Why Does One of My AirPods Die Faster? [Solved!]

AirPods are some of the best wireless earbuds on the market, so it can be frustrating when only one AirPod seems to lose battery quickly. There are several reasons for this issue, but thankfully these are not without solutions.

Using one AirPod significantly more than the other will decrease its battery life faster. Another reason one AirPod dies faster than the other may be that only one AirPod is configured to use Siri, which can drain that AirPods battery. This can be changed in settings. 

After spending several hundred dollars on AirPods, having one earbud die faster than the other can be quite annoying. Keep reading to learn more about why your AirPods are dying and what you can do to fix them.

Regularly Using One Airpod

One of the more common reasons why one AirPod dies faster is because it gets used more. Having one specific AirPod in all the time can negatively affect the battery life. Using one AirPod at a time causes it to have more cycles. More cycles mean the battery will deteriorate faster.

The solution to this problem is to use both AirPods evenly. Alternate between the left and the right AirPod when only wearing one. Be aware of the battery life of your AirPods. If one is always charged, consider using that one to balance out the battery life. This will give your frequently used AirPod a break and extend its battery life. 

Airpods aren’t meant to be used individually. Using one at a time can be hard on the battery life. Be aware of how you use your AirPods. Many people favor the right AirPod and tend to wear it one more than the left. This causes issues with the battery life and leads to overuse.

Wearing one AirPod at a time decreases the volume of the music and increases your ability to hear things around you. As long as you alternate which AirPod you wear, the battery life should remain equal. 

Siri Only Connects to One Airpod

Apple automatically turns on Siri in your AirPods. This is so Siri can always be listening and ready to help. Unfortunately, this is a pretty big battery drainer. If only one AirPod is configured to use Siri, it will drain that earbud’s battery faster. You can alter Siri’s connection to your AirPods in settings. To save your AirPod’s battery life, we recommend turning off Siri on your AirPods altogether since it is one of the main sources of battery draining in AirPods. 

Talking on the phone or being on Facetime while connecting to your AirPods is a great feature that makes communicating easier and hands-free.

However, if you notice one AirPod draining faster it may be related to the time you spend talking while connected to your AirPods. Sometimes, the microphone on your AirPods is only connected to one AirPod. This is a huge battery drainer.

This can also be altered in settings. Go into Bluetooth in settings and view the details of your Airpods. You can see how your AirPods are connected to the microphone. Change your microphone settings to automatic, and then the microphone will periodically switch between AirPods, saving your battery life. 

Airpods Charging Unevenly

For some, charging may be the root of one Airpod dying faster than the other. If your AirPods are charging unevenly, one might appear to be losing battery life faster. If you notice that your AirPods don’t charge evenly, start by cleaning them.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep AirPods functioning correctly. All you need is a Q-tip or a soft bristle toothbrush. You can also use a toothpick to get inside the crevices. Cleaning the interior of the charging port as best you can. Remove any dust or dirt that inevitably will collect there. If it is dirty, your AirPods may charge unevenly or not charge at all.

Clean the inside of the case and clean the AirPods themselves. Focus on the tail of your AirPods when cleaning because that is how they connect to the charging case. You should clean your AirPods around three times a month. This should help them charge more efficiently and evenly. 

If the issue of uneven charging persists, reset your AirPods. To reset your AirPods, go into settings, view your AirPod details, then press “forget this device.” Next, press and hold the button on the back of the case. The status light should turn an amber color. Repair your AirPods to your device.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to contact Apple Support. They can provide you with repair and replacement information. 

Replace Your AirPods Battery

If one AirPod continues to die significantly quicker than the other, there is one final solution: replacing your AirPod’s batteries. If your AirPods are still under warranty, you can replace the battery for 49 dollars each. If they aren’t under warranty, it will cost 69 dollars for each battery replacement.

To save money, consider replacing the battery in only one AirPod. If it is only one specific side that tends to drain, replacing that battery is the more logical, and financially sound, option. If both AirPods are having battery issues, replace the AirPods themselves instead of the battery.

Replacing the AirPods is only a little more money than replacing the battery, and you are guaranteed a solution. 

When purchasing a new battery or new AirPods, make sure you get them from an authentic store. Going to a real Apple store is beneficial because you can consult with real Apple experts.

It may be a little more expensive but it is worth it. You will get good advice from Apple, and you will also be guaranteed an authentic product. 

Replacing the battery should usually be the last option. Typically, the previously listed solutions are successful, and you won’t have to spend money on new batteries. Before deciding to purchase batteries, make sure you have tried changing your setting options, disconnected from Siri, and charged your AirPods evenly. If all else fails, contact Apple Support.