AirPods Only Playing in One Ear ? Your Guide

Streaming music accounted for $10.1 billion in revenue in 2020, up $1.2 billion from the previous year.

With the COVID-19 pandemic putting a temporary pause on live music, the world relied even more on recorded music. If you recently invested in a set of AirPods to listen to streaming music, you’re not the only one.

AirPods are one of the most advanced wireless earbuds available. Unfortunately, that doesn’t preclude them from common issues such as the AirPods only playing in one ear.

It can be scary when pricey tech equipment stops working correctly and you’re faced with the cost of repair or replacing an item altogether.

Luckily, if one of your AirPods is not working, there are several tips you can use to fix the problem. Here are some tips for keeping your AirPods in working condition and solve the issue of a malfunctioning AirPod.

Clean and Dry Your AirPods

It’s important to keep any tech device clean. But for a device that gets placed in your ears, thrown in purses or pockets, and taken on trips to the gym, it is even more important to keep them clean.

As with most devices, the best way to keep your AirPods clean is to use a soft, dry cloth. You can use a dry cotton swab to clean the mesh areas by the microphone and speaker.

If the AirPods have been exposed to any body products or anything especially dirty when not carried in the case, they may need extra cleaning. Do not run them under water, however, as they are only water resistant and not waterproof.

If your AirPods need a more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth and keep water from entering any of the openings. You will also need to let them dry completely before placing them back in the case.

Check the Charge

If dirty AirPods aren’t your issue, check to make sure they are properly charged. If not properly charged, one of your AirPods may automatically turn off.

To check the charge, simply place the AirPods in their case and open the lid. Hold the case close to your iPhone, which will display the percentage of charge that the AirPods hold. 

If an uncharged battery is your issue, simply keep your AirPods in the case and charge it via the lightning cable. Otherwise, if you have a Qi-certified charging mat, you can place the closed case on it to charge the battery.

There are several ways to extend your Apple AirPods battery life to ensure your device lasts as long as possible. Even after you’ve resolved your issue, it’s good practice to protect and preserve your battery for longevity.

Verify Stereo Balance Settings

It’s possible that both of your AirPods are actually working, but that the volume on one is turned down. 

To check this setting on your iPhone, open Settings and then tap Accessibility. Scroll down to the Audio/Visual section and open the setting. Be sure the slider is in the middle to ensure the volume in each AirPod is even.

Disconnect and Reconnect From Your Device

Turning a device on and off is one of the classic ways to resolve a problem. Similarly, disconnecting and then reconnecting your AirPods from Bluetooth may resolve the issue.

To reset, you’ll need to place your AirPods in the case and close it for thirty seconds. Then open the case and access the Bluetooth settings on your phone.

Select the AirPods icon and then tap Forget This Device. Tap once more to confirm.

Press the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for at least 15 seconds. Be sure to hold it long enough, otherwise, it will stay in pairing mode and will not reset.

Finally, keep your device nearby and follow the instructions on the screen.

One last connection setting you can test is to turn off Bluetooth on your device. Then restart your phone or mac. Turn Bluetooth back on and attempt to reconnect your AirPods to see if the problem is fixed.

Verify That Your Device Isn’t the Problem

If you find one AirPod not working even after reset, you may need to ensure the device you are connecting to is not the issue

If possible, try connecting your AirPods to a different device. If both AirPods are working with your phone, but the AirPods are only playing in one ear on your Mac, chances are the issue is with your Mac.

AirPods Only Playing in One Ear Still?

If you’ve tried all of these tips and tricks and haven’t been able to resolve the issue, you may need to reach out to Apple support.

Apple’s site has solutions for nearly every problem, so a quick skim may give you a new idea to try. Otherwise, customer support may be able to walk you through steps to resolve the issue.

If you are close to an Apple Store, setting an appointment for the Genius Bar is a surefire way to get your device fixed.

Learn Your Device

Even after you’ve resolved the issue of your AirPods only playing in one ear, it’s a great idea to continue learning about all of your devices.

Having basic knowledge on how to keep your devices clean and how to fix common bugs or issues can save you time, money, and energy. It’s always a great feeling when you can quickly help a friend in need as well.

To get a start on learning about other troubleshooting techniques, visit the rest of our site to read more.