Have you noticed that one of AirPods (or AirPods Pro/AirPods Max) sounds quieter than the second when connected to a smartphone on Android? This problem is more common than it seems - and the headphones themselves are not always to blame. The fact is that Bluetooth protocol on devices Apple and Android works differently, and standard sound balance settings may be lost if connected incorrectly.

In this article we Let's look at volume imbalances - from software failures in the firmware to hardware failures themselves. You will learn how to check the sound balance in your smartphone settings, why the left/right ear may sound quieter after an OS update, and what to do if the problem appears only in specific applications (for example, all possible reasons volume imbalance - due to software glitches in the firmware Android to hardware failures themselves AirPods. You'll learn how to check the sound balance in your smartphone settings, why your left/right ear may sound quieter after an OS update, and what to do if the problem only appears in specific apps (e.g. YouTube or Spotify). We will also dwell in detail on hidden settings of Bluetooth codecsthat directly affect the sound quality of wireless headphones for Android.

If you have already tried to reboot your phone and reset the settings AirPods, but nothing helped, do not rush to take them to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by software, without repair. The main thing is to correctly diagnose the source of the problem.

1. Checking the sound balance in Android settings

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the problem is not in the settings of the smartphone itself. On most devices Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) there is a separate sound balance control between the left and right headphones. If it goes wrong, one AirPods will sound quieter.

To check the balance:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Accessibility → Hearing (on some firmware the path may differ: Settings → Sound → Stereo sound balance).
  • 🔊 Find the slider "Left/Right Balance". dynamics" (or similar). It should be exactly in the middle.
  • 🔄 If the slider is shifted, move it to the center and check the sound.

On some smartphones (for example, OnePlus or Oppo) this option may be hidden. In this case:

  1. Hold icon Settings on the main screen → select Application information → Storage → Clear cache.
  2. Restart your phone and check for availability sound balance item again.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the path to the balance settings may be radically different. If you do not find the option, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco
Google Pixel
OnePlus
Other

2. Reset Bluetooth settings and re-pair AirPods

If the sound balance is fine, but one AirPods still plays quieter, the problem may lie in incorrect pairing the headphones with the phone. The fact is that Android sometimes saves erroneous connection profiles for AirPods, especially if they were previously connected to the device Apple.

To fix this:

Forget the device in the Bluetooth settings|Turn off Bluetooth on 30 seconds|Enable pairing mode on AirPods (press the button on the back panel)|Connect again as to a new device

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Detailed instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
  2. Find your AirPods in the list of paired devices and click on the ⚙️ icon (or hold the name of the headphones).
  3. Select Forget (or Delete).
  4. Open the lid of the charging case AirPods and hold the button on the back panel until 15 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing orange/white.
  5. Reconnect the headphones via the standard Bluetooth menu.

After pairing again, check the volume of both headphones. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions Android 14+ after resetting Bluetooth, it may be necessary restart the phoneto make changes have taken effect. Do not skip this step!

3. Problems with Bluetooth codecs: why AAC and SBC affect the volume

One of the most common causes of sound imbalance — incompatibility of Bluetooth codecs. AirPods codec is used by default AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), but Android it can be unstable, especially on budget smartphones. As a result, one earphone may sound quieter or with a delay.

To check and change the codec:

  • 🎧 Install the application Developer Options (or activate developer mode in the phone settings: About phone → Build number —press 7 times).
  • 🔧 Enable the option Debugging via Bluetooth in Settings → System → Developer Mode.
  • 📊 Install the application Bluetooth Codec Changer (available in Google Play) and select the codec SBC instead of AAC.

Comparison of codecs:

Codec Sound quality Stability on Android Battery consumption
AAC High Low (there may be an imbalance) Average
SBC Average High Low
aptX Very High Medium (requires support) High

If after changing the codec to SBC the problem disappeared, then it’s the culprit was exactly AAC. In this case, you can leave SBC or try other codecs (if your smartphone supports them).

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If your phone does not have the option to change the codec, try using the application PowerAmp or USB Audio Player PRO —they allow you to manually select the codec for each device.

4. AirPods hardware faults: when the headphones are to blame

If all software methods did not help, the problem may be in AirPods. Here are the most common hardware causes of volume imbalance:

  • 🔋 Dead battery in one earbud —if one AirPods is more drained, it may automatically lower the volume to save power.
  • 🧹 Contamination of the speaker or microphone —dust, earwax, or moisture may be blocking sound.
  • 🔊 Damage to the speaker membrane —often occurs after falls or prolonged use at maximum volume.
  • 📡 Bluetooth antenna malfunction —one earphone may catch the signal worse, which affects the volume.

How to diagnose a hardware problem:

  1. Check the charge level of each earphone in the application AirBattery (available in Google Play). If one is discharged 20-30% more, recharge both to 100%.
  2. Inspect the speaker grid with a flashlight - if it is heavily soiled, plaque will be visible.
  3. Connect AirPods to the device Apple (for example, to iPhone friend). If the imbalance remains, the problem is in the headphones.
⚠️ Attention: If AirPods have been dropped into water or subjected to strong vibration (for example, in a pocket while running), a volume imbalance may be a sign detachment of contacts inside the case. In this case, only repair at a service center will help.

How to clean the AirPods speaker at home?

Use soft toothbrush (dry!) or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (no more than 70%). Gently walk over the speaker grid in a circular motionwithout pressing hard. Do not use metal objects or compressed air - this may damage the membrane.

5. Problems in specific applications (YouTube, Spotify, games)

Sometimes one AirPods plays quieter only in certain applications. For example, in YouTube the sound is normal, but in Spotify there is an imbalance. This is due to the fact that some apps have own sound settingswhich may conflict with system ones.

What to do:

  • 🎵 Q Spotify: open Settings → Playback → Equalizer and reset all sliders to zero.
  • 🎮 In games: check the sound settings inside the game - some titles (for example PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) allow you to adjust the balance between game effects and voice chat.
  • 📺 B YouTube: disable normalization volume in the application settings.

If the problem is only in one application, try:

  1. Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → [Name] → Storage → Clear cache).
  2. Update the application to the latest version.
  3. Reinstall it.
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If the imbalance appears only in calls, check the microphone settings in Settings → System → CallsThe Noise Canceling mode may be turned on, which suppresses the sound in one earphone.

6. Updating the AirPods and Android firmware

Often, a volume imbalance appears after updating the firmware Android or firmware AirPods. For example, after the release Android 14 many users complained about sound problems in wireless headphones, including AirPods.

How to update the firmware AirPods:

  1. Connect the headphones to iPhone or iPad (even if you Android, ask a friend).
  2. Place AirPods in the charging case and connect it to the power source.
  3. Make sure that the device Apple is connected to Wi-Fi.
  4. Wait 5-10 minutes - the update will install automatically.

To update Android:

  • 📱 Go to Settings → System → Software update.
  • 🔄 If an update is available, install it and reboot the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware AirPods is updated only through devices Apple. On Android you can check its version through applications like AirBattery, but you cannot update it.

7. Alternative solutions: from custom firmware to a service center

If none of the methods helped, consider the following options:

  • 🛠️ Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) - can solve problems with Bluetooth on old or unofficially supported ones devices.
  • 🔧 Use Bluetooth transmitter (for example, Creative BT-W5) - connects to the phone via wire and transmits the signal to AirPods without loss.
  • 🏥 Contacting a service center —if the problem is hardware (for example, the speaker is faulty), repairing it yourself can aggravate the situation.

Before carrying it AirPods for repair, try connecting them to another device (for example, to MacBook or iPad). If the imbalance persists, the problem is definitely in the headphones. If not, your smartphone is to blame.

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Before visiting the service center, do resetting AirPods to the factory settings: place them in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open and hold the button on the back panel for 15 seconds. This will eliminate software failures.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sound imbalance in AirPods on Android

❓ Why did one AirPods become quieter after updating Android?

The update could change Bluetooth codec settings or reset the sound balance. Try:

  1. Reset Bluetooth settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings).
  2. Manually select codec SBC instead AAC.
  3. Check the sound balance in Settings → Accessibility → Hearing.
❓ Can I fix AirPods myself if one sounds quieter?

If there is a problem c contamination. dynamics — yes, you can carefully clean it with a cotton swab. If the reason is hardware malfunction (for example, a damaged membrane or contacts) - independent repair is not recommended, since the case AirPods is very fragile. It is better to contact the service.

❓ Why is one AirPods quieter in calls, but normal in music?

Perhaps the mode "Mono sound" for calls is enabled (in some firmware Android it is activated automatically). Check:

  • Settings → Accessibility → Hearing → Mono sound (should be off).
  • Application settings Phone —some versions have a separate volume control for calls.
❓ How to check if my AirPods are fake?

Fake AirPods often have problems with sound balance due to low-quality speakers. To check originality:

  1. Look at the serial number on the cover of the case and check it on the website Apple (checkcoverage.apple.com).
  2. Original AirPods connect to iPhone with animation, and the settings display the charge level of each earphone.
  3. Fakes often lack a proximity sensor (the music does not stop when the earphone is removed from the ear).
❓ Why did the problem return after resetting Android settings?

This may mean that:

  • 🔄 In your firmware hardcoded bug with Bluetooth (relevant for some models Xiaomi and Realme).
  • 📱 Headphones incompatible with your version of Android (for example, AirPods Max may not work correctly on Android 10 and below).
  • 🛠️ Required manual editing of system files (only for advanced users).

In this case, try using AirPods with another device or contact the support of the smartphone manufacturer.