AirPods: reset when one earbud doesn't work or they won't connect
When one AirPod goes silent, it is usually drained, dirty or the balance is set wrong. Leave the reset for last.
- Most common cause
- a drained or dirty earbud, sound balance, a pairing error
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
- Repair shop, if nothing helps
- 340–820 zł for an earbud replacement
Resetting AirPods removes pairings and settings. Afterwards you have to pair them again with all your devices. Don't use water, sharp objects or a lot of alcohol to clean the mesh and contacts.
Step by step
Charge the earbuds and the case
One earbud is often just drained. Put both in the case and plug it into the charger for about a quarter of an hour.
Put both earbuds in the case for 30 seconds
Close the lid, wait 30 seconds and take them out again. This is a simple restart.
Clean the charging contacts
Gently clean the contacts in the earbuds and in the case with a dry cotton swab or a soft brush. Dirt on the contacts stops an earbud from charging.
Check the sound balance
Go to Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual and set the L/R balance slider to the middle. If the slider is shifted, one side plays quieter or not at all.
Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth list
Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. On your phone, remove them from the Bluetooth list and try pairing again.
Warning: reset AirPods (1st to 3rd generation and Pro 1 and 2)
The reset removes pairings and settings. Open the lid and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber, then white. Then pair the earbuds again.
Warning: reset AirPods 4 and 5 and Pro 3
The reset removes pairings and settings. Close the lid for 30 seconds, open it and double-tap the front of the case, three times in a row, until the light flashes amber, then white. Check Apple's support page for your model for details.
- Only one earbud still plays after the reset.
- An earbud or the case won't charge even after cleaning the contacts.
- The earbuds got wet or were dropped.
- The battery lasts a very short time, for example a quarter of an hour.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Replacing a single earbud | 340–820 zł |
| Replacing the charging case | 270–610 zł |
| Replacing the battery in an earbud (repair shop) | 270–540 zł |
| Cleaning and diagnosis | 40–140 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
All the steps in this guide are free, so start with them. If the hardware has failed, replacing one earbud can be cheaper than a full set, but it is often close to the price of new ones. Check it in the calculator.
Check if repairing your earbuds is worth it
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Open the calculator →FAQ
How do I reset AirPods?
It depends on the model. AirPods 1st to 3rd generation and Pro 1 and 2: hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber, then white. Newer models are reset by double-tapping the front of the case, see the steps for details.
Why is only one earbud playing?
Most often it is drained, has dirty contacts or the sound balance is shifted. Check these before resetting.
Does a reset remove the AirPods from my account?
The reset removes pairings and settings. Afterwards you pair the earbuds again.