One AirPod Not Working But Charged: Causes & Fixes

Apple AirPods are arguably the most popular wireless earbuds on the market, providing high-quality sound and convenience for users. However, you could come across an issue like one AirPod not working properly even though it is charged.  

This article reveals the causes and fixes for this problem.

One AirPod Not Working But Charged: Causes & Fixes

Cause #1: Connectivity Issues

AirPods use Bluetooth technology to connect to your device, and a weak or disrupted signal can cause one AirPod to stop working. This can happen if your device is too far away from your AirPods or if there are obstructions between your device and your AirPods.

Fix: Reconnecting AirPods

Try reconnecting your AirPods to your device. Open your device’s Bluetooth settings and forget the AirPods. Then, place both AirPods back in their charging case and wait for them to reset. Once the LED light on the charging case starts flashing, try reconnecting your AirPods. If this doesn’t work, try moving closer to your device or removing any obstructions between your device and your AirPods.

Cause #2: Software Issues

In some instances, software updates or glitches can cause one AirPod to stop working. This can happen if your AirPods or your device is not running the latest software or if there are bugs in the software.

Fix: Updating Software

Check for software updates for your AirPods and your device. Sometimes, software issues can cause one AirPod to stop working, and updating the software can fix the problem. To check for updates, go to the Settings app on your device, then select General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Cause #3: Hardware Issues

There may be a hardware problem with one of the AirPods, such as a damaged speaker or a faulty charging port. This can happen if your AirPods have been dropped, crushed, or exposed to water.

Fix: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above fixes work, there may be a hardware problem with one of your AirPods. Contact Apple Support to get your AirPods repaired or replaced. If your AirPods are still under warranty, you may be able to get them fixed or replaced for free.

Cause #4: Physical Damage

Dropping, crushing, or exposing your AirPods to water can cause physical damage that may lead to one AirPod not work as it should. This can damage the internal components of your AirPods, such as the speaker or the battery.

Fix: Cleaning AirPods

If your AirPods have been exposed to water or have accumulated dirt and debris, use a dry, soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab to clean your AirPods. Gently brush or wipe away any dirt or debris from the speaker grilles or charging ports. Be careful not to use water or any cleaning solutions, as this can damage your AirPods further. If your AirPods have suffered severe physical damage, contact Apple Support to get them repaired or replaced.

Cause #5: Battery Issues

If one AirPod is not working even though it is charged, there could be an issue with the battery. This can happen if the battery is not holding a charge or if there is a problem with the charging case.

Fix: Charging Your AirPods

Ensure that both AirPods are fully charged. If one AirPod is not working but charged, try charging the AirPods in a different case, or replace the battery if necessary. You can also try resetting your AirPods by holding down the setup button on the back of the charging case until the LED light starts flashing white.

Cause #6: Earwax Buildup

Earwax can accumulate on the mesh screen of your AirPods, which can block the sound and cause one AirPod to stop working. This can happen if you use your AirPods for long periods or if you have excessive earwax.

Fix: Cleaning Your AirPods

To clean your AirPods, gently wipe the mesh screens with a dry, soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab. Be careful not to push the earwax further into the mesh screen. You can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to disinfect the mesh screens. Allow your AirPods to dry completely before using them.

Cause #7: Automatic Ear Detection Issues

AirPods have a feature called Automatic Ear Detection that detects when the AirPods are in your ears and automatically plays audio. This feature can sometimes malfunction, causing one Airpod to malfunction.

Fix: Disabling Automatic Ear Detection

Try disabling Automatic Ear Detection to see if that fixes the issue. To do this, go to the Settings app on your device, then select Bluetooth > AirPods. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, then toggle off the Automatic Ear Detection option.

Cause #8: Volume Issues

If the volume on one AirPod is significantly lower than the other, it may seem like one AirPod is not working even though it is charged.

Fix: Adjusting Volume Balance

To adjust the volume balance, go to the Settings app on your device, then select Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance. Move the slider to adjust the volume balance between the left and right channels.

Cause #9: Device Compatibility Issues

Your AirPods are designed to work with Apple devices, but they can also be used with non-Apple devices. However, some non-Apple devices may not be fully compatible with AirPods, causing the AirPod functionality issues.

Fix: Checking Device Compatibility

Check the device compatibility of your AirPods to ensure that they are fully compatible with your device. If you are using non-Apple devices, make sure they support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher and that they are running the latest software. If you are still experiencing issues, try connecting your AirPods to a different device to see if the issue persists.

Conclusion

Having an AirPod that fails to work even when it is fully charged can be a letdown, but there are several possible causes and fixes to try. By understanding the causes of this issue and following the above steps, you can troubleshoot the problem and get your AirPods working again. If none of these fixes work, you might need to get your AirPods repaired or replaced.