Bought a pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro to get rid of volume issues with your previous wireless earbuds, but are still struggling with the same issue? Does one of your AirPods sound louder than the other? Are you using your AirPods Max at full volume, yet feeling the sound output is dull?
Quiet AirPods can be a pain, especially if you have invested in the Apple AirPods for their ever-popular sound performance at different volumes, let alone the maximum volume.
Imagine riding on a bus full of noisy passengers with your AirPods on to cut off the noise. Then suddenly, you realize that one of your AirPods has gone quiet. Sounds annoying, right? But aren’t AirPods devoid of such issues? Well, no. AirPods can also experience audio issues but there are quick fixes available.
Don’t worry. We’re here to help. We’ve got some interesting hacks and tips to help you make your AirPods louder. Whether you are an AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max user, we’ve got you covered.
Why Are My AirPods Quieter or Not Sounding Loud Enough?
Listed below are several reasons that may cause your AirPods, AirPod Pro or AirPods Max to sound quieter or not as loud as they typically do.
1. Volume and Sound Setting Issues
These can impact the loudness of your AirPods in more than one way as follows:
Volume Limiter
Many smartphones (both Android and iOS) comprise the “Volume Limiter” feature to restrict maximum volume. This feature may limit the volume of your AirPods and make them sound quiet.
For example, the Headphone Safety feature on the Apple iPhone, iPod and Apple Watch automatically sends you a notification to turn down the volume if you continuously listen to audio on high volume. Once you receive the notification, the next time you connect your AirPods or any other headphones, the volume will automatically be set to a lower level.
Unbalanced Audio Volume
Unbalanced audio volume settings on your iPhone or iPad can result in one AirPod sounding louder than the other. So, if you feel one of the earbuds is quieter than the other, consider checking the audio volume setting.
Other Volume Settings
In addition to volume limits, the normal volume settings of your device can also impact your AirPods’ performance. Low device volume or muted speaker/headphones’ volume can make your AirPods sound quieter.
Volume of Third-Party Apps
Many third-party apps such as Spotify, YouTube, Microsoft Teams, etc., have their own volume settings. Therefore, if the volume is set too low on these apps, it can impact your AirPods performance.
2. Battery Issues
These can affect the volume of your AirPods in the following ways:
Low Battery Level on Your AirPods
If your AirPods are not properly charged or their battery is low, they may not be able to produce audio with full volume.
AirPods’ Battery Health
Over time, your AirPods’ battery may become weak and affect the sound quality and volume of your AirPods.
Battery Management Feature on Your Device
If your AirPods are connected to a device that is using battery or power management features (such as low power mode), your AirPods’ sound quality may get impacted.
Battery/power management features conserve the battery life of devices by reducing the performance of their active applications and other devices connected to them.
3. Connectivity issues
The following connection issues can impact your AirPods’ volume or reduce the quality of their overall sound output:
Bluetooth Connection Issues
A weak Bluetooth connection can lead to low volume or audio issues in your AirPods. Several factors that can affect the Bluetooth connectivity of your AirPods with your device include:
- Distance of your AirPods from your device
- Signal interferences from other Bluetooth devices around you
Other AirPods’ Connection Issues Due to Low Battery, Damage, or Outdated Firmware
Besides Bluetooth connectivity issues, your AirPods may face other connectivity issues due to low battery, damage, or outdated firmware, which can impact their volume.
If your AirPods are blinking red or your AirPods are flashing orange, there’s surely a connection issue that may not be limited to Bluetooth.
4. Equalizer Settings
Many times, it’s not your AirPods’ volume issue but your device’s EQ settings that can make your AirPods sound dull or headphones louder.
If your device has built-in EQ settings that can alter the frequency response of your AirPods, these settings may hamper the volume of your AirPods.
For example, the “Bass Boost” preset may enhance the low-end frequencies and make your AirPods sound more bass-heavy.
5. Dirt, Dust and Debris
AirPods’ mesh often traps debris (ear wax) and dust that can dramatically impact their volume and sound performance.
6. Firmware Issues
Outdated firmware or firmware with a bug can impact your AirPods’ volume in the following ways:
Audio Processing
Outdated firmware can impact the way your AirPods process audio signals, resulting in lower volume or other sound quality issues.
Volume Limitation
Outdated firmware can limit the maximum volume your AirPods can achieve, resulting in dull or lower volume.
Compatibility Issues With Your Device
If your AirPods’ firmware is not compatible with the device you are using, your AirPods may sound quiet or produce distorted sound output.
7. Damaged AirPods
If your AirPods’ battery, microphone or speaker are damaged, you may experience volume issues with your AirPods.
Battery Damage
A damaged battery may not be able to provide your AirPods with sufficient power to achieve higher volumes.
Microphone Damage
Physical damage to your AirPods’ microphone can lead to audio-signal-pickup issues, which may impact your AirPods’ volume.
Speaker Damage
Physical damage to your right or left airpod speaker from crushing, falling, or water, can affect its ability to produce sound.
How to Adjust Volume of AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max on iPhone, iPad and Other Devices?
Before moving to the hacks to make your AirPods louder, let’s do a quick recap of how to change the volume on AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
| AirPods Model | How to Adjust Volume |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st generation) | Option 1: Use the volume button on the side of your device or volume slider on iPhone control center to raise the volume or reduce it. Option 2: Double tap the AirPod to activate Siri and give the commands, “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Option 3: Use the in-app volume controls. |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | Option 1: Press the volume up button or volume down button on your device or volume slider on iPhone control center. Option 2: Activate Siri to increase the volume or decrease it using your voice by giving the commands, “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Option 3: Use the in-app volume controls to adjust the volume level. |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | Option 1: Use the volume button on your device or volume slider on the iPhone control center. Option 2: Press and hold the indent on the AirPod’s stem to activate Siri and give the commands, “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Option 3: Use the in-app volume controls. Option 4: (only for Apple Watch): Use the Digital Crown. |
| AirPods Pro | Option 1: Use the volume button on your device or volume slider on the iPhone control center. Option 2: Use your voice to activate Siri and give the commands, “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Option 3: Use the in-app volume controls. |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | Option 1: Use the volume button on your device or volume slider on the iPhone control center. Option 2: Use your voice to activate Siri and give the commands, “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Option 3: Use the in-app volume controls. Option 4: Place your thumb on the stem of either AirPod and use your index finger to slide the touch control up or down. |
| AirPods Max | Use the Digital Crown to turn the volume up (by turning clockwise) and down (by turning counterclockwise). |
How to Make AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max Louder?
Now that you’ve identified seven reasons why your AirPods are too quiet all of a sudden, we’ve got some quick hacks to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder. Don’t worry; we’ll also tell you how to fix low volume on AirPods Max.
1. Remove Volume Limits From Your Device
Whether you are using an Apple or Android device with your AirPods, consider disabling the Volume Limiter feature to make you hear louder sounds from your AirPods.
How to Remove the Volume Limit From Your iPhone?
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Click “Sound and Haptics.”
- Click “Headphone Safety.”
- Toggle off “Reduce Loud Sounds.”
2. Balanced Audio Volume
To balance audio volume between your left and right AirPods, fix the audio volume balance.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open “Settings.”
- Click “Accessibility.”
- Click “Audio/Visual.”
- Ensure the slider is in the middle of the balancer before using AirPods.
3. Check Other Volume Settings on Your Device and Third-Party Apps
Ensure your device’s volume is set to maximum and the headphones’ or speaker’s volume is not muted.
To fix the volume of third-party apps, follow these steps on your iPhone, iPad or Android device:
- Open the third-party app you want to adjust the volume for.
- Use the volume buttons on your device (or volume slides in the Contact Center in iPhone and iPad or Settings on Android) to achieve the maximum volume setting while the app is open.
Some third-party apps also come with built-in volume settings. In such cases, use the app’s settings to increase the volume.
4. Charge Your AirPods
If your AirPods are sounding quiet because of low battery, we recommend charging your AirPods to make your AirPods sound louder.
Ensure the AirPods case is also properly charged.
5. Replace Your AirPods’ Battery
If you are experiencing volume issues with your AirPods due to deteriorating battery, we recommend getting the battery replaced.
AirPods’ warranty does not cover batteries that wear down from regular use. However, if you have the AppleCare+ membership for Headphones and your AirPods’ battery capacity is less than 80% of its original capacity, you will be eligible for battery replacement at no cost.
6. Preserve AirPods’ Battery by Disabling Its Battery-Consuming Features
Some advanced features in your AirPods can lead to quick battery drainage. We highly recommend disabling these features to prevent battery drainage and improve your AirPods’ volume.
Active Noise Cancelation
The active noise-canceling feature is only available on Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Even though this feature provides an exceptional listening experience to Apple users by canceling outside noise, it can eat up your AirPods’ battery pretty quickly.
How to Disable Active Noise-Canceling on AirPods Pro/AirPods Max Using iPhone?
- Open “Setting,” followed by “Bluetooth” while wearing your AirPods Pro/AirPods Max.
- Tap the “i’ button next to your AirPods.
- Select the “Off” option in the Noise Control Panel.
How to Disable Active Noise-Canceling on AirPods Pro/AirPods Max Using Mac?
- Click the volume control on the menu bar of your Mac.
- Click your AirPods Pro/AirPods Max name
- Click “off.”
How to Disable Active Noise-Canceling on AirPods Pro/AirPods Max Using Android?
In the case of an Android device, use the Force Sensors on your AirPods Pro’s stem or the noise control button on your AirPods Max to switch between the active noise cancelation, off and transparency modes.
Automatic Ear/Head Detection
The automatic ear/head detection feature on both AirPods Pro and AirPods Max automatically pauses audio when you remove your AirPods and resumes playback when you wear them. Disabling this feature can help you save battery and ensure your AirPods’ volume is not affected.
How to Disable the Automatic Ear Detection Feature on AirPods Pro or AirPods Max Using iPhone or iPad?
- Open “Settings.”
- Click the name of your AirPods Pro.
- Turn off Automatic Ear Detection/Automatic Head Detection.
How to Disable the Automatic Ear Detection Feature on AirPods Pro or AirPods Max Using Mac?
- Open “ System Settings” on the Apple menu.
- Click the name of your AirPods Pro in the sidebar.
- Turn off Automatic Ear Detection/Automatic Head Detection.
7. Reset the Bluetooth Connection
AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max use Bluetooth 5.0.
If you feel the volume issue with your AirPods is the result of weak Bluetooth connection, disconnect your AirPods and reconnect them to your device.
Follow these steps to reset your AirPods’ Bluetooth connection:
- Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Press the button on the back of the charging case until the light blinks white.
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, open “Settings,” followed by “Bluetooth.”
- Click the “i” icon next to your AirPods’ name.
- Click “Forget this Device.”
- Remove your AirPods from the charging case and put them in your ears.
- On your device, open “Settings,” followed by “Bluetooth” and click the AirPods’s name to pair them again.
8. Adjust the Equalizer Settings
If all the methods discussed above do not help in fixing the volume of your AirPods, make adjustments to your device’s equalizer settings and see if you get lucky.
Most devices on the market come with pre-builts EQs. We recommend trying and testing different EQs to see if there’s any change in your AirPods’ volume.
9. Clear Your AirPods
If adjusting the EQ also doesn’t help, clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max to fix the volume issue.
Follow these quick steps to remove dirt, dust and grime from your AirPods.
How to Clean AirPods and AirPods Pro?
- Use a dry, soft and lint-free cloth to clean your AirPods.
- If your AirPods or AirPods Pro have stains, use a slightly wet cloth to clean them. Then dry them using a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid using the AirPods or placing them in their case until they are dry.
- Ensure you don’t end up spilling liquid inside the AirPods’ mesh or microphone.
- Avoid using sharp objects to remove debris from your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
- If your AirPods Pro’s ear tips are stained, remove them and wash them using plain water.
- Dry them before reattaching them to your AirPods Pro.
How to Clean AirPods Max?
- Follow the same steps mentioned above for a basic cleaning of your AirPods Max.
- If you are looking to clean AirPods Max’s cushions and headband, use a mix of 250 ml water and 5 ml liquid detergent.
- Dip a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth into the mix and rub the slightly wet cloth on the cushions and headband for about 1 minute to clean them.
- Use a separate dry, soft and lint-free cloth to dry the cushions and headband. Hold the headphones upside down while cleaning the headband to prevent liquid from trickling down into the headphones’ speakers.
- Leave the cushions and headphones to dry for at least a full day before you assemble and begin using them.
Read our full guide on How to Clean Headphones to learn how to clean your AirPods’ case.
9. Upgrade Your AirPods’ Firmware
Sometimes, AirPods with outdated firmware can cause volume issues. Even though Apple’s firmware updates are delivered automatically, it’s a good idea to check your AirPods’ firmware to ensure they’re updated.
How to Check Your AirPods’ Firmware?
Follow these steps to check your AirPods’ firmware version on iPhone or iPad:
- Check if you have the latest iOS/ iPadOS version.
- Open “Bluetooth” and then “Settings” on your device.
- Click the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
- Scroll down to the “About” section to check your AirPods’ firmware version.
Follow these steps to check your AirPods’ firmware version on Mac:
- Ensure you have the latest version of MacOS.
- Press and hold the “Option” key on your Mac, while clicking Apple Menu, and then click “System Information.”
- Click the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
- Click Bluetooth to check your AirPods’ firmware version.
How to Update Your AirPods’ Firmware?
Follow these steps to update your AirPods’ firmware using iPhone:
- Keep your AirPods inside their charging case.
- Connect the AirPods case to the power socket using the lightning to USB cable or wireless charger.
- Ensure your iPhone has a stable internet connection.
- Move your iPhone close to the AirPods case.
- If there are any pending updates, your AirPods will automatically install and apply them.
Follow these steps to update your AirPods’ firmware using Mac:
- Keep your AirPods inside their charging case.
- Connect the AirPods case to your Mac using the USB-C to lightning cable.
- If there are any pending updates, your AirPods will automatically install and apply them.
Latest Firmware for Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
Per Apple’s official website, here are the latest firmware details for different AirPods versions:
| AirPods Model | Firmware |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st generation) | 6.8.8 |
| AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation) | 5B59 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | 5B58 |
| AirPods Max | 5B59 |
10. Reset Your AirPods
Coming to the last resort, if all of the above methods don’t work, we recommend resetting (calibrating) your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max to fix the volume issue.
How to Calibrate or Reset Your AirPods and AirPods Pro?
Follow these steps to reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro:
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the case’s lid.
- After 30 seconds, open the case’s lid and wear your AirPods in your ears.
- Open “Settings,” followed by “Bluetooth.”
- If your AirPods are connected to your device, tap the “i” icon and disconnect them by selecting the “Forget This Device” option.
- If they are not connected to your device, move to the next step.
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and leave the lid open.
- Press the button on the back of the charging case until the light blinks white.
- Reconnect your AirPods by placing them close to your device with their charging case’s lid open.
How to Reset Your AirPods Max?
Follow these steps to restart or reset your AirPods Max:
- Ensure your AirPods Max headphones are charged.
- To restart AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button and Digital Crown until the LED light on the headphones flashes amber.
- To reset AirPods Max to factory settings: Press and hold the noise control button and Digital Crown for approximately 15 seconds until the LED light on the headphones blink amber and then white.
- Reconnect the AirPods Max headphones to your device after restarting or resettings by holding them near your device for about 1 minute.
11. Contact the Apple Support
If your AirPods aren’t loud enough or sound dull even after resetting, we advise you to get in touch with the Apple support to repair your AirPods or get new AirPods as replacement.
Every pair of AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, comes with one year of hardware repair coverage with Apple’s limited warranty plus up to 90 days of complementary tech support. If your AirPods are older than one year and you have the AppleCare+ subscription, then you can pay a service fee of $29 (taxes extra) and get in touch with an Apple tech expert to get your AirPods fixed.
Final Words on How to Make AirPods Louder
We sincerely hope that by now, you have managed to fix the volume issue in your AirPods.
As you have seen above, there are several reasons that can result in quiet or dull-sounding AirPods. Nevertheless, we’ve recommended quick fixes for each of the reasons in our guide.
By following these hacks and tips, you can enhance the audio quality and volume of your AirPods and enjoy your favorite music without any hassles!
