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Problems with new Generation 3 Airpods

I recently purchased 3rd generation Airpods after having used 2nd generation Airpods for over 3.5 years. However, I've noticed some problems with the 3rd generation Airpods:


Immediately after trying them for the first time, I noticed that the left airpod is much louder than the right airpod. I've checked the volume output balance for my airpods under "Accessibility", but even though it shows that the output is balanced across both airpods, the left airpod continues to be much louder than the right. Of course, I compensated for this by simply adjusting the output so that it's heavier on the right airpod, but this in turn messes with the audio quality a little, and is generally pretty annoying.


Also, I was able to hear a lot more background noise with the generation 3 airpods compared to when I used my old generation 2 airpods. This makes the audio sound "airy" or slightly "higher pitched" than what I'm used to, which also bothers me. Is this supposed to happen, or is there an issue with my airpods?


Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can fix the issues above? The left airpod being louder than the right is pretty bothersome, since when I Facetime with my generation 3 airpods, the volume output is set to equal (0.0) and can't be changed, so I can't compensate for the fact that my left airpod is louder than the right. I'm not sure if my airpods have issues, or my ears, or if I'm just not used to the generation 3 airpods yet.

Posted on Feb 8, 2023 12:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 10, 2023 8:56 AM

Hello,


Thank you for your response. I followed the instructions you listed, and unfortunately, the problems that I mentioned in the original post still persist. Specifically, the right Airpod continues to be much quieter than the left Airpod.


Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do next to potentially resolve this issue? Thanks.

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 10, 2023 8:56 AM in response to Stevi_S

Hello,


Thank you for your response. I followed the instructions you listed, and unfortunately, the problems that I mentioned in the original post still persist. Specifically, the right Airpod continues to be much quieter than the left Airpod.


Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do next to potentially resolve this issue? Thanks.

Feb 10, 2023 11:50 AM in response to PatchouliKnowledge

Hi PatchouliKnowledge,


To address the behavior with one AirPod being lower in sound, perform the steps found in If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support.


"If there's low volume in one AirPod

If your left or right AirPod isn't playing any sound, or if the volume is too quiet, follow these steps:

  1. Check the microphone and speaker mesh on each AirPod. 
  2. microphone and speaker on an AirPod
  3. If you see any debris, clean your AirPods using the guidelines in this article, and see if that fixes the issue.


If this continues, it would be bets to have the AirPods taken to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to check them out for replacement."


Contact - Official Apple Support

Find Locations


Regards.




Feb 9, 2023 2:29 PM in response to PatchouliKnowledge

Hi PatchouliKnowledge,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. We understand you have some questions about your AirPods, and we're happy to help. We recommend starting with a reset of your AirPods. A reset is a simple step that can resolve a variety of issues. See how here:


1. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears.
4. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods].
If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button  next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm.
If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step. 
5. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and keep the lid open. 
6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white.*
7. Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the steps on your device's screen.

See more about those steps here: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support


Thanks.

Problems with new Generation 3 Airpods

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