One AirPod Not Working? How to Fix the Problem - MacRumors
Skip to Content

One AirPod Not Working? How to Fix the Problem

by

Apple's AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with all of Apple's Bluetooth-supporting devices, and the wireless earbuds usually live up their billing, but that doesn't mean they work perfectly for everyone one hundred percent of the time.


A particularly irritating problem that can sometimes occur with any model of AirPods is when one AirPod drops the connection intermittently or stops working altogether for no apparent reason. If you've been hit by this bug, following the steps below should help you resolve it.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. 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.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and tap Forget this Device.
    airpods forget device 1

  4. Ensure that both AirPods are in their charging case, the case is closed, and that the case has charge.
  5. 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. If you have AirPods 4, Apple has moved the capacitive button to the front of the case, concealing it just below the status light.
    airpods airpods pro setup button

  6. Open the charging case lid.
  7. For AirPods 4 (both models), double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. For all other AirPods models, press and hold the button for at least 15 seconds. If you are using a first-generation or non-wireless second-generation/third-generation AirPods charging case, the case's internal light between the AirPods will flash white and then amber, indicating the AirPods have reset. If you are using a Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro or AirPods 4, you can find this light on the front of the case.
  8. Now, close the lid of your AirPods case and then open it up again.
    airpods paired card

  9. 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.

If the above steps don't solve the problem, try resetting your iPhone's network settings. In the Settings app's main menu select General ➝ Reset ➝ Reset Network Settings, then try re-pairing your AirPods by repeating the steps above.

Time for new AirPods or AirPods Pro?

Check our constantly updated guide for best deals on AirPods.

Related Roundups: AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 3
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

comp.doc Avatar
99 months ago
I’ve only had to do the nuclear fix twice in two years of ownership. Most of the time simply popping them back in the case for a few seconds does the trick.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djlythium Avatar
99 months ago
What if both AirPods are working, but for about 50% of their advertised talk time due to battery degradation? o_O
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Smith288 Avatar
99 months ago
Or suck the wax out of it. LOL

https://www.reddit.com/r/airpods/comments/5xrrhu/one_side_louder/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
99 months ago
Ive had mine for 2 years and almost 2 months (January after the launch), and mine last anywhere between 30-60 min. I've used them nearly every day, so I'm not complaining, I'm just impatiently waiting for the next gen
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
99 months ago
So if your Airpods aren’t working try un-pairing and re-pairing with your device.

That’s the Bluetooth equivalent of turn it off and back on again, which does in fact solve most problems. :D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
furbzv1 Avatar
91 months ago
bringing this back.. im having this issue where my right airpod loses connection or doesnt connect back after inserting to ear. sometimes putting the airpod in the case fixes it. sometimes i have to put both back and wait a few mins- should i ask apple for replacement?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:38 am PDT by
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
AirPods Pro Beta Firmware 2

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:28 am PDT by
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5043a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers. There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases. When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
ifixit airpods 5

AirPods 5 Teardown: Batteries Removable, Case Still Tough

Tuesday September 29, 2026 2:38 pm PDT by
Repair site iFixit today took apart Apple's AirPods 5 for one of its traditional teardown videos. It turns out the new AirPods are slightly more repairable than prior models, but it's still not a simple home fix. The AirPods 5 use pronged batteries that Apple previously used in the AirPods 3, but not the AirPods 4. The battery can be removed with a "nifty pair of tongs," and iFixit says the...
Latest Stories
iPhone Duo Launch Begins as First Orders Reach Customers
iPhone Duo Launch Begins as First Orders Reach Customers
3 hours ago
1Password for Agents Keeps Your Passwords Hidden From AI
1Password for Agents Keeps Your Passwords Hidden From AI
4 hours ago
iPhone Duo 24 Hours Later: Your Questions Answered
iPhone Duo 24 Hours Later: Your Questions Answered
5 hours ago
Apple's iWork Apps Get 'Intelligent Assistant' and iPhone Duo Support
Apple's iWork Apps Get 'Intelligent Assistant' and iPhone Duo Support
6 hours ago
Apple is Apparently Considering a Slightly Larger iPhone Duo
Apple is Apparently Considering a Slightly Larger iPhone Duo
6 hours ago
Giant iPhone Duo Displays Coming to Four Apple Stores
Giant iPhone Duo Displays Coming to Four Apple Stores
7 hours ago
Apple Pulls Keynote, Pages and Numbers From App Store [Update: Back]
Apple Pulls Keynote, Pages and Numbers From App Store [Update: Back]
8 hours ago
Apple Updates More Apps With iPhone Duo Support
Apple Updates More Apps With iPhone Duo Support
8 hours ago
Apple Will Label Apps 'Made for iPhone Duo' in App Store
Apple Will Label Apps 'Made for iPhone Duo' in App Store
11 hours ago
Amazon Takes $49 Off iPad With Prices Starting at $399.99
Amazon Takes $49 Off iPad With Prices Starting at $399.99
12 hours ago
F1 on Apple TV Now Available in Dolby Atmos
F1 on Apple TV Now Available in Dolby Atmos
12 hours ago
Apple Reveals More Than 50 Apps That Will Be Updated for iPhone Duo
Apple Reveals More Than 50 Apps That Will Be Updated for iPhone Duo
13 hours ago
Apple Blocks Certificates That Could Help Attackers Fake Websites
Apple Blocks Certificates That Could Help Attackers Fake Websites
14 hours ago
Giant iPhone Duo Installations Spotted at Apple Fifth Avenue
Giant iPhone Duo Installations Spotted at Apple Fifth Avenue
15 hours ago
iPhone Duo 2 Prototypes Include Under-Display Face ID
iPhone Duo 2 Prototypes Include Under-Display Face ID
15 hours ago
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
19 hours ago
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
19 hours ago
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
20 hours ago
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
20 hours ago
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
20 hours ago
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
21 hours ago
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
21 hours ago
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
1 day ago
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
1 day ago
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
1 day ago
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
1 day ago
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
1 day ago
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
1 day ago
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
1 day ago
Apple Support App Updated for iPhone Duo's Larger Display
Apple Support App Updated for iPhone Duo's Larger Display
1 day ago