Left AirPod not working despite appearing connected and charged

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Level 1

4 points

Left AirPod not working despite appearing connected and charged

My left AirPod has stopped working recently. It appears as connected and charged but it doesn’t work. I tried unpairing the device and pairing it again and it initially worked, but after a few seconds it failed again. The battery widget also shows the AirPods as separated, instead of together as usual:

Any clue about what’s going on and how to fix it?

iPhone XR, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 23, 2026 7:57 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

WheelieNick

Level 9

57,089 points

Aug 23, 2026 12:44 PM in response to novayhulk14

Make sure that your charging case is fully charged. If your case isn't charging, try these steps.
Place both AirPods in your charging case and let them charge for 30 seconds.
Open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad.
Check the charge status on your iPhone or iPad to make sure that each AirPod is charging.
Put the AirPod that isn't working in the appropriate ear.
With the other AirPod still in the charging case, close the lid of the case.
Play audio to test the malfunctioning AirPod.
Depending on what happens:

- If the malfunctioning AirPod plays sound, place both AirPods in the charging case, let them charge for 30 seconds, open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and test to see if both are now working properly.
- If an AirPod still isn't working, reset your AirPods.

If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support

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