October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk6 min

One AirPod Not Working? Troubleshoot, Repair or Replace It

Check charging, clean only as Apple directs for your AirPods model, and test settings before arranging service or replacing one bud.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If one AirPod is silent, quieter than the other, or not charging, first identify the exact AirPods model and match the fix to the symptom. Apple’s recommended first steps for a silent bud are to check charging, test it on its own, and then reset the AirPods if needed. For a quieter bud, inspect the mesh and check audio balance before considering service or replacement.

First, identify the symptom and your AirPods model

A silent AirPod, one that plays at lower volume, and one that fails to charge can have different causes. Note which side is affected and check the model before cleaning, resetting, or ordering a replacement. Reset gestures and cleaning procedures vary by generation. Apple’s troubleshooting guide covers both “no sound in one AirPod” and an AirPod that is “louder or quieter than the other.”

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Use the AirPods model information in your iPhone or iPad settings or Apple’s identification guidance to confirm the generation, then use instructions specific to that model. This matters especially if a bud was recently replaced: Apple has a separate setup process for replacement AirPods.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If one AirPod has no sound

Follow Apple’s charging and isolation checks before resetting. Keep the AirPods connected to an up-to-date iPhone or iPad, and test the affected bud by itself so you can distinguish a bud problem from a connection or charge issue.

#1 Best Overall
Inesore 4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd/1st (White)
  • Compatible - Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro (2nd Generation/1st Generation) ,AirPods Pro 2nd Generation USB-C Charging Case(2023),Tips: Only compatible with official Apple Devices.
  • Noise-Canceling-Airpods pro replacement ear tips have two noise reduction holes on the side, Almost identical to the original tip(other silicone ear tips do not have them), which can reduce noise to keep the best noise reduction effect of the original headphone.
  • Dust Guard Screen-Each earbud cover has a built-in dust mesh so that the earbuds won't slip out, even when you're exercising.
  • Super comfortable wear-The ear tips are made of high-quality soft silicone material and are ultra-lightweight to ensure long-lasting comfort for your ears.
  • Double-end Cleaning Pen: One-piece cleaning pen design : One side pulls down for the open cleaning brush. The other side pulls down for the plush brush bristles and round tip. Convenient dual-ended hidden design, Cleaning pen can also be used to clean mobile phones, keyboards, other electronic devices
  1. Charge the case. Make sure the charging case has power.
  2. Check and clean the case charging port as directed. Use Apple’s applicable cleaning instructions for the case; do not poke it with sharp objects or use abrasive materials.
  3. Charge both AirPods for 30 seconds. Put both buds in the case, close it, and wait.
  4. Check each AirPod’s charge status. Open the case near your iPhone or iPad and confirm that both buds show as charging.
  5. Test the affected AirPod alone. Put it in your ear, leave the other AirPod in the closed case, verify the AirPods are connected, and play audio.
  6. Repeat the charge test if it starts working. Charge both buds for another 30 seconds, then test again.
  7. Reset if the problem remains. Use Apple’s reset steps for your exact generation. If you have just replaced one AirPod, follow Apple’s separate setup instructions for that replacement instead.

If the affected bud does not appear to charge, or remains silent after these checks and a model-specific reset, arrange an inspection rather than assuming that a replacement bud is the only fix.

If one AirPod is quieter than the other

Low volume may come from debris or an audio setting, so check both separately. If you have AirPods Pro, remove the ear tips where applicable before inspecting the mesh.

  • Look for debris on the microphone and speaker mesh, and clean the AirPods only as Apple directs for your model.
  • On the connected iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual and check that the Balance slider is centered.

If the sound stays uneven after the mesh and balance checks, pursue service; replacing a bud before these checks may not address the cause.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (USB-C) - Left Replacement AirPod (A3048) - White (Renewed)
  • Replacement Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) (USB-C) AirPod - left side (A3048). Easy to pair with your existing AirPods set, with pairing instructions included.
  • Package includes 1 left Apple AirPod Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C) (A3048) and pairing instructions in generic envelope or box.

Clean only with instructions for your model

Do not treat all AirPods mesh as if it can be cleaned the same way. Apple’s AirPods cleaning instructions give model-specific procedures and warn against putting AirPods under running water or using sharp objects and abrasive materials.

For AirPods 3, 4, and 5, Apple describes a mesh-cleaning procedure using a Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit or specified materials, including micellar water, distilled water, and a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush. The AirPods must dry completely for at least two hours before you use them or return them to the case. For AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, Apple gives a distinct mesh procedure and says to avoid cleaning outside the marked meshes; Pro ear tips have separate removal and cleaning directions. Follow the current instructions for your model rather than applying one procedure to another generation. A cleaning kit is for the supported cleaning steps, not a fix for battery, connection, or hardware faults.

Restart or reset using the right generation’s steps

Before restarting, unpairing, or resetting, make sure the paired device is up to date. Apple’s AirPods User Guide says: “If your AirPods aren’t working right, first make sure the device they’re paired with is up to date.”

Rank #3
3 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd & 1st(S/M/L, White)
  • Excellent Noise Reduction Function: YUWAKAYI Airpods pro replacement ear tips have two noise reduction holes on the side, which are almost the same as the original(other silicone ear tips do not have them), which can reduce noise to keep the best noise reduction effect of the original headphone
  • Dust Guard Screen: Each airpod pro tips has a built-in dust guard screen, Same as Originals,The one-piece molding process makes it more firm and not easy to fall off. There is no need to worry about sweat letting him fall off
  • Ultra Comfortable to Wear: The ear tips are made of high-quality soft silicone material with ultra-light weight, ensuring long-lasting comfort to your ears,3 different sizes can meet the different needs of you and your family
  • Fits the Airpods Pro Seamless: Perfectly fit into Airpods pro and Airpods Pro 2nd generation, the connection with the ear buds is closer and seamless, you don’t need to worry about the ear tips fall off. At the same time fit for the original AirPods Pro charging case
  • Storage Box: 2xSmall,2xMedium,2xLarge, equipped with a storage box for storing 6 ear buds to protect unused ear buds from being lost or soiled

To restart standard AirPods or AirPods Pro, put them in their case and close the lid for at least 10 seconds. Reset steps depend on the case and generation: Apple’s current guide says AirPods 1, 2, or 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2 use the rear setup button after a 30-second wait; AirPods 4 or 5 and AirPods Pro 3 use a double-tap sequence on the front of the case. Follow the current Apple reset guide for your exact model, since product generations and instructions can change.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When to get service rather than keep troubleshooting

Book an inspection if an AirPod remains silent after the charge, connection, cleaning, and reset checks, or if it does not reliably charge. Apple offers in-person service at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, as well as mail-in service with a prepaid box. A technician inspects the AirPods and explains available options; Apple says a personalized service estimate requires inspection.

Do not rely on a universal repair price. The final amount depends on the model, coverage, location, provider, parts availability, tax, and shipping. Apple Authorized Service Providers set their own estimates, and availability can vary. Check Apple’s live service page for the exact product and location before deciding.

Apple’s US service page says its one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing issues, not accidental damage or batteries worn down through normal use. It also says consumer law may provide additional rights and that service or replacement parts are guaranteed for 90 days or the remaining warranty term, whichever is longer. These are US page terms; check the coverage and consumer-law rules that apply where you live.

Repair, replace one AirPod, or replace the set?

There is no established rule that replacing one bud is always cheaper than service. Make the choice after confirming what is wrong and getting the relevant estimate.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Option Best fit What to check
Continue troubleshooting The issue may be charging, connection, debris, or an audio setting. Whether both buds charge; whether the fault is silence or low volume; and whether model-specific steps have been followed.
Apple or authorized service The fault persists after the appropriate checks, or the bud appears to have a hardware problem. Coverage, personalized total estimate, provider charges, taxes and shipping, location, and parts availability.
Replace one AirPod or the case A bud or case is missing, or Apple’s service process indicates replacement is an option. Exact AirPods generation and the correct side or case in Apple’s replacement process.
Replace the set Consider this only after comparing the available service and replacement costs for your circumstances. Apple’s materials do not establish that a full set is always more economical than repairing or replacing one component.

Apple says Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers use genuine parts for Apple-certified repairs, and that only Apple or an authorized provider’s repairs are covered by Apple Limited Warranty and AppleCare. Non-authorized providers may offer their own warranty, but their work is not Apple-authorized or backed by Apple unless law requires otherwise; resulting damage is not covered by Apple warranty or AppleCare. Apple describes Self Service Repair as intended for people experienced in electronics repair, so disassembling an AirPod is not a good default for most owners.

If an AirPod or case is missing

Apple supports purchasing a replacement AirPod or case through its replacement and service process. Select the exact model and missing side or case. Avoid buying a single used bud without confirming generation compatibility and the setup steps required to pair it with your existing AirPods.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.