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LEVEL 8 CHALLENGE: Why did my 2nd generation AirPods stop working on my iPhone 12 apps ONLY?

I have 2nd generation AirPods which have worked perfectly on all my devices until about six weeks ago. They are still working normally on my iPhone 7 and my iPad Pro. On my iPhone 12, first the audio in phone calls stopped working well, I could hear but people could not hear me. Then the audio in some apps stopped working but I could still listen in my browser. Now all apps (Music, Podcasts, Libby, YouTube, InsightTimer) and all browsers--no sound at all.


Like phone calls, Zoom calls I can still hear audio just fine, and sometimes others can hear me, sometimes they cannot.


All my devices, including the AirPods, are up-to-date software-wise. I have tried everything on this list: https://headphonesaddict.com/apple-airpods-connected-but-no-sound/ Audio through wired headphones (or w/o headphones) is just fine.


Posted on Sep 4, 2023 7:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 5, 2023 8:40 AM

FIXED!!! Ok so after a chat with a very nice Apple support person, this got sent up to phone support and the phone support person didn't even know why this worked, she was troubleshooting for a different potential issue lol... but I'll take it!

1) Connect to AirPods, with both of them in your ears

2) Take one AirPod out, place it in the case. Play music in Music app. Is the one in your ear working now?

3) If yes, switch to the other AirPod. Is it working too? Yes?

4) Now place them back in the case, and then put them back in your ears. Are they both working now?

If they are, you got lucky like I did!


I swear I had done every single usual suggestion given for getting them to work again. This solution needs to be added to the list!

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 5, 2023 8:40 AM in response to EJH8000

FIXED!!! Ok so after a chat with a very nice Apple support person, this got sent up to phone support and the phone support person didn't even know why this worked, she was troubleshooting for a different potential issue lol... but I'll take it!

1) Connect to AirPods, with both of them in your ears

2) Take one AirPod out, place it in the case. Play music in Music app. Is the one in your ear working now?

3) If yes, switch to the other AirPod. Is it working too? Yes?

4) Now place them back in the case, and then put them back in your ears. Are they both working now?

If they are, you got lucky like I did!


I swear I had done every single usual suggestion given for getting them to work again. This solution needs to be added to the list!

Sep 5, 2023 10:48 AM in response to EJH8000

😭 NOT FIXED YET. It wasn't messing with the R/L headphones--it was that I was in a phone call wearing the headphones. So, new discovery, sound from apps will play if I'm also on the phone with someone. So I guess I just need to call random people and say "I didn't really want to talk, but could you stay on the phone with me for a couple hours while I listen to this audiobook?" 😆 Back on the line with support.

LEVEL 8 CHALLENGE: Why did my 2nd generation AirPods stop working on my iPhone 12 apps ONLY?

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