If the AirPods or case are wet
Remove the AirPods from your ears and disconnect charging. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and allow the earbuds and case to dry completely before use or charging.
Water-resistance varies by AirPods model and is not the same as waterproofing. Do not run AirPods under water, use heat or place wet earbuds in the case.
If only one side is quiet
Check the battery level of both AirPods, reseat them and inspect the speaker and microphone meshes under good light. Apple also recommends checking the left-right balance setting when one side is louder.
Do not insert a pin or push debris through the mesh. Follow Apple’s cleaning instructions for the exact AirPods model.
Use sound as a cautious comparison
Place the AirPods on a clean, dry surface with the meshes unobstructed. Start the nBeats AirPods sound below 40% volume with the earbuds outside your ears.
The sound can help you confirm that both earbuds respond after drying. It is not a certified water-removal treatment and cannot prove internal dryness.
Know when to reset or repair
If the problem survives a full charge, balance check, safe cleaning and another source device, use Apple’s current reset steps or support flow. Crackling, heat, swelling or a wet charging case should not be chased with louder sound.
A channel test identifies a difference; it does not diagnose the component that caused it.
Device-specific safety statements are linked to current manufacturer guidance and independent reporting.
Apple: clean your AirPodsApple: if the left or right AirPod is not workingApple: AirPods water-resistance guidance