AirPods One Side Not Working? How to Fix It in 2026

Did You Know?

Quick answer: About 60% of "one AirPod not working" issues are fixed without repair—through cleaning, resetting, or checking settings. Try the troubleshooting steps before assuming hardware failure. For all AirPods issues, see our complete AirPods repair guide.

You pop in your AirPods and... silence from one side. It's one of the most common AirPods complaints we hear, and thankfully, it's often an easy fix. If your AirPods also aren't charging properly, that could be related.

Pro Tip

Our "One AirPod Not Working" Diagnosis Results (2024-2025)

• • 312 single-AirPod issues diagnosed
• • 58% fixed with cleaning alone - speaker grille debris (free service)
• • 23% were settings/software issues - audio balance or pairing
• • 19% required hardware repair/replacement - dead battery or speaker
• • Average diagnosis time: 10 minutes

Why One AirPod Stops Working

Software and settings issues (~35%)

• Audio balance shifted to one side
• Mono audio enabled accidentally
• Bluetooth connection glitch
• Firmware issue

Physical blockages (~25%)

• Ear wax or debris blocking the speaker
• Dirt in the sensor area
• Debris preventing proper contact in case

Hardware problems (~30%)

• Dead or dying battery in one AirPod
• Damaged speaker
• Water or moisture damage
• Internal connection failure

Case issues (~10%)

• One charging slot not working — see our AirPods case not charging guide
• Dirty charging contacts

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Check if it's actually connected

Open your AirPods case near your device. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and tap the (i) next to your AirPods. You should see battery levels for both left and right. If one shows as disconnected, that's your starting point.

2. Put both AirPods in the case for 30 seconds

Sometimes simply reseating them fixes connection issues. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then try again.

3. Restart your device

A simple restart of your iPhone, iPad, or other device clears many Bluetooth glitches.

Check Audio Balance

This catches a lot of people out:

On iPhone/iPad

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility
2. Tap Audio/Visual
3. Check the Balance slider—it should be in the centre
4. If it's moved to L or R, slide it back to centre

On Mac

1. System Settings → Sound
2. Check the Balance slider under Output

Also check Mono Audio

While in Accessibility settings, ensure "Mono Audio" is turned off. When enabled, this combines left and right channels—which shouldn't cause one side to be silent, but can cause audio issues.

Reset Your AirPods

A full reset often fixes connection issues between the paired AirPods:

1. Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Open the lid
4. On your device, go to Settings → Bluetooth
5. Tap (i) next to your AirPods
6. Tap "Forget This Device"
7. With the case lid open, press and hold the back button for 15 seconds
8. The light will flash amber, then white
9. Hold the open case near your device to re-pair

Deep Cleaning Guide

Debris blocking the speaker grille is a very common cause. Here's how to clean properly:

What you need

• Soft, lint-free cloth
• Soft-bristled brush (like a clean makeup brush)
• Blu-Tack or similar putty

Cleaning the speaker grille

1. Hold the AirPod with the grille facing down (so debris falls out, not in)
2. Gently brush across the grille to loosen debris
3. Press Blu-Tack lightly against the grille and lift away—it picks up tiny particles
4. Repeat until no more debris comes off

Warning

Don't use: Compressed air (can push debris deeper), sharp objects (can damage the mesh), liquids directly on the grille, or vacuum cleaners (can damage components).

Cleaning the sensors

The optical sensors on the inner side of AirPods detect when they're in your ear. If dirty, they can cause playback issues.

1. Wipe the sensor area with a dry lint-free cloth
2. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth with water
3. Ensure completely dry before using

Firmware Updates

AirPods update their firmware automatically, but you can check the current version:

1. Connect AirPods to your iPhone
2. Go to Settings → General → About
3. Tap your AirPods
4. Check the Firmware Version

To encourage an update, put AirPods in the case, connect the case to power, and keep your iPhone nearby and connected to WiFi. Updates happen automatically overnight.

Hardware Failure Signs

If you've tried everything above and one AirPod still doesn't work, you're likely dealing with hardware failure.

Battery failure signs

• One AirPod always shows 0% even after hours in the case — could be a charging issue
• One side dies within minutes while the other lasts hours
• One AirPod used to work but gradually got worse — see battery replacement options

Speaker failure signs

• Distorted or crackly sound from one side
• Very quiet audio from one AirPod — for AirPods Pro, check ear tip fit and seal
• Sudden complete silence (not gradual)

Water damage signs

• Problem started after exposure to water or heavy sweat
• Both audio and sensors affected
• Intermittent issues that come and go

Repair & Replacement Options

Apple single AirPod replacement

Apple sells individual AirPods, so you don't need to buy a whole new set. Prices are typically £79-£99 depending on the model.

Third-party battery replacement

If the battery has died, some repair shops (including us) can replace the battery. This costs £35-55 per AirPod but involves opening the sealed unit, which leaves visible marks.

Trade-in options

If one AirPod is dead and the other is fine, consider:

• Trade in the set (including working one) for credit toward new AirPods
• Sell the working AirPod and case separately
• Buy just a replacement AirPod from Apple

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair a new AirPod with my existing one?

Yes, but only if they're the same generation. Apple sells individual replacement AirPods that will pair with your existing one.

Why does one AirPod always die faster?

If you use one more than the other (many people favour their dominant ear for calls), that one gets more charge cycles and degrades faster. Try alternating which one you use for single-ear listening.

My left/right AirPod keeps disconnecting—is that the same problem?

Disconnecting is different from no audio. Disconnection is usually a Bluetooth issue, often fixed with a reset. No audio at all points to hardware or debris issues.

Both AirPods work when tested individually—why do they fail together?

This is almost always a Bluetooth pairing issue between the two AirPods themselves. A full reset (forgetting and re-pairing) usually fixes this.