Apple’s AirPods have become a staple accessory for many, providing a convenient and wireless way to listen to music and take calls.
However, a common issue faced by AirPod users is that one of the earbuds seems to die faster than the other. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a call or listening to your favorite tunes.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why one AirPod may die faster and offer solutions to keep both earbuds functioning optimally.
Reasons Why One AirPod Dies Faster
There are many reasons why one AirPod may die faster than the other. Understanding these reasons and taking steps to address them can help ensure that both AirPods have a consistent battery life.
Usage patterns: AirPods are designed to be used in pairs, but that doesn’t mean both AirPods are used equally. If you tend to use one AirPod more frequently than the other, it is likely that the more frequently used AirPod will have lower battery life.
Imbalanced volume levels: If you set the volume level differently for each AirPod, the one with the higher volume setting will drain its battery faster. This is because increasing the volume requires more power from the battery.
Dirt and debris: AirPods can accumulate dirt, debris, and earwax over time, which can affect the battery life. This is particularly true for the AirPod which is more frequently used, as it is exposed to more debris and earwax.
Age of the AirPods: Over time, the battery life of AirPods can decrease. The older the AirPods, the more likely it is that one AirPod will die faster than the other.
Battery calibration: Sometimes, one AirPod may simply have a battery that drains faster than the other. This can occur due to differences in the battery calibration process during the manufacturing of the AirPods.
Software updates: Software updates can also have an impact on battery life. If one AirPod has received a software update that the other has not, this could result in a difference in battery life between the two AirPods.
Connection issues: If one AirPod is having trouble connecting to your device, this can also impact the battery life. For example, if one AirPod is frequently losing its connection, it may be using
more power to maintain the connection, leading to a faster battery drain.
How To Prevent One AirPod From Dying Faster?
1. Use both AirPods equally
Using both AirPods equally is one of the simplest and most effective solutions for preventing one AirPod from dying faster than the other. By using both AirPods equally, you ensure that both earbuds receive the same amount of wear and tear, which can help prolong their battery life. This is because each AirPod has its own battery, and when one AirPod is used more frequently than the other, it will naturally drain its battery faster.
It’s common for people to have a preferred ear when using earbuds, which can lead to one AirPod being used more frequently than the other. However, making a conscious effort to use both AirPods equally can help prevent this imbalance and keep both AirPods functioning optimally.
If you’re not sure which AirPod you use more frequently, you can use the “Battery” feature in the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad to see the battery life of each AirPod. By tracking the battery life of each AirPod, you can see if one is being used more frequently than the other and make adjustments as necessary.
2. Enable Automatic Ear Detection
By enabling Automatic Ear Detection, your AirPods will automatically pause audio playback when one earbud is removed from your ear, helping to conserve battery life and prevent one AirPod from dying faster than the other.
To enable Automatic Ear Detection, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device
- Go to Bluetooth and select your AirPods from the list of paired devices
- Scroll down to the options and toggle on Automatic Ear Detection.
3. Equalize volume settings
Equalizing the volume settings is another effective solution for preventing one AirPod from dying faster than the other. If you’re in the habit of setting the volume differently for each AirPod, this can cause one AirPod to drain its battery faster, leading to an imbalance in battery life.
To prevent this, it’s important to make sure that both AirPods have the same volume setting. This can be easily done by adjusting the volume directly from the earbuds themselves, or by using the volume controls on your iPhone or iPad.
It’s also important to keep in mind that having the volume set too high can put additional strain on the battery, leading to a faster drain. By keeping the volume at a moderate level and making sure that both AirPods have the same volume setting, you can help prolong the battery life of both earbuds.
4. Clean regularly
Regular cleaning can help ensure that the AirPods are functioning optimally and prevent one earbud from draining its battery faster than the other. Over time, dirt, debris, and earwax can accumulate on the AirPods, which can affect their battery life and performance.
Apple provides a cleaning kit with each pair of AirPods, which includes a soft, lint-free cloth for wiping the earbuds and a cleaning brush for removing any debris. Using this cleaning kit regularly can help maintain the battery life and performance of your AirPods.
If you don’t have the cleaning kit on hand, a dry cotton swab can be used to gently clean the earbuds. Simply insert the cotton swab into the speaker mesh on each earbud and rotate it gently to remove any debris. You can also use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the earbuds, taking care to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the surface.
It’s also important to keep in mind that AirPods should be stored in their charging case when not in use to prevent damage from dirt, debris, and other environmental factors.
5. Keep software updated
Software updates can often include bug fixes and performance improvements, and by keeping your software up to date, you can ensure that your AirPods are functioning optimally. In addition, software updates may also include improvements to battery life, which can help prevent one earbud from draining its battery faster than the other.
To check for software updates:
- Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap “General” and select “Software Update.“
- If an update is available, simply follow the prompts to download and install it.
6. Ensure a strong connection
To prevent an imbalance in the AirPods battery health, make sure both AirPods are connected to your device, and that the connection is strong. If you’re having trouble with the connection, try moving your device closer to the AirPods or resetting the connection.
To reset the connection:
- Take both AirPods out of your ears and place them in the charging case.
- Close the lid, wait a few seconds,
- Open the lid again and use your AirPods.
This will reset the connection between the AirPods and your device.
It’s important to keep in mind that the connection strength can also be affected by environmental factors, such as physical obstructions, other electronic devices, and radio frequency interference. If you’re experiencing a weak connection, try moving to a different location or turning off other electronic devices to see if this improves the connection.
7. Consider replacing the AirPods
Lastly, if all else fails, replacing the AirPods may be the best solution for you. Over time, the battery life of the AirPods can decrease, particularly if the earbuds are more than two years old.
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and are still experiencing a discrepancy in battery life between the two AirPods, it may be time to consider getting a new pair. While purchasing a new pair of AirPods can be an investment, it can also ensure that you have a consistent and optimal battery life for both earbuds
