Both earbuds are connected, but only one has sound, how to fix?

Both earbuds are connected, but only one has sound, how to fix?

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Wireless earbuds have become one of the most essential tech accessories in daily life. Whether you are commuting, working out, gaming, or just relaxing with music, earbuds deliver the freedom of wireless sound while being lightweight and portable. Yet, as convenient as they are, small technical glitches can be very frustrating. One of the most common problems people face is when both earbuds appear connected to a phone or computer, but only one side actually produces sound. This issue can make listening lopsided and uncomfortable, and it often leaves users puzzled about what went wrong.

Another reason this issue is so irritating is because it can stem from many different causes. Unlike a device that simply refuses to connect at all, the situation of “connected but sound only from one earbud” is more ambiguous. The earbuds clearly have some level of communication with the device, yet something disrupts the balanced stereo audio. Sometimes it is a minor Bluetooth glitch, other times it may be a deeper hardware or software fault. The complexity of wireless audio systems means that troubleshooting can require patience and a structured approach.

In addition, users often encounter this issue across different brands—Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, Jabra, or budget-friendly options. The underlying technology of true wireless earbuds is similar, and so are the potential weak points. That makes this problem universal enough that nearly anyone with wireless earbuds is likely to experience it at some point. The good news is that in many cases, the solution is simple once you understand the possible causes. With proper troubleshooting, you can restore stereo sound without replacing your earbuds.

This guide will walk you through a systematic exploration of the issue. We will start by examining the most common reasons why sound plays in only one earbud. Then, we will cover step-by-step troubleshooting techniques—from the simplest checks to more advanced resets. Along the way, we will also highlight prevention strategies, so you reduce the chance of running into the same issue again. By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem on your own, saving both time and money.

• Read also: Why my Android phone showing up earbuds as two different devices?

Why Does Only One Earbud Have Sound?

Before diving into solutions, it is crucial to understand the possible causes. Knowing the “why” behind the issue will help you identify the right fix more quickly.

1. Bluetooth Connection Glitches
   Wireless earbuds rely on Bluetooth pairing, and occasionally, the two earbuds fail to sync properly with each other or with the host device. One bud may register as connected while the other does not complete the handshake.

2. Single-Earbud Mode
   Many true wireless earbuds are designed to work in mono mode, meaning that if you take out one earbud, the remaining one will continue to play. Sometimes, earbuds mistakenly remain stuck in this mode even after both are inserted.

3. Battery Imbalance
   Earbuds charge separately in the case, and one may fail to charge fully due to dirt, poor contact, or a faulty battery. A dead or weak battery can cause an earbud to remain connected but silent.

4. Software or Firmware Bugs
   Outdated firmware on the earbuds or operating system bugs on the phone/computer can cause audio routing errors.

5. Physical Damage
   Exposure to moisture, drops, or wear and tear can damage the tiny speakers or circuits inside one earbud, leading to silence on that side.

6. Audio Balance Settings
   Devices like smartphones and laptops often include audio accessibility features that adjust left-right balance. If this is accidentally set to one side, sound will only play from a single earbud.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Basic Checks

1. Ensure Proper Fit in Ears and Case
   Sometimes the earbud is not fully seated in your ear or charging case. If it is not charging correctly, it may power off silently. Always check the charging contacts for dust and debris.

2. Restart Your Device
   A quick restart of your phone or computer can reset the Bluetooth audio stack and resolve temporary glitches.

3. Reconnect the Earbuds
   Disconnect your earbuds from Bluetooth settings, then reconnect. In many cases, this re-establishes the stereo link.

Step 2: Clean the Earbuds and Case

Earbuds collect dust, earwax, and pocket lint that may interfere with sensors or charging pins. Cleaning tips:

• Use a dry cotton swab or a soft brush to clean the mesh speaker grills.

• Wipe charging contacts with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol.

• Avoid using sharp objects that may damage delicate parts.

If one earbud cannot charge properly, it may appear connected but will not produce sound.

Step 3: Reset the Bluetooth Pairing

1. Go to your phone or computer’s Bluetooth settings.

2. “Forget” or remove the earbuds from the paired devices list.

3. Place the earbuds back in the case and initiate a factory reset (each brand has a different button combination—usually holding down a button on the case or earbuds for several seconds).

4. Re-pair them as if they are brand new.

This step resolves most synchronization problems where one earbud is stuck in single-ear mode.

Step 4: Check Audio Balance Settings

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.

• Ensure the balance slider is in the middle, not pushed to the left or right.

On Android:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing.

• Adjust left/right balance to the center.

On Windows PC:

• Right-click the sound icon > Sounds > Playback device > Properties > Levels > Balance.

• Make sure both left and right are equal.

On Mac:

• Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output.

• Check the balance slider.

Step 5: Update Firmware and Software

Earbud manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix bugs. Use the official companion app (like Apple AirPods firmware updates, Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, or Sony Headphones Connect) to check for updates. Similarly, make sure your phone or computer’s OS is updated.

Step 6: Test with Different Devices

To rule out whether the problem lies in the earbuds or the device, pair the earbuds with a different phone, tablet, or computer. If the problem disappears, the original device’s settings were likely the cause.

Step 7: Hard Reset or Factory Reset the Earbuds

When nothing else works, a factory reset often resolves persistent issues. Each brand uses a different method, such as holding the touch surface for 15 seconds, pressing both buds simultaneously, or using a button on the charging case. Check your user manual.

Step 8: Inspect for Hardware Issues

If one earbud consistently remains silent despite all resets and cleaning, you may be dealing with a hardware fault. Common issues include:

• Speaker driver damage.

• Battery degradation.

• Internal wiring faults.

At this point, professional repair or replacement may be necessary.

Brand-Specific Tips

Apple AirPods

• Place both AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.

• Open the lid, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes amber, then white.

• Reconnect to your device.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

• Use the Galaxy Wearable app to reset.

• Ensure both earbuds are properly seated in the case before attempting reconnection.

Sony WF Series

• Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to initialize or update firmware.

• Check if the earbuds are in priority mode (sometimes one earbud becomes the “main” controller).

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

• Place them in the case, hold the button for 10 seconds until the Bluetooth light blinks.

• Use the Bose Music app for firmware updates.

Preventive Measures

1. Keep Them Clean – Regularly clean both earbuds and the case to ensure charging contacts work properly.

2. Store Properly – Always place earbuds back in the charging case when not in use.

3. Avoid Moisture – Sweat and rain can damage internal circuits.

4. Update Frequently – Install firmware updates promptly.

5. Charge Regularly – Do not let batteries discharge completely too often.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If one earbud remains silent despite resets and updates.

• If you notice physical damage or water exposure.

• If your warranty is still active, contact the manufacturer for replacement.

Most manufacturers offer one-year warranties, and some premium brands provide extended coverage.

Long-Term Perspective

Understanding the technical side of wireless earbuds can make you a more informed user. Issues like “only one side works” are often temporary, but they also highlight the importance of proper care. Wireless audio relies on delicate synchronization between hardware, software, and Bluetooth standards. As devices evolve, newer models are becoming better at preventing such problems, but no device is immune.

By applying structured troubleshooting, you not only solve the immediate problem but also learn habits that keep your earbuds in optimal condition. For many users, that means years of hassle-free stereo listening.

Conclusion

Having both earbuds connect but only one producing sound can be frustrating, but it is rarely a permanent problem. From simple fixes like cleaning and adjusting balance settings to more advanced solutions like firmware updates and factory resets, there are multiple ways to restore stereo audio. The key is to proceed step by step, ruling out simple issues before assuming hardware failure.

In the end, wireless earbuds are sophisticated yet delicate tools. With the troubleshooting techniques outlined in this guide, you can usually resolve the issue yourself and enjoy music, podcasts, or calls with full stereo sound once again. If hardware damage is the cause, reaching out to the manufacturer ensures you get professional support. Either way, understanding the process empowers you as a user and extends the life of your earbuds.