One AirPod not working
A low charge or blocked speaker mesh can make one AirPod seem silent. Charge both AirPods and the case, then run the headphone test to check each side; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Headphone test
What the headphone test checks
The headphone test checks whether audio comes through the left and right sides. Follow its prompts and listen to each side in turn. If sound comes through both, the earbuds can play audio during the test. If one side is silent or much harder to hear, note which side and use the steps for your device.
The test checks sound output, not every cause of a problem. A quiet or missing side can point to a charge issue, a blocked speaker mesh, an audio balance setting, or a problem with pairing. It cannot tell you which cause is responsible by itself.
Tell which case you have
First, test each AirPod on its own. If the silent AirPod works alone, but not when both are in use, follow the steps for your device and repeat the test. If it stays silent on its own, check the charge and speaker mesh, then use the reset step if the iOS steps apply to you.
On iOS, the listed steps cover charging, testing one AirPod alone, resetting if one stays silent, cleaning the speaker mesh, and centering the balance slider. On Windows, they cover left and right volume, Mono audio, stereo format, and removing and pairing the earbuds again. Choose the group for the device playing the sound.
Why one side may stop playing
One AirPod may not have enough charge, or its speaker mesh may be blocked. The balance slider can also shift sound toward one side. These causes can make one AirPod sound quiet or silent even when the other plays.
On Windows, left and right volume or the audio format can affect how sound reaches each side. Mono audio changes how sound is played, so check the listed setting if the test points to one side. Pairing can also be the issue, which is why the Windows steps include removing and pairing the earbuds again.
What to do after the test
Use the steps shown for your device, then run the headphone test again. Compare the same sides: if both now play, the issue may have been related to charge, blockage, settings, or pairing. If one side still fails, the test has not identified the cause, so do not treat a changed reading as proof that the earbuds are fixed.
Use the support options available with your device if you need repair advice.
Steps
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Charge the case and both AirPods
Make sure the charging case is fully charged and its charging port is clean. Put both AirPods in the case for 30 seconds, open it near your iPhone or iPad, and check that each one shows as charging.
Source: If your left or right AirPod isn't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Test the silent AirPod on its own
Put the silent AirPod in the correct ear, keep the other one in the case with the lid closed, make sure they are connected, and play audio.
Source: If your left or right AirPod isn't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Reset the AirPods if one stays silent
If it still does not work after charging both for 30 seconds, reset the AirPods. If you replaced one, set up the new AirPod.
Source: If your left or right AirPod isn't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Clean the speaker mesh
If one AirPod is quieter, remove the ear tips, check the microphone and speaker mesh, and clear away debris.
Source: If your left or right AirPod isn't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Center the balance slider
Set the Balance slider to the middle.
Source: If your left or right AirPod isn't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check left and right volume on Windows
Both channels should be at the same level, usually 100.
Source: Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn Mono audio off
Mono audio mixes both channels into one, so turn it off.
Source: Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Set the stereo format
Choose 2 channels, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality) as the format of the device.
Source: Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove the earbuds and pair them again
Disconnect and remove the device, put both earbuds in the case, put them in pairing mode and add them again.
Source: Fix Bluetooth audio only playing in one channel, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
Is the headphone test a hearing test?
No. It checks whether audio comes from each side of the earbuds. It does not assess hearing or health.
What does it mean if one AirPod is silent in the test?
It means that side did not play sound as expected during the test. Low charge, a blocked mesh, balance settings, or pairing may be involved, but the test alone cannot identify the cause.
Why does one AirPod work alone but not with both?
The result shows that the AirPod can play sound on its own, while the two-earbud setup still has a problem. Follow the steps for your device, including the reset or pairing steps where listed, then test again.
Why is one AirPod quieter than the other?
A shifted balance setting or a blocked speaker mesh can make one side sound quieter. Charge both AirPods, check the steps for your device, and repeat the test to compare the sides.
What should I do if one AirPod still does not work?
Follow the listed steps for iOS or Windows and run the headphone test again.