Engadget Guide: What to Do When Only One AirPod Produces Sound

The guide notes that AirPods have become near-ubiquitous because of how simply they connect to other Apple products, a convenience reinforced by the declining availability of the headphone jack. Recent releases such as the AirPods 5 continue that pattern, according to Engadget. With modern AirPods starting at $129, the outlet said buyers reasonably expect the earbuds to last, though even the best models run into problems.

Engadget's first recommendation is to treat a silent earbud as a charging fault. Owners should clean the charging port on the AirPods case and confirm the case itself is fully charged, then clean inside the case as well, particularly at the bottom where the earbuds make contact to charge, since grime builds up there. Both AirPods should then be charged for 30 seconds before the case is opened near an iPhone, at which point a popup displays the charge status of the case and the earbuds. Users who check status often can add a Batteries widget to the iPhone home screen for faster access. If everything is charging correctly, the guide advises testing the malfunctioning AirPod while the working one stays closed inside the case. If it functions, charge both earbuds another 30 seconds and test again.

When the earbud still does not work, Engadget recommends a reset, which returns the AirPods' settings to their defaults. For the AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2 or older models of either, the earbuds go into their case with the lid closed for 30 seconds, after which the user opens Settings and then Bluetooth on the iPhone. If the AirPods appear, tapping the i icon next to them and choosing Forget This Device completes the step. If they do not appear, the lid is opened and the circular setup button on the back is held for 15 seconds until the light on the front of the case flashes amber and white, followed by the instructions shown on the device's screen.

The process differs slightly on newer hardware, including both models of the AirPods 5, any AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 3. Instead of holding the physical button, users double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on, double-tap again when the light flashes white, and a third time when the light flashes faster. The same amber-to-white sequence should follow, with instructions then appearing onscreen.

If trouble persists, Engadget suggests comparing the silent earbud with the working one and giving both a quick clean, checking the speaker mesh for debris and wiping it with a soft cloth. Torn ear tips that no longer seal properly should be replaced. The earbuds and case should be well charged after cleaning, the iPhone restarted to rule out a software bug on the device, and a different audio source tried to confirm the source is not at fault.

For users whose audio is unbalanced rather than absent on one side, the guide points to Settings, then Accessibility and Audio & Visual on the iPhone, where the Balance slider should sit in the middle so audio does not favor one ear over the other.