AirPods Pro one side not working? Here's how to fix it

If only your left or right AirPod Pro plays sound, or one side sounds quieter, these simple checks fix most cases at home. Start with charging, then balance, cleaning and a reset.

Put both AirPods in a charged case for 30 seconds, then open the lid near your iPhone and check that both buds show a battery level. If one is still silent, make sure Balance is centred in Accessibility settings, gently clean the mesh and case contacts, then forget and reset your AirPods. If nothing works, the battery or the bud may need Apple service.

• 1. Charge both buds in the case: Make sure the case itself is charged, then put both AirPods in and let them charge for 30 seconds. Open the lid near your iPhone and look at the status light on the case.
• 2. Check both buds show a battery level: When the lid opens, your iPhone shows a battery level for the left bud, the right bud and the case. If one bud shows no battery, it is not charging or not connecting.
• 3. Test the silent bud on its own: Now try the problem bud by itself. Leave its partner shut inside the case, put the silent one in its own ear (left bud in the left ear, right bud in the right) and start a song. If you hear sound, return both buds to the case for 30 seconds, then try wearing the pair again.
• 4. Centre the audio balance: If one side is only quieter, go to Settings › Accessibility › Audio & Visual and scroll to Balance. Make sure the slider is exactly in the middle.
• 5. Clean the mesh and the case gently: Remove the ear tips and look at the speaker and mic mesh for wax or dust. Wipe the case with a dry, lint-free cloth and clear the charging port with a dry, soft brush. Do not push anything into the openings or let liquid get inside.
• 6. Forget and reset your AirPods: Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. On your iPhone go to Settings › Bluetooth, tap the info button next to your AirPods and choose Forget This Device. Open the lid and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber and then white.
• 7. Reconnect and update the firmware: Keep the lid open near your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect. For the update, keep your iPhone on Wi-Fi, charge the case with the AirPods inside and the lid closed, and wait at least 30 minutes.
• 8. Test with another device: Pair the AirPods with a different phone, iPad or Mac. If the same bud is silent there too, the problem is the AirPod, not your phone.