Asked at the counter: “One of my AirPods has stopped working, and sometimes they won’t…

Check for dirt first, then reset. Neither costs anything.

FREE, ONE-MINUTE CHECKS

• Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, open it near your phone and check the battery of each one. An AirPod showing no battery, or one that never charges, usually has dirty contacts.
• Look at the silver contacts on the stem and inside the case. Wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth or a dry cotton bud. No liquid.
• Look at the speaker mesh. Earwax on the mesh makes one side quiet or silent. Use a dry soft brush; do not poke it.

RESET THE AIRPODS (Apple’s procedure)

AirPods 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation, and AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation:
1) Put the AirPods in their case, close the lid, then wait 30 seconds.
2) Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
3) Pair again by holding the open case near your iPhone.

AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 (no button on the case): put them in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, open the lid, then double-tap the front of the case three times until the light flashes amber, then white.

AirPods Max: hold the Digital Crown and the listening mode button together until the light next to the charging port changes from flashing amber to flashing white (around 15 seconds).

After a reset the AirPods forget your devices, so you will pair them again. No other data is involved.

WHEN IT PROBABLY NEEDS A REPAIR BUSINESS (OR A REPLACEMENT)

• One AirPod still shows no battery after clean contacts and a reset: that AirPod’s battery has probably failed.
• Crackling or distortion after cleaning the mesh.
• Because AirPods are glued shut, most businesses will tell you honestly that a single replacement AirPod is the practical answer. Ask before paying for a diagnosis.

Sources checked: Apple Support (UK): Restart, unpair or reset your AirPods.