Sound quality and volume levels can vary depending on the fit and seal of your earbuds. If one AirPod is louder than the other, it could be because it has a better fit and seal. But when one Airpod is louder, it gives us some worry.
Several things can cause this issue, but most often, it’s a problem with the audio balances. This article will explore why one AirPod is usually louder than the other and how you can fix it.
Are My AirPods Broken?
If one AirPod is significantly quieter, there could be an issue with that particular AirPod. If you recently dropped your AirPods or were damaged another way, that could be the problem. Also, if you’ve had your AirPods for a while and never worked perfectly, it could be time for an upgrade.
If you’re unsure whether your AirPods are damaged, try using them with another device. If the sound is still unbalanced, there’s probably something wrong with your AirPods. In this case, you should contact Apple for a replacement.
The most common reason for AirPod debris accumulation of debris in one of your AirPod is the most likely root of the issue. Earwax built up in your AirPods’ primary speaker over time is generally the material.
Best Methods on How to Fix the Issue
You can try to fix the issue of one AirPod being louder than the other in various ways.
The following are some that work better:
1. Clean Your AirPods
This is the most common and simplest method. Chances are that there is wax build-up in one of your AirPods, causing the sound to be unbalanced.
To clean your AirPods, you’ll need a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the outside and inside of each AirPod. You can also use a toothpick to remove any wax stuck in the speaker grille.
You might try wiping the cloth or cotton swab with a little water or alcohol and then wipe it. Just make sure you don’t use too much water or alcohol. The speakers are delicate, and any sort of liquid that’s too far away from that end will just exacerbate the problem.
2. Adjust the Audio Volume Balance
If cleaning your AirPods doesn’t work, the next step is to try adjusting your audio volume balance. This can be done in the Settings app on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Sounds > Balance. Drag the slider to the left or right to adjust the volume of each earbud.
You may also try adjusting the audio balance while wearing your AirPods. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Accessibility.
- From the Accessibility menu, select Audio/Visual.
- In the Balance section, use the slider to adjust the volume of each earbud.
3. Check for Software Updates
Your AirPods might have a software issue that is causing the audio imbalance. To check for updates, open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to “General” followed by “Software Update.” If an update is available for your iPhone, it will also install any updates for your AirPods.
You can also check for updates directly on your AirPods. Put both AirPods in your charging case and make sure the lid is open. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds.
When the status light turns white, your AirPods are updated, and you can try using them again.
4. Restart Your AirPods
Restarting your AirPods may resolve the issue if it’s caused by a software glitch. To do this, simply put your AirPods in their case, then wait 15-20 seconds before taking them out and putting them back in your ears. If the problem persists, try restarting your iPhone as well.
If you’re still having trouble, the problem may be with one of your AirPods rather than your iPhone. In this case, you may need to get a replacement from Apple.
5. Suck On It
If one of your AirPods is louder than the rest, try “sucking” the loudest speaker (that you hear as soft) on that AirPod. Keep sucking on the AirPod and testing the sound until you hear your AirPods’ sound improve.
The fact that the AirPods accumulate ear wax, which prevents outgoing sound, has aided this technique. Marie-Claude Leblanc also credited Apple’s Support Communities discussion on this topic for highlighting this method.
Put it on the floor, lean over it, or hang it from a hook in the shower. Place a thin cloth beneath as you suck on it so that droplets don’t fall onto your skin. You may also wipe the AirPod with a cloth after each blow.
Another indication is that the sound will improve as you can feel the air going into the AirPod.
6. Reset Your AirPods
You need to try this basic troubleshooting step if one of your AirPods is louder than the other. Just reset your AirPods and see if it helps.
Here’s How to Reset Your AirPods:
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds. The status light will flash white, then amber, indicating that the AirPods have been reset.
- Place the AirPods back in their charging case and leave them for a few seconds to establish the connection.
- Once the connection is established, you should see a green light on the charging case indicating that the AirPods are charged.
- Try using your AirPods again and see if one of them is still louder than the other.
If resetting your AirPods doesn’t fix the problem, you can try some other troubleshooting steps below.
7. Check Your AirPods Firmware Version
The version of firmware your AirPods are running can also factor in sound quality issues. If you have an older version of firmware, a software update may improve the sound quality of your AirPods.
To check the firmware version of your AirPods, follow these steps:
- Put both AirPods in your charging case and ensure the lid is open.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds.
- When the status light turns white, your AirPods are updated, and you can try using them again.
If the problem persists, the issue may be with one of your AirPods rather than your iPhone. In this case, you may need to get a replacement from Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If My AirPods Are Too Loud?
If you find that one of your AirPods is significantly quieter, there could be a few different explanations. Here are a few potential reasons why:
You should first check to see if the balance is even between the two AirPods. You can go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods and tap on the “i” icon next to your AirPods. You should see a “Balance” slider that you can adjust from here.
If the balance is already set to be even, the next thing to check is the volume level. Make sure that both AirPods are set to the same volume level by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > AirPods.
If you’ve checked both of those things, and one AirPod is still significantly quieter, there may be something wrong with that particular AirPod. In that case, you may need to get it replaced.
Do AirPods Get Quieter Over Time?
Interestingly, some people have reported that their AirPods seem to get quieter over time. This could be due to several factors, including ear wax buildup or the fact that the batteries are getting older.
If you notice that your AirPods are starting to sound quieter than they used to, you may want to try cleaning them or replacing the batteries.
Why Is an AirPod Quieter?
If you find that one AirPod is quieter than the other, it could be due to several different factors. One possibility is that the sound quality of the two AirPods is slightly different. Another possibility is that one AirPod is not fitting as snugly into your ear as the other, causing less sound to be sealed.
If you think that the sound quality of your AirPods is different, you can try cleaning them and ensuring that they are both inserted correctly into your ears. In case one AirPod is still quieter than the other, you may want to consider replacing it.
If you find that one AirPod does not fit snugly into your ear, there are a few different things that you can try. First, you can try adjusting the fit of the ear tip. If that does not work, you can try using a different size ear tip.
Finally, you can contact Apple for further assistance if you are still having trouble.
What Is The Best Way To Clean AirPods Wax?
If your AirPods are only a few months old and one of the earbuds starts playing sound at a lower volume than the other, there is likely wax build-up in the earbud. Earbuds can easily accumulate earwax, especially if you wear them for long periods or have oily skin.
To clean your AirPods, you’ll require a soft, some isopropyl alcohol, a lint-free cloth, and a toothpick.
- Gently wipe the outside of each earbud with a cloth to eliminate any visible dirt or earwax.
- Dip a cotton swab in the isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the mesh grille on each earbud.
- Use the toothpick to remove any wax stuck in the mesh grille.
- Gently wipe the inside of each earbud with a cloth to remove any residue.
- Let your AirPods air dry for a few minutes before using them.
Why Are My AirPods Louder on One Side?
There could be a few reasons your AirPods are louder on one side. It could be due to an issue with the speaker itself or a blockage in the earbud.
If you’re using an iPhone, open the Settings app and go to the Bluetooth menu. Then, tap on the “I” icon next to your AirPods and make sure that the volume is set to the same level on both sides.
Using an Android phone, you can try going into the sound settings and adjusting the balance. This will help you determine if the issue is with the phone or the AirPods. If the problem persists, there’s likely a blockage in one of the earbuds. Try cleaning out the earbud with a cotton swab or a toothpick.
How To Reset AirPods on Android?
Resetting your AirPods can fix several issues, including if your AirPods only play in one ear or if the sound is low quality. You can reset your AirPods by putting them in their case and then holding the button on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds.
How Do I Deep Clean My AirPods?
If you want to clean your AirPods deep, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe the Cotton swab around the mesh on the AirPods. You can additionally use a toothbrush to scrub the mesh gently. Be sure not to get any water or alcohol inside the AirPods.
Why is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?
One AirPod may be louder than the other because of a blockage in the earbud. Try cleaning the AirPod with a cotton swab or toothbrush. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset your AirPods or get a new pair of AirPods.
Does AirPods Cause Ear Wax Build Up?
AirPods may cause ear wax build-up because they fit snugly in the ear. Ear wax can build up and block the sound from coming through the AirPod. To clean the AirPod, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe the Cotton swab around the mesh on the AirPod.
You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the mesh gently. Be sure not to get any water or alcohol inside the AirPod.
How Do I Know If My AirPods Need to be Replaced?
If your AirPods are no longer working, it may be time to replace them. You can check the battery life of your AirPods by putting them in their case and then holding the button on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds.
If the light on the front of the case is green, then your AirPods are fully charged. If the light is yellow, then your AirPods have a medium charge. If the light is red, then your AirPods need to be charged.
You can also check the battery life of your AirPods by going to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and then tapping the info button next to your AirPods.
Conclusion
Maintaining your AirPod’s sound quality can be difficult if you don’t know how to clean them properly. If you notice that one AirPod is louder than the other, there may be a buildup of ear wax or debris in the speaker grille.
Other problems affecting sound quality include a Bluetooth connection issue, a software problem, or a hardware defect. You can try the above solutions to see if it helps fix the problem. If not, then you may need to replace your AirPods.
