audio in both ears.

Lose your AirPods and then find them again

Charging issues can sometimes make one AirPod stop working.

You may want to get your AirPods repaired if the above doesn't work.

Ditch the device: Go to "Settings," then tap "Bluetooth." Underneath "My Devices," find your AirPods and tap the "i" that appears next to it, then tap "Forget This Device."

When the power slider appears, restart your iPhone by holding the volume down key and the power key. If you can't find them, do it again. 

After a few seconds, slide it on again to turn it back on.

First open your AirPods case sitting next to your iPhone and try reconnecting it: a notification comes up on screen: Connect. Tap Connect to confirm. Follow other subsequent instructions: This usually works because pairing, in this sense of meaning will mostly cure the one-occurring AirPod malady when it happens.

Charge your airpod and clean them too:

Due to charging issues, sometimes one AirPod stops working. If your AirPods are not getting warm enough or not fully charging while in the case then have a check for dust and dirt in the charging contacts of your AirPods and inside the case.

Clean Charger contacts: For cleaning metal contacts of the AirPods and charging case use a dry and soft cloth.

See how much juice is left: Take one AirPod out of its case, replace it with the other, replace the lid, charge it for a few minutes, and then try testing it again.

Check the program and make sure all the settings are up-to-date.

This could be due to old firmware. Software updates will run automatically when your AirPods are connected to an iOS device, aren't in use, and are in their charging case. Occasionally, an operating system update causes one side of your AirPods to not function consistently, and clearing out unnecessary files can help reduce compatibility issues. Find Software Update in the Settings menu of the iPhone, then tap General.

Disconnect AirPods

This may be the case due to outdated firmware.

You may need to perform a factory reset if the problem persists.

Keep your finger on the reset button: It's located on the back of your AirPods case. The status light will blink amber and then white, so press and hold it until that happens.

Retrieve iPhone signal: Locate your iPhone and open the AirPods case. Tap "Connect" to pair the headphones and then try using both of them.

From here, you should be able to fix the issue and get sound back into both AirPods. If you are still having issues with your AirPods, please contact Apple Support.