Left Or Right AirPod Isn’t Working? Working Fixes

Are you having issues with your Left Or Right AirPod Isn’t Working at all? Is one of your AirPods not working properly? Don’t worry, we’ve got some helpful tips for you. This guide covers solutions for all AirPods models, including AirPods 1 and 2, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

First, let’s identify the potential cause of the problem.

Left Or Right AirPod Isn’t Working? Possible Causes

When one of your AirPods runs out of battery and drops to zero percent, you might suddenly lose your wireless connection. This can leave you wondering, “Why isn’t my left or right AirPod working?” and searching for solutions like, “How do I fix my AirPods when only one is working?”

One AirPod without sound: Experiencing sound from only one AirPod can be quite frustrating. This issue often arises due to an audio setting or volume problem. In some instances, the culprit might be a blocked earbud mesh, caused by dirt or debris, which affects the sound quality.

One Airpod not connecting: When one of your AirPods refuses to connect to your device, it’s probably because your device’s firmware or operating system requires an update. Alternatively, refreshing your network settings could help, especially if you have numerous existing Bluetooth connections.

Read also: Why Is Your Left or Right AirPod So Quiet?

One Airpod not charging: There could be several reasons for an AirPod not charging. One possibility is that the AirPod is completely drained and requires recharging before turning it on. Another reason might be the charging case running out of power, preventing it from charging the earbuds. In other cases, cleaning the charging ports or updating the AirPods’ firmware might resolve the issue.

Left Or Right AirPod Isn’t Working? Working Fixes

Here are some working fixes you can try if you discover that your left or right AirPod isn’t working.

Fix 1: Adjust the Stereo Balance

If your AirPod has a stereo problem, it may cause one of its pairs to malfunction.

Most AirPods usually come with a setting called Stereo Balance. This setting is mostly used to improve the listening experience of users with certain hearing difficulties.

If you don’t disable this setting, Apple can automatically direct sound more towards one side of your AirPod.

Below is a quick guide you can follow to fix this issue:

• STEP 1: Go to your iPhone “Settings.”
•  STEP 2: Select the “Accessibility” tab from the list of options.
•  STEP 3: Scroll to the “Hearing” section.
•  STEP 4: Tap on “Audio/Visual.”
•  STEP 5: Scroll down to the “BALANCE” section.
•  STEP 6: Ensure to adjust the slider so that it is midway between L and R.
•  STEP 7: Go to the “Mono Audio” section and ensure that the toggle switch next to it is off.

Read also: Why are my AirPods so loud all of a sudden?

Fix 2: Restart your device

The issue may arise from your iPhone. First, quickly restart your iPhone to see if it solves your problem.

If you’re using an iPhone SE (either Gen 2 or 3), 8, 7, or 6, follow these steps to restart your device:

1. Press and hold the button on the right side of your iPhone until the power slider appears on the screen.
2. Slide the power icon to the right to turn off your iPhone, and wait for 30 seconds to ensure it’s completely powered down.
3. After the brief pause, press and hold the same button on the right side until the Apple logo shows up, signaling that your iPhone is rebooting.

Read also: Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?

For iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13 users, these are the steps to restart your device:

1. Simultaneously press and hold the power button on the right side and one of the volume buttons until the power slider emerges on the screen.
2. Drag the power icon to the right to switch off your iPhone, and give it 30 seconds to fully shut down.
3. Once the time is up, press and hold the power button on the right side until the Apple logo becomes visible, indicating that your iPhone is restarting.

Read also: Left or Right AirPod Keeps Disconnecting? Causes

Fix 3: Reconnect your AirPod

Your AirPod may be having some compatibility issues with your iPhone. You can fix this issue by starting the connection process afresh.

First, you must forget the AirPod on your device and reconnect it to your phone like the first time.

Here is a step-by-step guide in case you are unsure of how to do it:

• STEP 1: Disconnect the AirPod from your device and place them back into the AirPod case.
•  STEP 2: Open “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad.
•  STEP 3: Tap on “Bluetooth.”
•  STEP 4: Tap the ‘i’ icon beside your AirPod name.
•  STEP 5: Click on “Forget this Device.”
•  STEP 6: Open your AirPod’s case.
•  STEP 7: Hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds.
•  STEP 8: Wait for the light on the front of the case to start flashing amber lights. When it does this, it indicates that the AirPod has been reset.
•  STEP 9: Close the lid. Wait for 5 seconds and open it again.
•  STEP 10: Connect the AirPod to your phone.

Fix 4: Starting Fresh: A Hard Reset

Sometimes, the simplest solution is just to wipe the slate clean and start anew. If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t get both AirPods to work, it might be more efficient to perform a hard reset rather than spending hours troubleshooting.

A hard reset will erase all pre-existing configurations and previously connected devices from your AirPods, restoring them to their factory default settings. This process also eliminates any technical issues that may have been causing the problem.

To perform a hard reset, follow these easy steps:

1. Place both AirPods back into the charging case, leaving the lid open.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for approximately 15 seconds until the status light starts flashing amber.
3. Close and reopen the charging case, then reconnect your AirPods to your device, ensuring they are in close proximity.

Now, with a fresh start, your AirPods should be functioning as well as new.