How to Fix Left or Right AirPod When It's Not Connecting

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Fix your left AirPod or AirPod Pro connection

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: February 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Troubleshooting & Fixes

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Why is my left AirPod not connecting?

Is your left AirPod not syncing to your phone or computer? If the charge isn't the issue, you can perform a simple reset to get your AirPods connected again. If both AirPods are connected but you can't hear sound, you can check your audio balance settings. Here's what to do if your left AirPod is not connecting to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device.

Resetting Left AirPod Connection

If your left AirPod isn't connecting to your phone or computer, hard reset the AirPods by putting them into the case and waiting 30 seconds. Press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds, or double-tap the front of the case three times until the light flashes amber, then white. Try pairing again.

Section 1 of 2:

Troubleshooting One AirPod Not Connecting

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1
Hard reset the AirPods. This should also reset replacement AirPods. Before resetting your AirPods, make sure to disconnect them from any device. You can do this quickly by turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To reset your AirPods, do the following:
- Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- AirPods 1, 2, 3, and Pro: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds or until the light flashes amber, then white.
- AirPods 4: Double-tap the front of the case while the light is on. Double-tap again while the light flashes white. Double-tap again when the light flashes faster. The light will flash amber, then white.
2
Forget the device and sync it again. Select the device in the Bluetooth menu, and select Forget This Device. To sync it again, do the following:
- Using iPhone or iPad:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap Bluetooth.
  - Open the case (with both AirPods inside) next to your device.
  - Tap AirPods on your device.^{[1]
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- Using Mac:
  - Click the Apple menu.
  - Select System Settings.
  - Click Bluetooth.
  - Open the case (with both AirPods inside) next to your device.
  - On AirPods 1, 2, or 3, press and hold the setup button for 5 seconds or until the light flashes white. On AirPods 4, double-tap the front of the case so the light turns white.
  - Click AirPods.
  - Click Connect.
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The connection issues may come from your device rather than your AirPods. Power off your iPhone, iPad, or Mac fully. Wait 30 seconds, and then power it on again. Then, try to connect your AirPods.
4
Toggle Bluetooth on and off. Bluetooth must be working properly for your AirPods to connect with your device. Turning it off and on again can fix minor issues.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and tap Bluetooth. Tap the switch to toggle it off (grey), and then tap it to toggle it on again (green).
- On your Mac, click the Apple menu, and select System Settings. Click Bluetooth. Click the switch to toggle it off (grey), and then tap it to toggle it on again (blue).
5
Fully charge both AirPods. If you're having connection issues with your AirPods, make sure the AirPods and case are fully charged. It can take about 1-2 hours to fully charge AirPods when inside the case and plugged into a charging cable.
- Faulty cables can make it seem like your AirPods are charging when they aren't. For the best experience, use an Apple-certified charging cable. Third-party cables may be incompatible with your device.
- You can tell if AirPods are charging by looking at the indicator light on the case. If the light is amber, they are actively charging.
Dirt and debris can get stuck in the AirPod or in the case itself. Inspect both for dirt, and if necessary, use a dry, soft-bristled brush to clean it. You may also use a sharp object like a toothpick to scrape out any packed debris.
7
Check the audio balance. If the AirPod is connected but you're not getting sound, the audio balance may be set to the right AirPod only. To check, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Audio/Visual.
- Look for the Balance scale.
- Make sure the balance is set in the middle.
8
Update your device. If you have an older version of iOS, iPadOS, or MacOS, you may have trouble connecting to newer devices such as the AirPods or AirPods Pro. To check for new updates, do the following:
- iPhone and iPad:
  - Open Settings.
  - Tap General.
  - Tap Software Update.
  - If there's an update available, tap Update Now.^{[2]
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- Mac:
  - Click the Apple menu.
  - Select System Settings or System Preferences.
  - Click General.
  - Click Software Update.^{[3]
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If the left AirPod is still having issues, you can order a replacement for a fee rather than purchasing a whole new pair. To purchase a replacement or get an estimate, visit the Apple Repair website.

Section 2 of 2:

Why is my left AirPod not connecting?

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It may have been unpaired, have low battery, or is mismatched. It's relatively easy to reset AirPods with the button on the cases. If one earbud is left out during this process, it's possible it may have been unpaired from its pair and case. A low battery can also contribute to connection issues with left or right AirPods. Sometimes, the AirPods may get an uneven charge.
- Because AirPods can charge with any case of the same generation, it's possible your AirPods have gotten mismatched with another set. This can happen if you share AirPods with a family member or friend.