Learn how to fix the left or right AirPod sounding louder or quieter than the other when listening to music or watching videos.
This tutorial applies to all AirPods models, including all generations of the regular AirPods and all AirPods Pro models. Some tips even work for AirPods Max.
Set the correct left and right balance
One AirPod or one side of AirPods Max may sound louder than the other if you or someone with access to your phone has changed channel balance in the AirPods settings. Follow these steps to achieve perfect left and right balance.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and tap Accessibility.
- Scroll down and tap Audio & Visual.
- Set the left (L)-right (R) balance slider in the middle at the 0.00 mark.
Audio in both your AirPods should be properly balanced now, without one earbud sounding louder than the other. If the slider was already centered, check that it’s also in the middle on other devices, like your Mac (steps below). If the problem persists, proceed to other solutions.
- Connect your AirPods to your Mac.
- Open the built-in System Settings app and select Sound in the sidebar.
- Select your AirPods in the Output section to reveal the hidden Balance option.
- Set the Balance slider to the middle for an equal audio volume in both ears.
If your Mac uses an older macOS version, head to System Preferences > Sound > Output and make sure the balance slider is in the middle.
Ensure both AirPods are charged
If you’re experiencing unequal sound volume in the left or right AirPod, put the earbuds in their charging case and leave them charging for a while, then check whether the volume balance has been corrected.
Restart the source device
Sometimes, software glitches in your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android phone cause a volume imbalance. Turn off your device and then turn it back on to resolve any temporary software bugs.
Try mono audio
Some songs, videos, movies, and parts of a song or video clip are improperly encoded, creating a volume imbalance between the left and right channels. Enable the Mono Audio option in Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual and see whether that fixes the problem. If not, try using another pair of earphones. If the problem persists, try dragging the balance slider slightly to adjust the sound.
Turn off the equalizer
If you’re using an equalizer, turning it off might do the trick.
On an iPhone and iPad
- Open the Settings app and tap Apps > Music.
- Tap EQ and pick Off from the list.
On a Mac
- Open the Music app and click Window > Equalizer from the top menu bar.
- Uncheck the box for On.
For other media apps, you should find the equalizer option in their settings.
Check the source app
Some media apps may let you change audio balance. Poke around in an app’s settings to see if you can find an option to balance the audio.
Clean an AirPod by sucking on it
I know it’s weird, but this is an effective tip if the aforementioned solutions don’t work for you. Clean each AirPod with a tissue or cotton swab, then suck multiple times on the AirPod’s bigger grill to clear the blockage. Gross, but effective!
If you have AirPods Pro, cleaning the silicone tips should be enough.
Try your AirPods on another device
If your AirPods only exhibit volume imbalance when using a specific device, pair them with another device. If they work there without a hiccup, the device you’re currently using your AirPods with is causing the problem, not the AirPods themselves.
Note: Although AirPods work with Android, you may experience sound issues with some Android handsets, ranging from unequal left and right balance to terribly reduced volume.
Update your AirPods
AirPods receive firmware updates like your iPhone, Mac, and other devices. If you’re having difficulties with your AirPods, make sure they’re updated to the latest firmware.
Update your Apple device
Before moving forward, update your main devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac, to squash bugs that may be causing a volume imbalance.
Reset your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods unpairs them from all your devices and restores them to factory settings. Doing so should fix all AirPods problems rooted in software.
Reset all iPhone settings
In case the problem persists, try resetting all iPhone settings and see if that helps.
Get an AirPod replacement from Apple
If all else fails, get your AirPods checked at an Apple Store or an authorized service center. If they’re unable to provide a fix, you may be entitled to a free pair. If your AirPods are no longer under warranty, you can purchase a single AirPod replacement.
- AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation): $69 each
- AirPods Pro: $89 each
Let us know what solution has worked for you. And if you have some other tips, please share them as well.
Other tips for your AirPods: