If one of your AirPods Pro is louder than the other, don’t panic — there’s a simple fix. The same steps should apply to the original AirPods, the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3, the first-generation AirPods Pro and the new AirPods Pro 2.
If one of your AirPods Pro is louder than the other, let’s face it — this can be rather annoying.
Fact: AirPods Pro aren’t cheap. AirPods Pro (2nd generation)can set you back a cool $240. So if you spring for the technology, obviously you want it work, and for the sound to be crystal clear.
And yet, some users are reporting that one side of their AirPods Pro is louder than the other. Sigh. What to do?
Well, the kinda good news is that if you experience this pesky problem, you aren’t alone. It seems practically since the tech was released in 2016, the issue of one AirPod being louder than tthe other has existed, too. And users have come up with a wide range of tips on how to rectify the imbalance. Read on for details.
why is one AirPod Pro louder than the other?
An audio balance, connectivity glitch, or broken AirPod could be causing the problem. However, this problem is most commonly caused by an excessive amount of debris in one of your AirPods. Since your AirPods Pro reside in your ear, they may become clogged up with earwax. OK, they definitely will.
Yup — your ear excretions could be to blame for why your AirPods Pro are not emitting equal sound.
You’ll want to try cleaning the product to restore it to equilibrium, but there is a specific way to do this so as to avoid damaging your pricey Pods.
How to fix your AirPods Pro when one is louder than the other
Clean your AirPods Pro
Here’s how to clean your AirPods Pro and hopefully restore equal sound to both sides.
Step 1: Use a cloth
Apple recommends using a "soft, dry, lint-free cloth" to clean your AirPods Pro, but one thing you must never do is run them under a tap or immerse them completely in water. They won’t like that at all.
Step 2: Add some moisture
Your AirPods Pro are water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so if you’ve spilled something on them you can dampen a cloth with some H2O and give them a wipe down, but be careful to make sure no liquid gets into any of the holes.
Step 3: Remove the eartips
To remove the tips of an AirPod Pro, pull firmly from the base of the tip, where it’s connected to the earbud.
Step 4: Use a cotton bud
If any earwax or other detritus has built up in the speaker grilles, use a clean cotton bud or soft-bristled brush to get rid of it. Be careful not to scrub or press too hard.
Step 5: Give the tips a rinse
The eartips are made of silicone so you can safely run them under the tap to get rid of any filth, but don’t be tempted to use soap or any other household cleaner. Give them a tap to remove any excess water.
Step 6: Let everything dry
Use another cloth to wipe off any moisture and leave your AirPods and separate ear tips out of the case until they’re completely dry. Don’t reattach the eartips, put the buds away, or attempt to use them before that.
Step 7: Reattach the eartips
To reattach them, align the tips with the oval-shaped connectors on the earbud’s speakers and firmly push them in. Once you’ve aligned the connectors, they should attach easily with a click.
Clean your charging case, too.
It’s important to clean the case your AirPods Pro call home, too.
First, use a soft, dry and lint-free cloth to wipe away any dirt. You can slightly dampen the cloth with water or alcohol, but avoid getting any liquid inside the charging ports.
To clean the inside of the case, use a soft bristle brush or a soft toothbrush — the bristles will help dig dirt out of the nooks and crannies inside of the case.
Check The Audio Balance On Your iPhone
If the balance is set to the left or the right, one side of your headphones will sound louder than the other. A lot of people use earbuds these days, and it can get rather irritating if the audio coming from them is at different levels.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Select Audio/Visual.
- Adjust the Balance slider. Set the audio volume balance to the center.
Ensure your iPhone’s Software is up to date
Making sure your iPhone’s software is up to date can also mitigate any potential AirPods issues. Software updates usually include security fixes and sometimes add new features to your AirPods, so it’s a good idea regardless.
- Launch Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download & Install.
Reset Your AirPods
It may seem simple, but resetting your AirPods Pro may fix minor software glitch causing this problem. Follow the steps below:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the name of your AirPods, just below your Apple ID banner. Alternatively, tap Bluetooth, and then tap the ‘i’ icon next to your AirPods in the list.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and tap Forget this Device.
- Ensure that both AirPods are in their charging case and that the case has charge.
- Locate the small button on the back of the case, near the bottom. It’s flush with the case and the same color as it, so you might need to feel about for it.
- Open the charging case lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds. The case’s internal light between the AirPods will flash white and then amber, indicating the AirPods have reset. You can find this light on the front of the case.
- Now, close the lid of your AirPods case and then open it up again.
- Hold the AirPods case with open lid next to your iPhone or iPad. Your iOS device should recognize the AirPods and you’ll see a popup to connect them.
Repair Your AirPods Pro With Apple
Resetting your AirPods usually fixes this problem. But if you’re still experiencing issues with one or both AirPods being louder than the other, you need to reach out to Apple Support for help. Check out this article to learn how to make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store.
Bringing Balance To Your AirPods Pro
You’ve successfully fixed the problem with your AirPods Pro and now their audio levels are the same.
If you find this guide helpful, be sure to share it with your family and friends to teach them what to do when one of their AirPods Pro is louder than the other.
If you have any other questions about your AirPods Pro, drop a comment and let us know!