Symptoms
- Sound or mic works in only one ear during calls
- Both earbuds work fine for music but not calls
- Switching earbuds moves the problem to the other side
- Issue started after a case drop or exposure to sweat
Likely causes
- CommonBluetooth connection imbalance between earbudsTrue wireless earbuds sync through one 'primary' bud, and a bad sync can silence the other.
- CommonLow battery in one earbudAn earbud with low charge can drop out of the connection before the other.
- PossibleDebris blocking one earbud's speaker or micEarwax or moisture buildup is common in one ear more than the other.
- PossibleFirmware or software glitchA temporary bug can affect just one earbud's audio channel.
- Less commonHardware failure in one earbudSweat, moisture, or age-related wear can damage one earbud's speaker or mic permanently.
What to do
- Put both earbuds back in the charging case, close the lid for 15–30 seconds, then take them back out.
- Charge both earbuds fully, since a low-battery earbud can disconnect first.
- Clean the mesh on both earbuds' speakers and mics with a dry, soft brush.
- Forget the earbuds in Bluetooth settings and re-pair them from scratch.
- Test with only the working earbud in, then only the problem one, to confirm which side is affected.
- Check the earbud manufacturer's app for a firmware update.
- Reset the earbuds to factory settings following the manufacturer's instructions, usually a button press held for several seconds.
- If one earbud remains silent after resetting and cleaning, it likely has a hardware fault needing replacement.
Tools and parts
- Soft-bristled brush
Replacement single earbudSearch: “single replacement wireless earbud”
When to call a pro
If one earbud consistently fails to work after resetting and charging, the manufacturer or a repair shop can replace that single unit.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.