When only one earbud plays, the cause is usually simple: a flat battery, dirty charging contacts, a blocked speaker mesh, a balance setting, or earbuds that have lost sync with each other. Work through these fixes in order; most problems are solved in the first few steps.
Start with the basics
- Charge both earbuds. Put both in the case and check that each one shows it is charging, through its light or the battery level on your phone or in the app. If one doesn't charge, take it out and seat it again.
- Clean the contacts and mesh. Earwax and lint can block the sound or stop an earbud charging. Use a dry cotton swab on the metal contacts and a soft, dry brush on the speaker mesh; How to Clean Earbuds and the Charging Case Safely explains how.
- Restart the earbuds. Put both in the case, close the lid for about 10 seconds, then take both out together.
- Restart Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off and on on your phone, then reconnect.
Check your audio balance settings
A balance slider pushed to one side, or a mono setting, can make one earbud sound silent or much quieter.
- Android: open Settings > Accessibility and look for audio balance and mono audio. On Samsung Galaxy phones they are under Hearing enhancements; on Pixel phones, look for Audio adjustment. Labels vary by brand.
- iPhone: go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, centre the Balance slider and check the Mono Audio setting.
- Windows 11: go to Settings > System > Sound, select your earbuds and check that the left and right channel levels under Output settings match. Make sure Mono audio is off.
- Mac: go to System Settings > Sound, select your earbuds under Output and centre the Balance slider.
Re-pair and re-sync the earbuds
- Forget or unpair the earbuds in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
- Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid.
- Reset them using the steps in your manual. How to Reset True Wireless Earbuds (General Steps) covers the common methods.
- Take both earbuds out together and pair them again as a new device.
Some earbuds briefly show two names in the Bluetooth list, for example with L and R. Pair them only the way your manual describes.
Using one earbud at a time
Many earbuds can play through either earbud alone. The Jabra Elite 4, for example, lists a mono mode that lets you use either earbud independently. On some other models, one earbud acts as the main one, so check your manual before assuming there is a fault.
When it is a hardware problem
If one earbud still won't charge or play after all these steps, it may have a fault, such as a battery or speaker issue.
- Just delivered? If your IndiasBuy order was delivered faulty, damaged, non-working or wrong, request a return or replacement within 7 days from delivery by email or WhatsApp, with your order number, the reason and photo/video proof. Requests are subject to standard checks, and damaged, wrong or missing-item claims need a continuous unboxing video.
- Later on: warranty is included, typically 6–12 months and provided by the brand or by IndiasBuy depending on the product. Where a product's description lists warranty terms, those apply; message us to confirm the terms for your product. Brand-warranty repairs are handled through the brand's authorised service centres, and we help you with the process.
Quick answers
Why is one earbud quieter than the other?
The usual causes are earwax on the speaker mesh, an ear tip that doesn't seal well, or a balance setting on your phone. Clean the mesh, check the tip fit and centre the balance slider.
Can I use just one earbud?
On many models, yes. Some let you use either earbud alone, while others need a particular earbud. Your manual will say which.
One earbud won't charge in the case. What should I try?
Clean the metal contacts on the earbud and inside the case with a dry cotton swab, make sure the earbud sits fully in its slot, and charge the case. If it still won't charge, contact us.
For more help, see our Returns, Replacement and Refund page and warranty information.
