One earbud not working or headphones won't connect to your phone? Reset and other fixes
Wireless headphones most often “break” because of software or clogged mesh. A reset and cleaning solve the problem in most cases.
- Most common cause
- lost pairing, dirty mesh and contacts in the case
- Time
- 10–15 minutes
- A single earbud
- usually 35–55% of the price of the set
Clean with a dry, soft brush and a cotton swab. Don't rinse the earbuds with water and don't push anything sharp into the speaker mesh.
Step by step
Check the sound balance on your phone
iPhone: Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Balance. Android: Settings → Accessibility → Hearing enhancements/Sound → Balance. The slider must be in the centre. Also check that mono audio isn't switched on.
Clean the mesh and contacts
Earwax in the mesh is the most common cause of a “quiet” earbud. Gently clean it with a dry brush. Also wipe the contacts on the earbuds and in the case with a dry swab, because dirty contacts mean an earbud that won't charge.
Remove the headphones from Bluetooth and pair them again
On your phone, select the headphones in the Bluetooth list and tap “Forget this device”. Then connect them again. This fixes most connection problems and cases where only one side plays.
Reset the headphones
AirPods: put them in the case, open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber and then white. AirPods 4 have no button, so check the reset procedure on Apple's support page. Other headphones have their own reset procedure, usually holding the button on the case or touching the earbuds. You'll find the instructions in the app or on the manufacturer's website.
Update the firmware
Update the headphones in the manufacturer's app (for example Galaxy Wearable, Sony Headphones or Jabra Sound+). AirPods update by themselves when they're in the case next to an iPhone that's connected to a charger.
Drain and fully charge them
If one earbud drains quickly, run both down to zero and charge them fully in the case. If the difference remains, the battery in that earbud is worn out. You usually can't replace the battery in in-ear earbuds.
- An earbud won't charge even with clean contacts.
- An earbud crackles or plays distorted sound after getting wet.
- The case doesn't charge or gets hot while charging.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Single AirPods / AirPods Pro earbud (Apple service) | approx. 410–820 zł |
| Single earbud from other brands | 35–55% of the price of the set |
| New charging case | 30–45% of the price of the set |
| Over-ear headphone repair (one side doesn't play) | 200–540 zł |
| New ear pads | 80–200 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?
With in-ear earbuds it's worth buying a single earbud or a case. If the batteries in both are worn and the earbuds are 3–4 years old, it's better to buy new ones. Over-ear headphones (Sony, Bose) are usually worth repairing.
Check if it's worth repairing your headphones
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Can I buy just one earbud?
Yes. Apple, Samsung, Sony and many other manufacturers sell single earbuds and cases through their service. A lost earbud doesn't mean you have to buy the whole set.
Why is one earbud quieter than the other?
Most often it's earwax in the mesh. Clean it thoroughly and check the balance in your phone's settings.
Does a reset erase my settings?
A reset removes the pairing and some settings (for example gestures). You'll have to connect the headphones to your phone again and set them up in the app.