Symptoms
- Sound plays only in one ear with headphones
- Speakerphone sounds fine but headphones are one-sided
- Balance seems shifted more to one side than centered
- Issue happens with all headphones, wired or wireless
Likely causes
- CommonAudio balance setting shifted to one sideAccessibility settings include a left/right audio balance slider that can get bumped accidentally.
- CommonDamaged headphone cable or connectorA frayed wired headphone cable often loses one channel before the other.
- PossibleDebris in the headphone jack or charging portPartial blockage can interfere with one audio channel more than the other.
- PossibleMono audio setting turned onMono audio combines channels and can sound like it's coming from only one side depending on the accessory.
- Less commonFaulty earbud or one nonfunctioning speakerOne earbud or the phone's own channel amplifier can fail independently.
What to do
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual (or similar) and check the left/right balance slider is centered.
- Test with a different pair of headphones to rule out a damaged cable or earbud.
- Check the Mono Audio setting in Accessibility settings and turn it off if enabled.
- Inspect the headphone jack or charging port for debris and clean gently.
- Play music through the phone's main speaker to see if it's balanced there.
- Try the same headphones on a different device to isolate whether the headphones or the phone are at fault.
- Restart the phone to clear a stuck audio setting.
- If sound remains one-sided across multiple headphones after these checks, the phone's audio hardware may need service.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Soft-bristled brush
Replacement headphones or earbudsSearch: “wired or wireless replacement headphones”
When to call a pro
If audio stays one-sided across multiple headphone sets after checking balance settings, have the phone's audio hardware tested.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.