If your AirPods have no sound, it usually means there’s a connection issue, incorrect audio settings, or a hardware malfunction. This problem can affect one or both AirPods and may happen suddenly or after a recent update. Here’s how to restore audio output to your AirPods.
Check Battery Levels
Low or empty batteries can cause your AirPods to stop producing sound.
- Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then open the lid near your iPhone.
- A pop-up should show battery levels for both AirPods and the case.
- If one AirPod shows 0%, it may not charge properly-clean the contacts and charge for at least 15 minutes.
Both AirPods need sufficient power to play audio correctly.
Make Sure Audio Is Playing Through AirPods
Sometimes audio output switches to another device automatically.
- Swipe down on your iPhone’s Control Center.
- Tap the AirPlay audio icon (a triangle with circles).
- Select your AirPods from the list of available devices.
Alternatively, on iPhone go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i next to your AirPods, and ensure they show Connected.
Reconnect the AirPods
If your AirPods are connected but silent:
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid.
- On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to your AirPods, and choose Forget This Device.
- Hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
- Reconnect your AirPods near your iPhone or iPad.
Reconnecting creates a new, stable Bluetooth link that can restore sound.
Check the Volume and Audio Balance
Muted or unbalanced settings can make AirPods appear silent.
- Press the volume up button while playing media.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
- Make sure the Balance slider is centered between left and right.
- Turn off Mono Audio if it’s enabled.
If using AirPods Pro or AirPods 4, open Settings > AirPods and check that Noise Control modes are functioning properly.
Test Sound in Multiple Apps
Try playing audio from different apps such as Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube.
- If one app has no sound while others do, reinstall or update that app.
- If all apps have no sound, the issue is likely with the AirPods or device settings.
Testing across apps helps identify whether it’s an app-specific or device-wide problem.
Clean the AirPods
Dirt, earwax, or debris can block the speaker mesh.
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the AirPods.
- Carefully clean the speaker openings with a dry cotton swab or a soft brush.
- Avoid liquids or compressed air.
Blocked speakers often cause very low or no sound output.
Disable Automatic Ear Detection
Sometimes the sensors fail to recognize when AirPods are in your ears.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the i next to your AirPods.
- Turn off Automatic Ear Detection.
With this setting off, sound should continue playing even if the AirPods fail to detect your ears correctly.
Reset the AirPods
A full reset can resolve software or pairing errors.
- Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect the AirPods to your device.
After resetting, test the sound again to confirm audio is restored.
Check for Bluetooth Interference
If you hear no sound but the AirPods appear connected, interference might be disrupting the signal.
- Move away from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and other Bluetooth devices.
- Keep the AirPods and iPhone within 10 meters (33 feet) of each other.
- Turn off Bluetooth on other nearby devices.
Stable signal conditions ensure continuous audio playback.
Update AirPods Firmware and iOS
Software bugs can cause audio loss.
- Place AirPods in the case, connect to power, and keep them near your iPhone or iPad.
- Leave them for 30 minutes to allow firmware updates to install automatically.
- Check that your iPhone or iPad runs the latest iOS version under Settings > General > Software Update.
Updates often fix Bluetooth and audio-related issues.
Try Another Device
Connect your AirPods to another Apple or non-Apple device.
- If you hear sound, the issue lies with your original device.
- If there’s still no sound, the AirPods may need repair.
This quick test isolates whether the problem is hardware- or software-related.
When AirPods Still Have No Sound
If your AirPods remain silent after all troubleshooting steps:
- The speakers or internal circuitry may be damaged.
- The charging case might not be recognizing one or both AirPods.
- Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for service.
- Check your warranty coverage or AppleCare status at checkcoverage.apple.com.