One earbud not working? How to fix sound from one side

By CheckYourDisplay · Updated · Sources checked

Play a left-right test to see which side fails. If one side is only quieter, check the balance setting and clean the mesh. If it is silent, check that mono audio is off, put both earbuds back in the case and reconnect, then reset or re-pair them the way the maker describes.

Open the Headphone TestFree, in your browser. Nothing to install.

Find out which side is the problem

  1. Open the Headphone Test and play Left, then Right.
  2. If one side is silent, see Fix a silent earbud.
  3. If both play but one is quieter, see Fix a quiet side, and compare the sides with the Audio Balance Test.
  4. If the left tone plays in both ears, mono audio is on, which hides a left-right fault: see the next section.

Check mono audio and balance

Mono audio sends the same sound to both sides, and a balance slider moved to one side makes the other quiet. Check both before anything else.

Device Mono audio Balance
iPhone Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Mono Audio Same screen: set the Balance slider to the middle
Mac System Settings > Accessibility > Audio > Play stereo audio as mono System Settings > Sound > Output > Balance slider
Windows 11 Settings > Accessibility > Audio > Mono audio Settings > System > Sound > your device > Output settings > Volume: set Left and Right to the same level
Samsung Galaxy Accessibility settings Settings > Accessibility > Hearing enhancements > Left/right sound balance
Other Android Accessibility settings, under audio adjustment The same place; the menu names vary by maker

Fix a silent earbud

AirPods

Apple’s steps, in order:

  1. Make sure the charging case is charged, and clean its charging port.
  2. Put both AirPods in the case for 30 seconds, then open the case near your iPhone or iPad and check that each one is charging.
  3. Put the silent AirPod in the matching ear and close the other in the case. Make sure the AirPods are connected, then play audio.
  4. If it is still silent, reset the AirPods.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

Samsung lists four causes: the fit, debris on the speaker mesh, the sound balance setting and a temporary connection problem. Check that both ear tips are the same size and the mesh is clean, then pair the earbuds with each other again:

  • Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro: press and hold the button on the back of the case for 7 seconds.
  • Galaxy Buds3 series: press and hold the button on the bottom of the case for 7 seconds.
  • Older models: touch and hold both earbuds at the same time for 7 seconds.

Samsung also notes that two earbuds running different software versions may not connect to each other.

Sony earbuds

Sony’s help guide for the WF-1000XM5 suggests pairing the earbuds with your device again, checking that the Bluetooth connection uses A2DP, the profile for music, and putting both earbuds in the charging case with the lid closed. Clean any earwax from the mesh on the earbud tips, and restart your phone or computer. If one side is still silent, the guide moves on to resetting the earbuds.

Wired earbuds and headphones

  • Push the plug fully into the jack and turn it slowly. A plug that is not seated all the way can play one side only.
  • Try another device, and another adapter if you use one. If the same side is silent everywhere, the earbud or its cable is at fault.

Fix a quiet side

  1. Check the balance setting in the table above.
  2. Clean the speaker mesh gently. Apple and Samsung both point to earwax and debris on the mesh as a cause.
  3. Check that both ear tips are the same size and sit well, then compare the sides again in the Audio Balance Test.

Sources

The official pages this guide follows, last checked on . Found something out of date? See Contact.

Tests used in this guide

  • Headphone Test

    Play a tone in each ear to check both sides of your headphones or earbuds.

  • Speaker Test

    Play a tone through the left, right or both speakers to check that each side works.