It’s a common issue for AirPod users to notice that one AirPod plays audio quieter than the other. There are several potential causes for this imbalance in volume between the two earbuds.
Earwax Buildup
One of the most common reasons why one AirPod is quieter is a buildup of earwax in the headphone’s mesh covering. The AirPods have a mesh screen that covers the speaker inside each bud. If this mesh gets clogged with earwax, it can partially block the audio from coming through clearly.
Over time, earwax naturally migrates into the ear canal and can get pushed up against the AirPod when you insert it into your ear. Even a small amount of buildup is enough to cause an imbalance in volume between the two sides.
Cleaning the Mesh
If earwax is the culprit, the fix is simple. Use a dry cotton swab or a small brush to gently clear away any visible earwax from the mesh. Be very careful not to push any deeper into the speaker, as this can damage the AirPod. A can of compressed air can also help blow away any debris stuck in the mesh.
After cleaning, check if the volume difference persists. You may need to clean multiple times to fully remove the blockage. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean your AirPods every few weeks to prevent excessive earwax buildup.
Eartip Position
Another potential cause of volume imbalance is if the eartip is not properly seated in your ear. AirPods come with three eartip sizes – small, medium, and large. It’s important to use the size that properly fits your ear canal.
If the eartip is too small, it can sit loosely in your ear and allow audio to leak out. This will make that AirPod sound quieter. If the eartip is too large, it may push the speaker opening away from your ear canal, which can also decrease volume.
Adjusting the Eartips
Try removing the eartip and repositioning it to get a snug fit. Twist it gently to seat it deeper into your ear canal. You can also try switching to a different sized eartip if you find the current one is not fitting right.
Keep in mind that everyone’s ears are slightly different shapes. It’s normal for one ear to require a different eartip size than the other to get a proper seal. Be prepared to use mismatched tips if needed.
Software Settings
The volume imbalance could also be the result of a software issue rather than a hardware problem. Check if your volume settings are adjusted differently for each AirPod:
- On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Make sure “Left/Right Balance” is set to the middle.
- Toggle “Spatial Audio” off and back on if it’s enabled.
Resetting your AirPods can also help calibrate the volumes if software is the culprit:
- Place both AirPods in the case.
- Open the case lid near your iPhone and hold down the button on the back of the case for 10+ seconds until the light blinks amber.
- Go to Bluetooth settings and reconnect the AirPods to your device.
Hearing Loss
It’s possible for natural hearing loss to impact one ear more than the other. If you notice volume differences in general between your two ears, it may not just be an issue with your AirPods.
See an audiologist if you think you may have hearing loss that needs medical attention. They can check for blockages and test your hearing levels in each ear to see if there is an imbalance.
AirPod Hardware Damage
In rarer cases, a hardware problem with the AirPod itself could be causing the reduced volume. Issues like a blown speaker, detached audio cable, or damage from exposure to moisture can affect audio quality and volume.
If you’ve ruled out earwax blockage, eartip fit, and settings as potential causes, the AirPod may need repaired or replaced. AppleCare+ for headphones can help cover damage, or you can contact Apple support for repair options if the AirPods are still under warranty.
How to Tell Which AirPod is Quieter
To identify which AirPod is the culprit, there are a few quick ways to test the volume of each one:
- Listen to a song and remove one AirPod at a time to see if audio gets noticeably quieter in one side.
- Have someone speak, and cover one ear at a time to hear which side sounds lower volume.
- Run a left/right audio balance test online, which plays a tone in each ear to highlight imbalance.
Once you confirm which AirPod is quieter, inspect that side for any earwax blockage and try cleaning the mesh first. Also ensure the eartip is properly sealed.
Fixing Volume Imbalance Between AirPods
Here are a few troubleshooting steps to try when facing unequal volume between AirPods:
- Check for earwax buildup – Carefully clean debris from the mesh with a cotton swab or brush.
- Adjust eartip fit – Remove/reposition eartip to get a tight seal, or size up/down if needed.
- Inspect software settings – Reset left/right balance and toggle Spatial Audio on/off.
- Update AirPods firmware – Install latest firmware in case of software bug.
- Factory reset AirPods – Reset by holding case button for 10+ seconds.
- Get hearing tested – See an audiologist if natural hearing loss is suspected.
- Repair/replace – If hardware issue, file AppleCare claim or contact Apple Support.
With consistent cleaning and proper fit, most balance issues can be corrected. But if volume difference persists after troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to reach out for repair or replacement under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is one AirPod louder than the other?
If one AirPod is louder than the other, the common causes are earwax blockage in the quieter earbud, poor eartip fit, misadjusted software settings, or natural hearing loss in one ear.
How do I fix volume imbalance with AirPods?
To fix uneven sound, clean earwax from the mesh, ensure eartips are sealed, factory reset AirPods, update firmware, and adjust software settings. If hardware damage, you may need a repair or replacement.
Why do my AirPods suddenly have different volumes?
Sudden volume imbalance can happen if earwax abruptly blocks one earbud, the eartip gets dislodged, software glitches, or damage occurs. Resetting and updating firmware can help resolve software issues.
Is it normal for one AirPod to be louder?
No, it’s not normal for AirPods to have significantly different volumes between sides. Minor natural hearing variances aside, balance issues indicate a fit, debris, or technical problem needs addressed.
Can I adjust volumes separately on each AirPod?
Unfortunately there is no native setting to adjust volumes independently on each AirPod. You can only change the balance to favor the left or right side overall using iPhone accessibility settings.
Summary
A volume imbalance between AirPods is usually due to earwax, poor fit, settings, or hardware damage. Inspect each AirPod’s eartip seal and mesh covering for debris. Clean earwax gently with a cotton swab or brush. Check Bluetooth settings and reset the AirPods if needed. For persistent issues, replacement under warranty or AppleCare+ may be required.