Why Does AirPods Volume Keep Changing Randomly?

Why Does AirPods Volume Keep Changing Randomly? - 2024 Update

One of the most common complaints about AirPods is that the volume keeps going up and down randomly, without any apparent reason. So why does that happen? And how can you fix it?

The most common reasons for your AirPods’ volume to be changing randomly are a bad connection with your device, a malfunction in the AirPods (either hardware or software), or a problem with the source audio within the app or website you are listening from.

Another reason for the random change in volume on your AirPods can be related to the dynamic head tracking feature that Apple introduced. This feature works great when you are watching on a large screen in front of you, but it may become annoying when listening to music or podcasts.

What Are Some Reasons Your AirPods’ Volume Change Randomly?

As we mentioned before, AirPods changing volume randomly is not a normal thing, and some of the most common reasons it happens are related to a bad connection, physical issues with the phone or the AirPods, or bad audio from the source. Here are the more common reasons and how to solve them.

Bad Connection With the Device

A bad connection between your device and AirPods is the most prevalent reason for the random change in volume. When the connection between your device and the AirPods is not optimal, the volume quality can be disrupted in many ways.

To either confirm or eliminate this reason being the one responsible for the volume issue, you should try to connect your AirPods to other devices. If the problem only occurs with one device, then it is more than likely due to a faulty connection.

This issue has quite an easy fix, all you need to do is forget and reconnect your AirPods from the device. To do this, follow these instructions:

  • Forget the AirPods on the phone with the issue.
  • Put the AirPods back in their case and press the small button on the front of the case for 15 seconds, or until you see a light flash of orange and then white.
  • Wait for a little over 30 seconds before reconnecting the AirPods back to your device.

If you did the steps correctly, the volume issue should be resolved. If not, then check the other possible reasons.

Software Update Needed

This is a little known fact, but AirPods do receive regular software updates. They are usually subtle and only fix some bugs or improve performance, and they do not need to be downloaded and installed manually.

These updates usually occur when the AirPods are not in use, and while they are charging. So, all you need to do is place them in their charging case, plug them into power, and leave them near a connected Apple device (iPhone, Mac, or iPad).

Damaged or Dirty AirPods

As is the case with most electronic devices we handle every day, AirPods can get too dirty and fill up with dust and earwax. This can cause the volume to appear lower on one side and higher on the other.

Alternatively, the AirPods can get physical damage. This damage can be both apparent to you, or it happens internally. In either case, this may cause your AirPods to suddenly change the volume without you controlling it.

This is why your AirPods need to be checked from time to time. And either cleaned up thoroughly or taken to a nearby Apple store to be repaired or replaced when damaged beyond repair.

Issue Coming From the Audio Source

It is not always an issue with your phone or the AirPods themselves; Sometimes, the issue comes from the audio source itself. If you notice the volume fluctuation problem only occurs when you are using a single app or website, then you need to check the audio settings of that source.

Either adjust the audio settings to be stable and not fluctuating, or report it as a bug to the website or app developers.

Malfunctioning Volume Button on Your Device

The phone volume buttons have a higher priority than the AirPods. Therefore, a faulty volume button can cause your AirPods to comply and increase/reduce the volume accordingly.

This can get frustrating, as the issue can persevere for weeks without you noticing the source. Especially if your AirPods are connected to that device most of the time. Unfortunately, the only fix for this issue is to get the phone repaired as soon as possible.

Issue Related to Android Users

This can only affect you if you are using your AirPods with an Android device. This issue can happen with a few models of Android phones, and to fix it, you need to disable a feature called “Absolute Volume”. Here’s how to do that:

  • Go to settings, then find About device/phone.
  • Tap Build number seven times, this unlocks the developer’s mode.
  • In the developer mode tab, you will find an option to disable Absolute volume.

After trying each of the fixes mentioned above, it is a good idea to reboot your phone after each one. Rebooting any electronic device allows it to attempt to fix any issues that occurred during the use session. While it does not guarantee a fix, you have nothing to lose for trying.

Why Does AirPods Volume Keep Changing Randomly? - 2024 Update

Why Do My AirPods Change Volume When I Turn my Head?

If you ever experienced an incident with AirPods where the audio keeps moving from one side to the other, do not worry, it is not a bug or an issue with your AirPods. In fact, it’s an intended feature called “Dynamic Head Tracking”. And you can easily turn it off.

Dynamic head tracking is a cutting-edge feature from Apple that came out alongside the iPhone’s spacial audio to immerse users with the audio quality. In a nutshell, it works by using sensors in the AirPods to detect your head movement and then adjust the volume to make it more immersive.

You have a choice of either disabling this feature completely, or customizing it to your need. To disable it:

  • Go to settings, and scroll down to accessibility.
  • Find AirPods, then disable the follow iPhone option.

However, if you still want to take advantage of this feature, you’ll need to manually edit the settings on each app individually.

To do this:

  • Tap and hold the AirPods volume slider, this reveals more options.
  • Tap spacial audio (or spatialized stereo) and choose from the three options available: Off, Fixed, or Head tracked.
  • You will need to do this for each app.

Why Does Music Randomly Play on my AirPods?

If your AirPods suddenly start playing music or any audio, it is more than likely due to the same reason as the ones we mentioned for the random change in volume. Those two issues usually come hand in hand, with the cause being the same in most cases.

The fixes previously mentioned should be tried if facing this issue. With the more likely issue being that the AirPods falsely register a click, the first thing you should do is wipe your AirPods and the charging case with a cloth.

Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?

One AirPod can sound louder than the other due to both hardware and software malfunctioning. Or an issue with the specific audio source and settings. This is another sound relating issue that is found with the AirPods. The fix for it, though, is usually straightforward.

While it can be hard to judge what is causing the issue, there are a few steps to take to eliminate each potential cause. Checking for firmware updates can eliminate a software issue, whilst restarting and reconnecting the AirPods may eliminate an issue with the settings. But the best course of action is to take a trip to a nearby Apple store to get your AirPods checked.

How do I Reset My AirPods?

Resetting an electronic device is a time-tested method of fixing all sorts of issues. And things are not so different when it comes to AirPods. Resetting your AirPods can fix a number of issues, from a bad connection with the device to some desync issues.

Here is a step-by-step guide to resetting your AirPods:

  • Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid, then wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and take out the AirPods.
  • Put your AirPods in your ears and connected them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  • Go to the Bluetooth settings, you should find your AirPods’ name.
  • Tap on Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
  • While the case lid is open, press and hold on the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds, or until the light on the front flashes amber, then white.
  • To reconnect your AirPods, place your AirPods close to your device and follow the steps on your device’s screen.

Keep in mind that this process will reset the settings for your AirPods, so you have to change them back after.

Conclusion:

Despite AirPods being one of the best audio devices on the market, they have their flaws. But you can always find ways to fix them by yourself, even if you have little to no experience. Alternatively, if all the fixes do not work for your issue, you can always contact Apple support or visit their physical store to get your issue resolved.

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