AirPods Static Noise in One Ear

The excellent quality of AirPods is undeniable, much like any other Apple product. Anyone who’s ever used a few Bluetooth earphone brands before switching to AirPods will agree with this fact.

But like any other device, AirPods are not perfect. For instance, they may produce a buzzing or static noise when playing music, on phone calls, or on Zoom for no apparent reason. You may have likely experienced this problem if you’ve been using AirPods bought in 2020.

You may be wondering why AirPods Pro is making static noise in one ear. Stick with us to find out.

Why AirPods Produce Static Noise in One Ear

These are the most common reasons why one of your AirPods is producing static noise.

Reason 1: Manufacturer Defect

Some of the AirPods Pro manufactured and released before October 2020 are defective. Users experienced hearing static noises on PC, Mac, iPhone or any other device whenever they used these damaged earbuds in loud environments.

This issue caused Apple to do a massive AirPods Pro recall.

Some AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 are defective and they make static noises.

Another problem that the recalled AirPods Pro experienced is a defect in the “Active Noise Cancellation” feature.

However, some consumers have already bought their wireless earbuds before Apple was able to recall the defective models. So, if you bought your device on the said date, chances are the crackling noise is an internal component issue.

Reason 2: Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth allows devices like AirPods to connect to other devices like smartphones wirelessly. However, the same technology that enables wireless connection can also be the reason why AirPods make static noise in one ear.

Bluetooth operates on a frequency of 2.4GHz, the same frequency utilized by many home devices, such as phones, Wi-Fi routers, and microwave ovens. When you use your AirPods within proximity to devices that operate on the same frequency, they interfere with each other’s signals. As a result, your AirPods become static.

These crackling noises may also occur on your wireless AirPods if you are using them away from your phone. The distance between the earbuds and the phone it is connected to weakens Bluetooth connection, causing your AirPods to produce static noise in one ear.

Learn more about AirPods Bluetooth Interference

Reason 3: Outdated Software

iPhone software issues can also cause crackling noises on your AirPods. If your AirPods are connected to an iPhone with outdated software, there may be bugs that contribute to the noise issue.

In more serious cases, outdated software can even result in compatibility issues and signal interference. This problem further worsens your wireless earbuds’ audio problems.

Reason 4: Damaged Speaker

While AirPods are undeniably sturdy, they may still experience hardware damage. That said, another reason why one of your AirPods sound staticy is a damaged speaker. This issue likely occurs if you have been using your AirPods for a long time now or if it is crushed by something heavy.

Despite the durability of AirPods, years of use can cause them to slowly degrade. As a result, they may start sounding too quiet, muffled, or static. Find out what to do if your AirPods sound muffled.

Notice how none of the reasons is related to water damage. If you washed your AirPods, then check out what to do here.

How to Fix AirPods Static Noise in One Ear

Here are some of the solutions for AirPods making static/buzzing noise in one ear:

Solution 1: Bring Your AirPods Pro to an Authorized Service Provider

The best way to fix AirPods Pro which produces static noise in one ear is to bring it to an authorized Apple dealer or contact Apple Support. However, it is worth noting that this solution is only applicable to AirPods Pro bought before October 2020.

The store will initially examine your AirPods Pro to determine if it fits their replacement service. After the Apple dealer has confirmed that your wireless earbuds are a model they recalled, they will replace them without any hassle.

Only the earbuds will be replaced and you will keep the old charging case. The reason is that the static noise is mainly an earbuds issue and has nothing to do with the charging case.

Solution 2: Get Rid of Any Bluetooth Interference

Getting rid of Bluetooth interferences can fix AirPods making static noise.

There are 3 ways to eliminate inferences and strengthen the Bluetooth connection between the AirPods and your smartphone:

Turn Off Other Bluetooth Accessories.
If you have other Bluetooth devices paired on your smartphone, turning them off can remove signal interference. These devices will not be able to steal the Bluetooth signal from your AirPods if they are turned off.
Stay Within the Bluetooth Range.

Bluetooth signals typically reach 33 feet before they show signs of a poor connection. Keep your smartphone as close to you as possible to ensure your AirPods will not crackle as you use them.

Check out what are the AirPods range for more information on this.
Re-pair Your AirPods to Your Phone.
Unpairing and pairing Bluetooth devices to get rid of noise issues is an old yet effective trick.

# Re-pair Your AirPods

These are the steps to re-pair your AirPods and smartphone:

Step 1. Go to “Settings”.
Step 2. Navigate to “Bluetooth”.
Step 3. Look for your AirPods under the “My Devices”.
Step 4. Tap the “Information” icon (“i”) beside your AirPods’ name.
Step 5. Hit “Forget this Device”.
Step 6. Repair your AirPods with your iPhone.

Your AirPods will fall under the “Other Devices” Bluetooth category. Simply tap your AirPods’ name and it will automatically reconnect to your phone via Bluetooth.

Learn more about unpairing and pairing AirPods.

Solution 3: Restart Your AirPods & iPhone

Staticy AirPods can also be fixed by a simple device restart. Let’s see how to restart both your AirPods and your iPhone.

# Restart Your AirPods

Follow these steps to restart your AirPods:

Step 1. Put the AirPods inside the charging case.
Step 2. Open the lid.
Step 3. Press & Hold 15 secs the Setup button behind the charging case.
Step 4. Repair your AirPods with your iPhone.

# Restart Your iPhone

Moreover, below are the steps to restarting your iPhone:

Step 1. Press a button combination to restart your iPhone.
- iPhone X & Later Models. Press & hold the Volume’ and Power` buttons until the “Power Off Slider” appears.
- For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE. Press & hold the Power button until the “Power Off Slider” shows.
Step 2. Drag the power-off slider to the right.
Step 3. Wait for a few minutes before turning your iPhone back on.
Step 4. Long-press the Power button until the Apple logo appears.

If you encounter difficulties with this process, check out How to Restart an iPhone.

This solution can also be applied when your Airpods are connected but have no sound.

Solution 4: Update Your Software

Outdated software and firmware can have bugs that cause your AirPods to create crackling noises. You can get rid of these bugs by updating your phone’s software and AirPods’ firmware.

Fortunately, AirPods automatically updates their firmware, so you only need to take care of your iPhone’s software.

Step 1. Navigate to “Settings > General > Software Update”.
Step 2. Tap the available software update.
Step 3. Hit “Install Now” or “Download”.

If your iPhone displays “Download” instead of “Install Now,” tap it to get the update, input your password, and tap “Install Now.”

Check Apple’s official guide on How to Update Your iPhone.

Solution 5: Get New AirPods

If you have tried all the solutions above but to no avail, the only thing left for you to do is purchase new AirPods. AirPods typically last for a few years before their quality begins to degrade.

Unfortunately, this quality degradation is inevitable no matter how much you take care of your AirPods.

When buying a new pair of AirPods, make sure to get them from a reputable dealer to ensure that they are original.

Can Dirt Buildup Cause Static Noise on AirPods?

Dirt buildup cannot cause your AirPods to produce static noise. Dirt and debris can cause sound issues on your wireless earbuds. Among these issues are reduced volume, glitchy microphone sound, and problems with the noise cancellation feature. However, it is unlikely for dirt to cause static noise on AirPods.

AirPods static noise in one ear usually occurs due to software, firmware, hardware, and connection issues. Dirt and debris can do no more than clog your earbuds, and they will not interfere with signals.

If you are an Android user, check out how to make AirPods louder on Android.

Finally got rid of your AirPods static noise, find out the sound level you should set your device at and whether AiPods can cause hearing loss.

How Long Do AirPods Last? (PAA)

AirPods usually last for 2 or 3 years before you need to replace them. The culprit for this limited lifespan lies in the earbuds’ batteries. AirPods are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries degrade due to consistent usage and charging. Once your AirPods’ batteries are completely drained, it signifies the end of their lifespan.

Fortunately, avoiding draining and overcharging your AirPods can increase their lifespan. Avoiding exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures can also prolong your earbuds’ life.

Learn more about AirPod Batteries.

Can Static Noise Damage Headphones?

No, static noise will not physically damage headphones, as they naturally produce it sometimes. However, persistent crackling noises made by your headphones can be an indicator of underlying physical damage. If left unaddressed, this damage can worsen and entirely ruin your device.

For this reason, it is important not to overlook the crackling noises made by your headphones. First, check their Bluetooth connectivity. If there is no connectivity issue, look for physical damage, as it may be distorting your headphones’ sound.

AirPods Static Noises Are Fixable

If you have AirPods Pro, you may already have experienced AirPods Pro static noise in one ear. This sound distortion issue is caused by a manufacturer defect, so you can fix it by having your earbuds replaced.

But if you are using a different AirPods model, there are various reasons why they may produce static noise. To isolate the issue, the first thing you need to check is connectivity. Are there other devices interfering with your AirPods’ signal? Are your AirPods and smartphone within the Bluetooth range?

If your answer to these questions is yes, then try restarting your AirPods and phone. If the problem persists, check for any software update on your iPhone, as bugs may also cause connectivity issues.

However, if you tried all these steps and nothing worked, the only choice left is to purchase a new set of AirPods.

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