One AirPod
not working?

Check each earbud’s charge

If the case is depleted or will not charge, put both earbuds inside, close it, and connect its correct Lightning or USB-C cable to a working adapter and outlet for at least 15 minutes. A cable test also removes wireless-pad positioning from the comparison. See Apple’s charging checks.

With a charged case, seat both earbuds normally for 30 seconds. Open it near your iPhone or iPad and look for each earbud’s charging status, following Apple’s one-earbud check. Write down left, right, and case readings; one percentage is not enough evidence that both earbuds are charging.

One side stays missing or empty

Remove and gently reseat that earbud once. If its reading still does not appear or rise after the charging check, record that result. Sound settings cannot establish whether this is a contact, battery, or case fault.

Both sides show charge

Move to the listening test. A charge reading is useful evidence, but does not prove that the speaker works or the battery holds charge normally.

For loose debris at the case’s external charging port, Apple specifies a clean, dry, soft brush. Do not insert tools into charging ports, scrape metal contacts, or add liquid to the earbud wells. If debris is stuck, stop and get help.

Test the silent side by itself

1. Put the suspect AirPod in its matching ear. Leave the other in the case and shut the lid.
2. Confirm the AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad, then play familiar audio at a comfortable level.
3. If it works alone, return both to the case for 30 seconds, then test the pair again.

This sequence comes from Apple’s left-or-right AirPod guidance. If the fault only occurs in one app, compare another app before changing hardware. Keep the volume comfortable rather than raising it to compensate.

If callers cannot hear you but music plays in both ears, that is a different symptom. Use the iPhone microphone guide to compare calls with and without the accessory.

Check balance before cleaning

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Balance. For this comparison, the slider should be centered. If you intentionally use a different balance, note it first so you can restore your preference.

Inspect the speaker mesh. On AirPods Pro, remove the detachable ear tip to see it. Do not push a pin through the mesh or use abrasive tools. For Pro ear tips, Apple permits rinsing the removed tips with water, without soap; dry them completely before refitting.

Cleaning is model-specific. Open Apple’s illustrated instructions for AirPods or AirPods Pro and match your model to the marked areas before starting. Some models have a prescribed liquid-assisted mesh procedure; that is not permission to wet every opening. Those procedures require complete drying for at least two hours before use or returning earbuds to the case.

If you cannot identify the model or safely remove debris, skip cleaning and seek service. Repeating an aggressive cleaning attempt can make a recoverable sound problem worse.

Reset using the right case controls

First identify your AirPods model: Settings → Bluetooth → the information button beside the AirPods. If unavailable, compare the A-number printed underneath an earbud with Apple’s list. A similar-looking case does not establish compatibility.

Follow Apple’s reset sequence: put both earbuds in the case, close it for 30 seconds, then in Bluetooth settings choose the AirPods information button and Forget This Device if listed. Reopen the lid and use the matching control below.

With the lid open, bring the case near your device and follow the connection prompts. Retest the same audio. If the expected light sequence never appears, use Apple’s linked “doesn’t flash white” instructions; do not keep inventing longer button holds.

Still failing? Take the observations with you.

If one side stays silent after charging, the isolated listening test, and the correct reset—or remains quiet after balance and appropriate cleaning—contact Apple Support for service options. These checks narrow the symptom; they cannot confirm an internal battery or speaker diagnosis.

Have the model, affected side, battery readings, case charging method, and reset-light result ready. Mention drops, liquid exposure, and whether the problem happens in every app. Include both earbuds and the case when asked to bring the set for assessment.

Recently replaced one side? Follow Apple’s replacement setup procedure before treating it as a new failure. Match the earbud and case models before buying another part; even AirPods 4 cases differ between ANC and non-ANC versions.