Left airpod not working after replacement

I was having issues with the left AirPod having a drastic battery drain (I.e. left at say 70 and right at say 100; or even 22 and 100). I did diagnostics with support and setup an appointment to go into the store and have the AirPods checked out. In store, diagnostics were run and I don’t think any issues were found, but they are under warranty.


The left AirPod gets replaced and that seeemigly fixes the battery drain. First thing I noticed after leaving the store-open the AirPods case and they don’t show connected. I pressed the pairing button and got them connected.


Over the weekend, I wanted to use the AirPods but there’s no sound on the left. Upon checking the details in Bluetooth settings, there’s no battery indicator for the left and the right has 100. I charged the case with the AirPods in them and still no sound when the case was fully charged.


With the battery drain before the replacement, the left side would discharge in the case. If I took it out and put it back in I might get lucky in that it would charge and all would be fine.

i tried resetting the AirPods but still not getting sound out of the left side. I would hope that a new AirPod would not be defective.

Posted on Jul 22, 2025 7:06 PM

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7 replies

Jul 25, 2025 8:20 PM in response to CB2367

"Went back to the Apple store and they tested the AirPods again, I thought I saw “issues found” during the test. Never did get to confirm that. Ended up getting a new box of AirPods. So far they are working except that the battery level for the AirPods is now combined instead of separate like it was before."

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Excellent job troubleshooting this!


Take a Screenshot of this Error Message:

Next time you get this error message (“issues found”), take a screenshot, and show it to Apple when you pop in to the Apple Store to get these serviced. Go here: Take a screenshot on iPhone - Apple Support

Jul 23, 2025 1:31 AM in response to CB2367

Did you reset it? If not, please try to reset it:


1. Forget your AirPods from the Bluetooth list.


2. Plug the charging case into a power source.


3. Put in the new earbud and wait for 30-60 minutes.


4. Open the lid of the charging case.


5. 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 and then white. 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 and then white.


6. Connect your phone to AirPods.


Please refer to these instructions:


https://audiospare.com/2025/01/09/guideline-for-airpods-pairing/

Jul 25, 2025 7:32 PM in response to CB2367

"I went to settings..accessibility…audio and visual then scrolled down to balance. The slider is in the middle. The exact menu options specified don’t match what I have and I have noticed the same thing in working with Apple support."

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Downgrading from Beta:

Is iOS26 on your iPhone? If so, you should try downgrading. To find out which iOS version is installed, go to: Settings > General > About. iOS26 is beta software; so, it may be a bug in it. Go here: How to Uninstall iOS or iPadOS Beta Software - Apple Support

Jul 22, 2025 7:58 PM in response to CB2367

"Left airpod not working after replacement[...] Over the weekend, I wanted to use the AirPods but there’s no sound on the left. Upon checking the details in Bluetooth settings, there’s no battery indicator for the left and the right has 100. I charged the case with the AirPods in them and still no sound when the case was fully charged. [...]i tried resetting the AirPods but still not getting sound out of the left side. I would hope that a new AirPod would not be defective."

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Troubleshooting AirPods Balance:


A. Maneuvering these:

Wiggle the AirPod around a little bit in your ear.


B. Also, Clear Out Earwax:


C. Visit Apple Support links:




D. Verify the Balance:

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Accessibility
  4. Scroll Down: to Hearing
  5. Adjust: the audio volume balance

Jul 25, 2025 7:40 PM in response to TheLittles

I’m only using official iOS releases, so I’m on 18.5.


It seemed a bit odd that only one side was replaced and I suspected that was the issue. I could reset the AirPods and see the battery status for both sides and then seconds later, the left side would drop out.


Went back to the Apple store and they tested the AirPods again, I thought I saw “issues found” during the test. Never did get to confirm that.


Ended up getting a new box of AirPods. So far they are working except that the battery level for the AirPods is now combined instead of separate like it was before.

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Left airpod not working after replacement

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