Common AirPods problems and how to fix them

Apple’s AirPods have become incredibly popular due to their sleek design, ease of use and impressive sound quality. However, like any piece of technology, they aren’t without their issues.

Below you’ll find some common AirPods and AirPods Pro problems and practical solutions to help you to get the most from your wireless earbuds.

Connectivity issues

One of the most common issues AirPods users face is connectivity problems. This can manifest as difficulty pairing the AirPods with your device or frequent disconnections.

To resolve connectivity issues, you should first try resetting your AirPods. Place your AirPods back in their charging case, close the lid, and wait for 15 seconds. Then open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber and then white.

If resetting doesn’t help, you should re-pair your AirPods. Start by going to the Bluetooth settings on your device and forgetting the AirPods. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white, and then pair the AirPods again through your device’s Bluetooth settings.

Additionally, ensure your device’s operating system is up to date, as updates often include fixes for Bluetooth connectivity issues.

One AirPod won’t connect

Occasionally, you may find that sound only comes out of one AirPod. The first thing to do is to check the battery levels to make sure both AirPods are charged. If they are, try re-pairing the AirPods.

Cleaning the AirPods can also help, as dirt or earwax can block the sensors or speakers. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean them.

If the problem persists, resetting your AirPods as detailed above may resolve the issue.

Poor sound quality

You may also experience poor sound quality or low volume from your AirPods. To improve sound quality, you can start by adjusting the audio settings on your device.

Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Music’ > ‘EQ’ and try different equalizer settings.

As mentioned above, cleaning your AirPods is also essential, as dirt and earwax can impact sound quality.

Additionally, check your device’s sound settings to ensure they are configured correctly and that there’s no audio limiter enabled.

AirPods won’t charge

If your AirPods are not charging, you should first clean the charging contacts. Dust and debris can interfere with charging, so use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the contacts on the AirPods and inside the case.

You should also check the charging cable to ensure it’s working correctly by testing it with another device. If the cable is fine, resetting your AirPods may resolve the charging issue. Follow the reset instructions provided earlier.

Lastly, make sure your AirPods firmware is up to date by connecting them to your iPhone, which will automatically update the firmware when available.

Microphone issues

If the microphone on your AirPods is not working properly, start by cleaning the microphones located at the end of each AirPod with a soft, dry cloth.

You should also go to the Bluetooth settings, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and set the ‘Microphone’ to ‘Automatic’.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, resetting and re-pairing your AirPods may help.

Battery draining quickly

Your AirPods’ battery life may start to dwindle over time or drain unexpectedly quickly. To address battery drain issues, you can start by checking the battery health of your AirPods using an app like ‘Battery Life’.

Another useful step is to disable ‘Automatic Ear Detection’. To do this, go to the Bluetooth settings, tap on the ‘i’ next to your AirPods, and turn off ‘Automatic Ear Detection’. This feature can sometimes cause unnecessary battery drain.

Additionally, make sure you are charging your AirPods properly by using the original charging cable and ensuring the case is clean and free of debris.

The steps above should help you resolve the most common issues with your AirPods and AirPods Pro. However, if the problem persists or seems complex, it’s always advisable to seek professional assistance from Apple Support or an authorised service provider.