To test AirPods, check basic function by playing audio and ensuring sound in both ears, use the built-in Ear Tip Fit Test (for Pro models) in iPhone Settings for seal, verify audio balance in Accessibility Settings, clean them for clarity, and reset them if issues persist, often by holding the case button. For a quick sound check, use a YouTube video for left/right speaker tests.
Play audio to test the malfunctioning AirPod. Depending on what happens: If the malfunctioning AirPod plays sound, place both AirPods in the charging case, let them charge for 30 seconds, open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and test to see if both are now working properly.
Methods to Check AirPods Battery Health
Check the charge status on your iPhone or iPad to make sure each AirPod is charging. Put the AirPod that isn't working in the appropriate ear. With the other AirPod still in the charging case, close the lid of the case. Play audio to test the malfunctioning AirPod.
AirPods 3 controls
Play the next track: Double-press the stem. Play the previous track: Triple-press the stem. Answer a call: When you receive a call, press the stem. Activate Siri: Press and hold the stem, then ask questions, control apps, and more.
AirPods typically last around two to three years because users feel like they need to replace them. This is due to the lithium batteries slowly degrading over time.
Reset AirPods to factory settings
AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Put the AirPods in their case, close the lid, then wait 30 seconds. Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
To run diagnostics on a Mac with an Apple silicon chip, hold down the power button while booting up, then press Command-D. For Intel Macs released after June 2013, press and hold D or Option-D immediately after starting up.
Do AirPods get quieter over time? AirPods can appear to get quieter over time due to several factors. Accumulated dirt and earwax in the speaker grills can reduce sound quality.
Why Only One AirPod Might Be Working? If you're only hearing audio through one of your AirPods, don't worry—this is a common issue with several potential fixes. It could be due to charging problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, software glitches, or even dirt buildup.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen. Tap Take a Hearing Test, then follow the onscreen instructions. You may be asked to find a quieter space or adjust the position of your AirPods.
Check the Charging Case Light
Moreover, the lights you see on your AirPods case can mean different things. For instance, the green light tells you that the case is charged. Amber indicates low battery — the AirPods are dead and you need to charge. While flashing lights could be set up issues.
If the malfunctioning AirPod plays sound, place both AirPods in the charging case, let them charge for 30 seconds, open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and test to see if both are now working properly. If an AirPod still isn't working, reset your AirPods.
Open the lid of your charging case. Depending on your model of AirPods: For AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, or AirPods Pro 2, press and hold the setup button on the case again for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then flashes white.
Connect your charging case to power. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and keep your AirPods in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
All true wireless earbuds suffer from the same problem: A short life span. The limiting factor is usually the lithium-ion battery powering these wireless devices, which degrades over time. Some wireless earbuds can be taken apart with a battery that can easily be replaced. But that's not the case with AirPods.
We can replace your AirPods battery for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare for Headphones and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
AirPods batteries drain fast mainly due to battery wear, ANC/Transparency mode, Spatial Audio, high volume, and constant device switching. Turn off these features when not needed, update firmware, reset AirPods if necessary, and avoid heat exposure to extend battery life.
Squeeze the stem once to play or pause whatever's currently playing. If you're receiving a call, squeezing once will answer it. Squeeze the stem twice to skip to the next song. If the app you're using doesn't support this, squeezing twice won't do anything.
To turn the volume up or down, say “Hey Siri”, then say something like “Turn up the volume” or “Turn down the volume”. Or drag the volume slider in the app you're listening to, on the Lock Screen of your iPhone or iPad, or in Control Centre.
For example, when you get an incoming call, double tap to answer. You can also set each of your AirPods to do one of the following with a double tap: Play and pause audio content. Play the next track.