You have noticed this when listening to music. It can also happen when playing audio or watching a video. One AirPod seems significantly louder than the other.
To test if this theory is true, play the sound. Take out the AirPods and put them in your ears one at a time.
This is a common problem in the Apple Community. Most users have been complaining about it. No one seems to know the solution.
In this article, you will learn ways to fix one of your AirPods if it is louder than the other. You will also discover what causes this problem.
Why Is One of My AirPods louder Than The Other?
Software issue
Software-related issues can cause one of your AirPods to be louder than the other.
This includes outdated software, which brings technical glitches and bugs.
Audio in-balance
If one of your AirPods is louder than the other, it means that the audio is imbalanced. The sound may have shifted from left to right or right to left.
The feature lets you shift the sound to one side of the AirPods. You can also place it at the center for both sides. If it’s a shift from the center, then you’ll experience this issue.
Bluetooth issue
Your AirPods can sometimes be incompatible with your Bluetooth device.
This incompatibility can cause the AirPods to malfunction like one AirPod being louder than the other one.
Dirt
Dirt and debris may block the speaker part of one AirPod. This blockage can prevent its full volume when a sound is playing.
This causes the dirt-free airpods to be louder than the others.
Damaged
Another reason for this issue on your device is damage to one side of the AirPod.
If the AirPod has fallen multiple times, this has caused the issue for your AirPods. Falling into a watery substance might have also caused the problem.
How To Fix “One AirPod Louder Than The Other”
Since you know the different reasons why one of your AirPods is louder than the other, here’s what you need to do
Fix 1: Try AirPods On Another Device
Your one AirPods being louder than the other is not necessarily an issue from the AirPods. It can stem from your Bluetooth device.
Before you conclude that the problem is from your AirPods, test it out on another device. Unpair it from your old device first. Then, repair it to a different Bluetooth device. Put both AirPods in your ears and begin to play a sound.
Fix 2: Update your device
Update your device if both AirPods function normally after connecting it to another device.
The problem stems from your phone’s out-of-date software. Operating systems regularly release updates for their devices
Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Select General > Choose the second option: Software Update > Wait while the device checks if there are any new upgrades available > Select the latest one and wait while it downloads and installs
Fix 3: Upgrade Firmware
You must update the software version of the AirPods. This should be done if one Airpod plays louder than the other. This remains true even when connected to other devices.
To upgrade your AirPods firmware, make sure both the AirPods and iPhone are fully charged. Then, connect the iPhone to a Wi-Fi network. Finally, pair the AirPods with the iPhone and leave them for about an hour. This will automatically upgrade the AirPods’ firmware.
Fix 4: Check The Audio Balance
Adjust the audio balance of your AirPods. It may have been tampered with, which affects them. This can cause one ear to play louder than the other.
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad > Accessibility > Audio/Visual. On the slider, move the button to the middle. This balances the audio output between the left and right of your AirPods.
Fix 5: Clean Debris From Your AirPods
Dust, dirt, and debris may have accumulated on the dowager part of your AirPods. This accumulation muffles the sounds that come out. It can cause one AirPod to be louder than the other.
Cleaning your AirPods can just be the fix for one AirPod playing louder than the other.
Dip a cotton ball in alcohol to clean the AirPods. Then use a dry cloth afterward. Wipe the sides of the AirPods with the cotton ball to get rid of any dirt. Next, use a toothpick to gently remove debris from the speaker grill and edges of the AirPods.
Use a toothpick to gently remove debris from the speaker grill and edges of the AirPods.
Fix 6: Nothing Much
Once an AirPod is damaged, there is little you can do about it. This damage may occur because it fell into a watering substance or from a great height.
If this is the case, it means there’s nothing you can do to fix your AirPod problem. The only option you have is to use just one or get a new one.
Conclusion
This article has outlined all the solutions. These solutions address the problem of one of your AirPods being louder than the other.
If none of the fixes work, the AirPod is damaged. One ear won’t be able to sound as the other.
We have also mentioned the causes of this problem. If none of the above-listed solutions work, your AirPods are likely damaged. You shouldn’t get a new one.
Further Reading