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Troubleshoot AirPods that aren’t working with this ultimate guide
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If your AirPods aren’t playing audio even when it says they’re connected, there may be another bug or issue causing the problem. Typically, it only takes a small adjustment to your settings or a quick update to get your AirPods working again, no matter what kind you have. We spoke with phone repair specialist James Bell for the best advice on repairing your AirPods, so keep reading so you can start listening again.

How to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound

Phone repair specialist James Bell recommends unpairing your AirPods and reconnecting them to your device for the easiest fix. Double-check that you have your AirPods have a full charge and that you select them as the audio output device.

2

Unpair and pair the AirPods again.

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  1. Phone repair specialist James Bell says unpairing is the easiest solution and the first thing to try.
    • On iPhone, iPad, and Android:
      • Open the Settings app.
      • Tap Bluetooth
      • Tap i next to your AirPods and then Forget This Device .
      • Open the AirPods case next to your device to pair them again. If your AirPods don’t appear, hold down the button on the case until they show up. [2]
    • On a Mac or PC computer :
      • Open the Bluetooth menu from the settings.
      • Click Disconnect on your AirPods.
      • Open the AirPods case and hold down the button.
      • Click Pair on your computer.
3

Set the AirPods as your default output device.

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  1. While the audio output normally switches when you connect AirPods, there’s a chance it didn’t work.
    • On an iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center and click on the AirPlay symbol on the audio player. Tap on your AirPods to set them as the audio output. [3]
    • On a Mac, click on the speaker icon in the top menu bar and open the Sound preferences. Select your AirPods from the available devices.
    • On an Android, open the Bluetooth settings and select “Connected Devices.” Then, tap on your AirPods to choose them as the output device.
    • On Windows 10, open Settings System Sound Output → select your AirPods. On Windows 11, Output will be Choose where to play sound . Select your AirPods. Click the arrow beside your AirPods. In the Properties menu, select Is default for audio for the Set as default sound device drop-down menu.
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7

Adjust your computer’s audio balance.

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  1. The audio balance changes how much audio plays from the left and right AirPod. When the audio is out of balance, then it may sound muffled or play no audio from the other side.
    • On a Mac, open Settings (or Preferences ) and select Sound. Under the Output tab, move the slider to the mark in the center. [7]
    • On Windows 10, open Settings System Sound Output → select your AirPods. Click Device properties and adjust the Left and Right balance to 50.
    • On Windows 11, Output will be Choose where to play sound . Select your AirPods. Click the arrow beside your AirPods. In the Properties menu, adjust the Left channel and Right channel underneath Output settings .
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10

Restart your device.

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  1. If you leave your device on without the occasional restart, it could run slower and make your AirPods work improperly. Simply restart your computer , phone, or tablet and try reconnecting to your AirPods.
    • To restart iPhones and iPads , press and hold either volume button and the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
    • On iPhones with a home button, press and hold the power button. Swipe the slider to shut off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, and then hold the power button to turn it on again.
13

Reset your device’s network settings.

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  1. Network settings errors can also affect Bluetooth devices, so resetting them completely may get rid of your issue. Just keep in mind resetting your network settings erases any Wi-Fi or VPN settings you have as well.
    • On an iPhone, open Settings General Reset Reset Network Settings .
    • On a Mac, open Settings Network . Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and click on the minus sign in the bottom-left corner.
    • On Windows 10, open Settings Network & Internet Status Network Reset Reset now . Click Yes to confirm.
    • On Windows 11, find Network Reset in the Advanced network settings tab.
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15

Contact Apple for a repair or replacement.

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      Tips

      • Double-check the volume level and make sure you’re near your device so there aren’t any connection issues.
      • Some phone repair shops also specialize in repairing AirPods. Contact a few shops in your area and ask if they can help you troubleshoot the issue.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid trying to take apart AirPods yourself because they’re delicate and easy to break.
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