[2024] Why Is One AirPod Sound Louder Than the Other?

Apple AirPods have become an instant hit because of the quality and flexibility they offer. Although they are the most reliable earbuds out there, they still have their fair share of issues. One such problem reported by the user is that one AirPod sounds louder than the other.

In this article, we will discuss why one AirPod sounds louder than the other and what you can do to fix it. Let’s begin.

Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other & Its Solutions

The problem can occur because of a variety of reasons, from incorrect source settings to software and hardware issues. Let's dive deep into the reasons and the specific solutions for them.

Reason 1. Audio Source Issues

Sometimes the issue can lie in the audio source instead of your AirPods. That means the smartphone or PC you are using to play the audio can be the cause of the problem. You can try the below solution in that case.

#1. Clean AirPods and Charging Case

Due to the continuous use and accumulation of dust, dirt, etc., your AirPods and their charging case may encounter a problem. Make sure to get rid of any dirt, dust, or debris buildup by following the below steps.

• Make use of lint-free cloth to dry clean the surface. Don’t use hard fabric or tissue to avoid further damage.
• You can also utilize a soft towel to clean the charging case and the AirPods.
• If there are any dirt particles that you can’t clean with clothes, utilize a clean brush.

#2. Check the Audio Source Settings

The audio source can sometimes cause the issue as there can be a bug on the device which holds the audio file. Moreover, if you modify the audio enhancement settings, it can also lead to an issue.

You can easily inspect the issue by connecting another Bluetooth headphone or AirPods to the device and see if the issue persists. If yes, then the problem is with the device.

#3. Check the Audio File

Sometimes the audio file you are playing can be the reason behind the issue. To be more precise, the audio file may have an uneven sound profile. If you have downloaded the file from a third-party source, there are more chances of it. Sometimes music producers also do this by utilizing the audio panning method.

Here are the steps to check it by putting your AirPods into Mono mode:

• Go to Accessibility from your iPhone’s settings.
• Go to the Audio/Visual option under Hearing.
• Toggle the switch for Mono Audio. Doing so will force the audio to send an equalized signal on both speakers to prevent audio panning.

If the sound feels okay even after doing so, then the audio file is the culprit.

#4. Check the Audio Balance

iPhone enables you to set the audio balance to the right/left as you prefer. If the above solutions don’t fix the error, consider checking the audio balance from your iPhone’s audio settings. Here is how to do so:

• Open iPhone’s Settings and visit Accessibility.
• Click Audio/Visual and then set the slider for audio balance to center.

#5. Calibrate the AirPods’ volume

Sometimes the AirPods can be out of sync with the device from where the audio is coming. You can’t enjoy the music at max volume as well as face some other issues because of this. Here is how to fix it:

• Connect the AirPods with your device and play an audio.
• Tap the Volume Down switch to decrease the volume and make it mute.
• Now disable Bluetooth from the Control Panel. Switch on Bluetooth again and reconnect the AirPods.

That’s it, the recalibration is successfully initiated. Now the AirPods should make use of the full volume.

#6. Restart the Device

Sometimes a simple restart can fix a variety of issues. Consider restarting the device from which you are playing the audio file. The process to restart will vary depending on the device you use. For example, if you use an iOS smartphone, simply long-press the volume down and power button together to switch off the device and then turn the device on again after 10 seconds.

Reason 2. Software System Errors with AirPods

Sometimes software-related glitches can also make your AirPods sound uneven. These are usually minor glitches, but they can disrupt your music experience. The good news is you can fix it pretty easily. Let's see how to fix the software-related problems.

#7. Reset the AirPod

The initial step you should try is to reset the AirPod. If there are any minor bugs or glitches in the AirPod, they will be fixed with the Reset. Here is how to do so:

• Position the AirPods in the charging case and close it. Don’t open it within 30 seconds.
• Wear them and connect them to your device.
• Now open your iPhone and go to Settings > AirPods or Settings >Bluetooth. Click the “i" button next to the AirPods name.
• Press “Forget This Device” and confirm the operation.

• Now open the charging case of the AirPods and press the setup switch for around 15 seconds. Make sure to hold the button until the status light starts flashing amber to white color.
• Re-connect the AirPods to your device and check if the issue persists.

#8. Update AirPods

Apple often releases a firmware update for its products, including AirPods. The update brings fixes to a lot of issues. If there is a new version of the firmware version available, make sure to upgrade to it.

Note that there is no manual procedure to update the AirPods firmware. They should be automatically updated when connected to your iPhone with an internet connection. Make sure to allow enough time for the AirPods to be updated, possibly around 30 minutes.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Navigate to iPhone’s Settings and then go to Bluetooth. From there, press AirPods.
• Press “i" and go to the bottom of the page to find the "About" option. Check if the AirPods are in the latest versions.

#9. Use AirPods with a Different Device

Sometimes, some other issues on your iPhone or the source device can cause the issue instead of the AirPod or the audio source file. It can be easily verified by connecting your device to another. Simply connect the device to your other smartphone or PC and check if the problem persists.

Reason 3. Software Issues with iPhone

Sometimes software-related glitches or bugs, or hardware issues within your iPhone can also lead to the issue. You can try the below-mentioned solutions to get rid of the problem in such cases.

#10. Update Applications

There is also a chance that faulty applications on your iPhone are causing the issue, especially if you are using a music streaming service, such as Spotify. The software may be mismatched with your Bluetooth or audio balance, leading to the issue.

Here are the steps to update apps on your iPhone:

• Open App Store and go to Profile.
• Find the app to update by scrolling down.
• Select “Update” to start updating apps.

#11. Reset All Settings

Sometimes a wrong setting on your iPhone can lead to this issue. As it is hard to detect which settings are wrong, you can consider resetting all settings. Note that doing so will not cut any files from your device. Instead, it will remove all the modified settings and replace them with the default settings.

Here are the steps you need to follow to reset all settings on your iPhone:

• Visit Settings and go to General and then go to Reset.
• Find and press "Reset All Settings".
• Enter your passcode if a prompt occurs, then press "Reset All Settings" again.
• Once done, a progress bar will occur. Wait for the device to restart to finish the process.

#12. Update iPhone/Mac

Is your ios device running in outdated software? This can also lead to the one AirPod being louder than the other. Consider upgrading the iOS version to the latest following the below steps:

• Open Settings and browse General > Software Update.
• Click Download and Install if the option is available.

To update Mac:

• Open Apple Menu and go to System Preferences > Software Update.
• Press "Upgrade Now" or "Update Now".

Reason 4. Hardware Issues

In some cases, hardware problems can also lead to the issue. Such as dirt buildup or wax in the internal mechanism can cause this. Make sure to keep your AirPods clean by frequently cleaning them.

#13. Take the Eat Tip Fit Test

If you are using an AirPod Pro, consider taking the Eat Tip Fit Test if you’re finding one AirPod louder than the other. It’s pretty easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Connect the AirPods with your iOS device and wear them. Then open Bluetooth under Settings.
• Select AirPods from the list of devices and click the "i" button next to it.
• Tap “Ear Tip Fit Test”. If there is no such option, make sure your iOS version is the latest.
• Click "Continue" and then tap the "Play button".
• Based on the given suggestions on the app, utilize a different ear tip, or try a different size.

#14. Repair Hardware

Sometimes there can be more serious hardware problems that will require a manual fix. In this case, the best thing you can do is to leave it to the professional. You can either go to Apple Support or go to a repair shop to check if they can fix the device.

Conclusion

Now you know what to do if one of your AirPod is louder than the other. Simply try to find whether the software or the hardware is causing the issue and then utilize the above solutions. With a little time and patience, we hope you will be able to solve the problem and make your AirPods sound great again. Best of luck!