Right AirPod Not Working? Walk Through These 6 Steps
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If your right AirPod has stopped working, the cause is usually software or dirt — not a defect. In most cases, cleaning, checking the audio balance or re-pairing your AirPods solves the problem. If the earbud still doesn't work after that, it's almost certainly hardware and you can buy a single right AirPod from €33.80, without purchasing a complete new set.
Work through the steps below in this order: from the quickest check to the most drastic.
Step 1: check whether the earbud is trying to play sound
Put the right earbud in your ear, play music and cover the left earbud. Do you hear something very faintly? Then the speaker opening is probably clogged and cleaning is the solution. If you hear nothing at all, first check in the Bluetooth menu whether the earbud is connected and has battery. A right AirPod that won't charge is a different problem from an earbud that produces no sound — we cover charging problems in a separate article.
Step 2: clean the speaker opening
Earwax and dust are by far the most common cause of a "broken" earbud. The sound first gets quieter and then seems to disappear entirely.
- Use a dry, soft brush or a wooden toothpick (no metal) to clean the mesh of the speaker opening.
- Never use liquid or compressed air directly on the mesh.
- With AirPods Pro: also remove the silicone tip and clean it separately.
You'll find full instructions per part in our cleaning guide.
Step 3: check your phone's audio balance
A skewed balance setting sends all the sound to the left — making your right earbud seem broken while nothing is wrong.
- iPhone/iPad: Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → check that the balance slider is exactly in the middle and switch off "Mono Audio".
- Android: Settings → Accessibility → look for "audio balance" or "sound balance" (the menu path differs per brand).
This takes ten seconds and is surprisingly often the culprit, especially if the problem appeared after someone else used your phone.
Step 4: forget the AirPods and pair again
Pairing errors occur after software updates or when the earbuds switch between multiple devices. This is how you force a fresh connection:
- Go to Bluetooth settings and choose "Forget This Device" for your AirPods.
- Place both earbuds in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid, hold the case next to your phone and follow the pairing instructions on screen.
Step 5: fully reset the AirPods
If re-pairing doesn't help, do a factory reset. Place both earbuds in the case, leave the lid open and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber and then white. Then pair the set again. AirPods 4 has no physical button — there the reset works by double-tapping the front of the case; follow Apple Support's steps for that model.
Step 6: test with another device
Connect the AirPods to a different phone or tablet. If the right earbud does work there, the problem lies in the settings or software of your own phone. If the earbud stays silent on another device too, crackles, or the sound keeps dropping out — then it's hardware.
When is it really broken?
Hardware is likely if you recognise this:
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Silent on every device, even after reset and cleaning | Faulty speaker |
| Crackling or distorted sound that gets worse | Speaker or moisture damage |
| Earbud cuts out after minutes while the other keeps playing | Worn battery |
| Earbud got wet and has been silent since | Moisture damage |
In practice, the battery or speaker of an AirPod cannot be repaired separately; the housing is glued shut. Replacing the one faulty earbud is then the realistic route.
The replacement route: buy only the right earbud
Good news: your left earbud and charging case are still fine, so you only replace what's broken. At Earbuds Restore you can buy a single right AirPod per generation (AirPods 1 through 4, Pro 1 through 3) in five tested conditions — from Like New (12-month warranty) to Limited (cheapest, 6-month warranty). Right earbuds for AirPods 1 and 2 start at €33.80; newer generations are priced higher.
Here's how to go about it:
- Determine your generation via the model number on your left earbud — see the model number guide.
- Order the right earbud of exactly that generation in the condition that fits your budget.
- Pair the new earbud with your existing set using the pairing guide.
Orders placed on business days before 4:00 PM are usually shipped the same day; within 1-2 business days you'll be listening with both ears again.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my right AirPod suddenly stopped working?
The most common causes are a clogged speaker opening (earwax or dirt), a skewed audio balance in your phone settings, a pairing error that a reset fixes, or an empty battery because the earbud isn't making proper contact in the case. Only once all those causes have been ruled out is a hardware defect likely.
How do I reset my AirPods?
First forget the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings. Then place both earbuds in the case, leave the lid open and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes amber and then white. Then pair the AirPods again. AirPods 4 has no button; there you reset by double-tapping the front of the case (see Apple's instructions for your model).
Can I buy one right AirPod separately?
Yes. You don't need to buy a complete new set if only the right earbud is faulty. A single right AirPod of the same generation pairs with your existing left earbud and charging case. At Earbuds Restore, single right earbuds start at €33.80 (AirPods 1/2), in five tested conditions with warranty.
Will a replacement right earbud work with my old left AirPod?
Yes, as long as the generation matches exactly. Place the replacement right earbud together with your left earbud in the charging case, close the lid briefly and pair the set again via Bluetooth. After that, the two earbuds work as one set again, including automatic pausing and the controls.
Is a faulty earbud covered by warranty?
At Earbuds Restore, Like New condition comes with a 12-month warranty and the refurbished conditions with 6 months, under normal use. If an earbud breaks within that period, we cover the return costs. Damage from drops, impacts or moisture is not covered by the warranty.
