How do I fix AirPod volume imbalance?

What Causes Volume Imbalance in AirPods?

There are several potential causes of volume imbalance between the left and right AirPods:

Built-up earwax can block sound and reduce volume in one ear. Over time, earwax naturally accumulates in the ear canal and can harden, which attenuates the sound reaching the eardrum. Regularly cleaning the ear canal with softening drops can help prevent earwax buildup (Apple Support).

A poor fit or loose seal of the ear tips in the ear canal can cause volume imbalance. AirPods rely on a tight seal to direct sound into the ear canal properly. If one AirPod sits more loosely than the other, the sound isolation and bass response may be reduced (Apple Discussions). Trying different sized ear tips or adjusting the angle/position can improve the fit.

A software or hardware issue with one AirPod could cause reduced volume output. Factory defects, damage from drops or moisture, or software glitches can affect an individual AirPod’s performance. Resetting or updating the firmware may resolve software issues.

Hearing loss or ear damage in one ear will naturally cause that side to be quieter. Consulting an audiologist can help determine if hearing loss is the root cause of imbalance.

Check Your Ears for Blockages

Excessive earwax buildup is one of the most common causes of volume imbalance in AirPods. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal and helps protect and clean the ears [1]. However, too much earwax accumulation can block sound from reaching the eardrum and cause hearing problems.

Visually inspect your ear canals using a light and mirror. Look for any visible wax buildup or blockages. Excessive earwax may present as thick, dark colored, or flaky deposits. One ear often produces more wax than the other, which can lead to imbalanced hearing.

If you see a significant wax blockage, consider seeing a doctor to have your ears professionally cleaned. They can safely and effectively remove hardened wax using suction, special instruments, or ear drops [2]. This may immediately resolve any muffled or imbalanced hearing issues.

Check AirPod Fit

One of the most common causes of volume imbalance with AirPods is an improper fit in one or both ears. The AirPods may not be sitting deep enough in the ear canal to create a tight seal, allowing some audio to leak out and making that side sound quieter.

Try reinserting the AirPods and adjusting them to get a better fit and seal. Twist them gently to lock into place. You can also try adjusting your jaw or running your finger up the back of your ear to help the AirPods sit more securely.

If you continue having fit issues, consider investing in third party eartips that come in various shapes and sizes for a more customized fit. Companies like AZLA, CharJenPro, and others make replacement tips for AirPods Pro.

Pay attention to any differences in fit between left and right. If one AirPod is looser or falls out easily, this can directly impact the volume you hear on that side. Addressing any fit discrepancies can help balance the sound.

Check for Hardware Damage

One of the most common causes of volume imbalance in AirPods is a hardware issue. According to Apple, a “small percentage” of AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 may experience sound issues due to a hardware defect (https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues).

Carefully inspect each AirPod for any signs of external damage like dents, cracks, or exposed internal components. Even minor damage can affect the speakers and cause volume problems. Run thebuilt-in diagnostics tool to check the hardware – go to Settings > General > About > AirPods > Run Diagnostics. This will test the speakers, microphones, and sensors for issues.

If the diagnostics detect a hardware problem or you see obvious physical damage, you may need to replace your AirPods. Apple offers replacements under warranty for qualifying devices (https://www.macworld.com/article/675525/apple-offers-to-replace-airpods-pro-with-sound-issues.html). Otherwise, you’ll likely need to purchase new AirPods, as they generally can’t be repaired once damaged (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/10/08/everyones-airpods-will-die-weve-got-trick-replacing-them/).

Reset AirPods

Resetting your AirPods can help resolve imbalance issues by clearing out any glitches and forcing the earbuds to re-sync. To reset your AirPods:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap “Bluetooth” and locate your AirPods in the list of devices.
3. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
4. Tap “Forget This Device” to disconnect the AirPods from your device.
5. Re-open the AirPods case and hold down the button on the back until the light flashes white.
6. On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select your AirPods to re-pair them.

Resetting forgets any previous settings and repairs the AirPods fresh. This often resolves any software bugs causing volume issues.

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Check Audio Balance Settings

One of the easiest things to check is your iPhone or iPad’s audio balance settings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and check the balance slider. Make sure it is set to the center position with no adjustments made. Turn off any left/right balance adjustments here by setting it back to the default middle position.

The balance slider lets you adjust the stereo audio output between the left and right channels. If it is slid too far to one side, it can cause volume imbalance between your two AirPods. Setting this back to the default middle position will ensure the balance is even and centered.

To quickly access the audio balance settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap “Accessibility”.
3. Tap “Audio/Visual”.
4. Check that the “Left/Right Stereo Balance” slider is in the center neutral position.

Resetting this slider to the middle will remove any adjustments made previously that could be causing your AirPods to have uneven volume levels between left and right.

Update AirPod Firmware

One potential solution for adjusting the volume imbalance is to update your AirPods to the latest firmware. Firmware updates often include improvements to audio performance and synchronization. To update:

First, connect your AirPods case with AirPods inside to a charger and place it next to your iPhone. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select General > About. Under “AirPods” check the firmware version number. Then tap on AirPods and if an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”

Let the update complete, which may take a few minutes. Once updated, test to see if the volume imbalance improved. As noted on the Apple support page, firmware updates bring bug fixes and enhancements that can resolve AirPod issues.

Factory Reset AirPods

If you continue experiencing volume imbalance or connection issues after trying the other troubleshooting steps, a factory reset of your AirPods may resolve the problem. To factory reset AirPods:

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
2. Tap “Forget This Device” to unpair the AirPods from your iPhone (this removes the AirPods from all devices connected to your iCloud account).
3. With the AirPods in their case, open the lid near your iPhone and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.[1]

This will reset the AirPods to their factory settings and clear any previous pairing information. Follow the on-screen prompts to re-pair the AirPods with your iPhone and test if the volume imbalance is resolved.

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still have a volume imbalance, it’s time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. The two main options are to book a Genius Bar appointment or call Apple Support directly.

To book a Genius Bar appointment, you can schedule online via the Apple Support app or website. The benefit of visiting an Apple Store is that a technician can physically inspect your AirPods and run diagnostic tests to determine if there is a hardware problem. They may be able to resolve the issue on the spot or determine if your AirPods require service or replacement under warranty.

You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273. The representative can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps over the phone and may be able to resolve software-related issues. If the problem appears to be hardware-related, they can arrange mail-in service or a Genius Bar appointment for your AirPods.

When you contact Apple Support, be prepared to provide your AirPods serial number and explain the issues you are experiencing in detail. Keep track of all the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried as well. This will help the technician diagnose the problem and provide tailored troubleshooting advice.

With hands-on testing or over-the-phone guidance from Apple’s experts, you’re very likely to resolve any lingering AirPods volume imbalance issues.

Consider Replacement

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and the volume imbalance persists, it may indicate a hardware failure with your AirPods. Persistent volume issues often require replacement of the affected AirPod(s) to resolve.

If you have an AppleCare+ plan for your AirPods, you can get replacements covered. According to Apple Support, with AppleCare+ you pay only one incident fee to replace a single AirPod or both AirPods, with or without the Charging Case. Replacement fees vary based on the AirPods model.

Without AppleCare+, out-of-warranty replacements can be expensive. Apple Authorized Service Providers set their own fees for out-of-warranty AirPod replacements. It’s recommended to contact Apple Support to explore your repair options if volume imbalance indicates a hardware problem.