
Are you having issues with your AirPods audio quality? If so, you might be looking for a way to fix the sound. Luckily, there are a few workarounds to troubleshoot this issue.
If you want to fix your AirPods audio, disable the EQ settings on your iPhone. To do this, go to the Settings app and tap “Music.” Select “EQ” and tap “Off.” Alternatively, adjust the Audio Balance under Settings > Accessibility and tap “Audio/Visual.” Drag the slider to the center.
In this article, we will explore how to fix AirPods audio with easy and simple step-by-step instructions to help you get better sound.
- Reasons for Bad AirPods Audio
-
Fixing AirPods Audio
- Method #1: Changing the Volume on Your AirPods
- Method #2: Cleaning the Wax Build-Up in the AirPods
- Method #3: Disabling Equalizer Settings on Your iPhone
- Method #4: Adjusting the Audio Balance
- Method #5: Turning Off the Reduce Loud Sounds Feature
- Method #6: Disabling Low Power Mode
- Method #7: Updating Your AirPods Firmware
- Method #8: Resetting Your AirPods
- Summary
Reasons for Bad AirPods Audio
The following are reasons why your AirPods audio quality may not be good.
- You might have decreased the volume unknowingly.
- Your AirPods battery might be low.
- Low Power Mode on your device is turned on.
- Your AirPods firmware needs an update.
- Your AirPods might be facing software glitches.
- The headphones’ safety feature is turned on.
- Wax build-up is affecting the audio quality.
Fixing AirPods Audio
If you don’t know how to fix AirPods audio, our eight simple step-by-step methods will help you successfully resolve the issue in no time.
Method #1: Changing the Volume on Your AirPods
You might have unintentionally reduced the volume on your AirPods, resulting in low and muffled sound quality. To change the AirPods volume on iPhone, follow these steps:
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
- Use the Volume Up button on your iPhone to turn up the sound.
If you want to change the volume from the AirPods, follow the instructions below.
- On first-generation AirPods, double-tap any of the earbuds and ask Siri to adjust the volume.
- On second-generation AirPods or later, say “Hi Siri” and ask it to adjust the volume.
- For the AirPods Pro, activate Siri on either AirPods and ask it to increase the volume.
If your AirPods are not charged, their audio quality might be affected, and you will experience no or bad sound quality.
Method #2: Cleaning the Wax Build-Up in the AirPods
Another reason your AirPods audio quality may not be good is wax build-up.
Here is the complete guide to cleaning your AirPods effortlessly:
- Take a clean cotton swab or soft bristle brush and gently swipe across the AirPods hole and edges with it.
- Ensure not to apply too much pressure; this would push the gunk further inside.
- After cleaning, check your AirPods sound and verify if it worked.

Method #3: Disabling Equalizer Settings on Your iPhone
If you have turned on any equalizer settings on your iPhone, it can affect the sound on your AirPods. To turn off the equalizer settings, follow these steps:
- Tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Music” and select “EQ.”
- If the EQ settings are turned on, tap “Off.”

Alternatively, choose the Bass Booster option to increase the audio quality on your AirPods.
Method #4: Adjusting the Audio Balance
iPhones and iPads come with an accessibility feature that reduces the volume in one ear if you are listening to something loud for too long.
Follow the instructions below to adjust the audio balance and fix the AirPods audio.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Head to Accessibility and tap “Audio/Visual.”
- Drag the slider to the center to adjust the volume on both AirPods.

Method #5: Turning Off the Reduce Loud Sounds Feature
If the Reduce Loud Sound feature is enabled on your iPhone, your AirPods audio will be affected. To turn off this option, do the following:
- Tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Sounds & Haptics.”
- Tap “Headphone Safety.”
- Toggle the button next to “Reduce Loud Sounds” to turn it off.

Check the audio quality on your AirPods and see if the problem persists.
Method #6: Disabling Low Power Mode
Turning on the Low Power Mode on your iPhone can result in low audio quality on your AirPods. Therefore, disable the feature by performing these steps.
- Swipe down from the corner or up from the bottom of the iPhone Home screen to access the Control Center.
- Check the battery icon; if it is yellow, tap the icon to turn it off.
- Alternatively, go to the Settings app, tap “Battery,” and disable the Low Power Mode.

Method #7: Updating Your AirPods Firmware
Updating your AirPods firmware on your iPad or iPhone can help you fix software glitches and the audio quality.
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and connect the charging case to the main power outlet.
- Connect your iPad or iPhone to an active WiFi connection.
- Take your iPad or iPhone near your AirPods case.
- Your device will check and install the new AirPods firmware version automatically.
- Wait for some time to let the AirPods download the latest firmware, and remove the AirPods from the case afterward.
- Connect the AirPods to your device and see if the audio is fixed.
You can also try updating your iPhone or iPad’s OS to fix software bugs affecting the audio output of your AirPods.
Method #8: Resetting Your AirPods
Sometimes, the AirPods audio quality is affected due to a software glitch. In this case, you can reset the Airpods in the following way.
- Place your AirPods in the case, wait for 30 seconds and take them out.
- Forget the Bluetooth connection between your iOS device and AirPods.
- Hold the back button on the case for 30 seconds until the light flashes amber and white.
- Re-pair your AirPods to your device and check the audio.
You can also turn on the Noise Cancelation Mode on your AirPods Pro and Max to fix the audio.
Summary
In this guide on fixing AirPods audio, we’ve discussed the causes for the issue and explored several methods to get the best sound quality out of your gadget.
Hopefully, your AirPods audio is fixed, and now you can enjoy your favorite music without facing further issues.