Why are my AirPods so loud all of a sudden?

By John Adebimitan

Why are my AirPods so loud all of a sudden? So you have been using your AirPods for quite some time, and you notice that your AirPods getting so loud all of a sudden. You can’t help but wonder what could be wrong.

On the one hand, while this is sometimes a cause for concern and the AirPods probably need to be reset quickly or given to a professional for fixing, sometimes, it’s not so loud and would just need some tweaking to have your AirPods working just fine.

Read also: Why Is Your Left or Right AirPod So Quiet?

Why are my AirPods so loud all of a sudden?

  1. The issue seems to arise when AirPods switch to the Bluetooth HFP profile, typically due to an app changing audio categories to play and record. In the A2DP profile used for audio playback, AirPods’ volume can be muted, but in HFP, the lowest volume level still generates audible sound. This minimum volume appears to have been altered between iOS 13 and 14, causing some users to perceive it as excessively loud.
  2. If your iOS device or AirPods haven’t been updated to the latest software, they might be acting up due to outdated software. To fix this, go ahead and update both devices to the most recent iOS version.
  3. For those unfamiliar with equalizers, they are settings that allow you to fine-tune the frequency response of speakers or headphones to match how we perceive sound in real life. If your audio sounds too bass-heavy or treble-heavy and you can’t adjust it any other way, try tweaking the EQ balance on each specific device. Play around with the sliders until the audio sounds just right, or simply reset them back to their default settings.
  4. If your AirPods are giving you trouble with Bluetooth synchronization, double-check that all the settings are accurate and that they’ve been properly paired to both your devices (iPhone/Mac or PC). Sometimes, disconnecting and reconnecting your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings on each device can help resolve the issue.
  5. If your AirPods have been damaged by water, heat, dust, or any other substance, they might not function correctly or play audio as they should. If this is the case, and you’re still within the warranty period, consider sending them back to Apple for repair or replacement. Apple might be able to salvage the internal components even if the exterior appears damaged. However, getting an estimate beforehand is wise, as these repairs can be costly!
Read also: Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?

Fix 1: Disable Media Volume Sync

I managed to resolve the issue on my Samsung Galaxy S7 by navigating to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > Media Volume Sync (located under the three vertical dots in the top-right corner) and disabling Media Volume Sync while connected to my AirPods.

Disable Media Volume Sync

Fix 2: Disable Absolute Bluetooth Volume

Another solution I found was to first go to “Battery” > “Battery Optimization” and set both Bluetooth applications to “Not Optimized.” Then, enable developer settings by tapping the firmware version seven times. In developer settings, disable absolute Bluetooth volume. If the issue persists, unpair the AirPods, forget the connection, then pair them again. This should fix the sound problem permanently.

Read also: Is it bad to sleep with AirPods in?

Fix 3: Reduce Loud Sounds from Settings

Additionally, you can prevent your AirPods from producing excessively loud sounds by going to Settings > Sound & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Reduce Loud Sounds and lowering the limit to 75 decibels. However, this setting will also affect other Bluetooth devices, such as speakers, so you may need to disable it manually when not using your AirPods.

Fix 4: Adjust the volume with Siri

If your AirPods aren’t sounding quite right, you may need to adjust the volume or check the synchronization between the two earbuds. Siri can be a convenient way to make these adjustments without fussing with your iPhone’s volume buttons.

Simply say, “Hey Siri, increase/decrease AirPod volume by 50%” to control both earbuds at once.

Fix 5: Recalibrate AirPods

If one AirPod sounds significantly louder than the other, there might be an issue with synchronizing the volume levels.

Recalibrate AirPods

To recalibrate the sound level, try this: Remove one AirPod and then place it back in your ear, waiting for both to connect before proceeding. If one is still playing audio much louder than the other, lower the volume on both, disconnect them simultaneously, and then reconnect them to recalibrate their volume levels. This should help resolve any discrepancies and provide a balanced listening experience.

Read also: why are my airpods so loud on the outside

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