[Airpod Max] Transparency only working on left ear

I'm having the same issue. The only thing that helps is factory resetting by holding the digital crown and the noise cancellation button for 15 seconds. But then I have go to re-pair the AirPods Max to each of my devices.

Seems like a firmware issue, Apple!

Holding both buttons for about 5 seconds seemed to have reset the headphones and fixed the issue for me - no reason to reset to factory.

Hi SBDavis1906,

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. Congratulations on your new AirPods Max. It sounds like you're having some trouble with transparency mode, correct? If so, we would love to help see if we can get the issue resolved for you. Let's go ahead and follow the link below to double check your setup. Then if the issue remains, please follow the steps to test the issue further and let us know the result.

Adjust the settings of your AirPods

Place Your AirPods Max on your ears

Swipe the iPhone screen down from the top right of screen to see the Control Center.

Touch and hold the volume control to access the noise control settings.

Make sure that both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency are turned off, and that no music is playing in the AirPods.

Pay close attention to sound and then turn on Active Noise Cancellation. You should hear a chime and notice a change in the external sound in both ears, as if it has become muffled.

Do you notice any decrease in noise cancellation quality when you hear the chime?

Once again, make sure that both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency are turned off, and that no music is playing in the AirPods.

Pay close attention to sound and then turn on Transparency. You should hear a chime and notice a change in the external sound in both ears, as if it becomes amplified.

Do you hear the chime and notice differences in external sound?

Thank you! I also had transparency only in the left ear. This reset solved my problem, at least for now.

Same issue, and the factory reset solved the issue for me as well. Thanks! (Apple - Please fix via firmware update!)

Ajax

I just experienced the same problem of transparency mode only working in the left ear. Holding both buttons to reboot has resolved the problem.

me as well. but i’ve had other MAJOR problems. at this point, my airpod max’s have died on me. they will not connect. i have a new pair on the way through warranty.

Perfect. This worked for me too and saved a factory reset.