After long and regular usage, sometimes the AirPods start sounding muffled and the quality becomes very poor. This issue can occur in both the standard and Pro versions of the AirPods. There are a number of reasons as an answer for the “Why do my AirPods sound muffled” question.
Thus, I can’t exactly predict what could be the cause in your case. However, I will help you by offering the general solutions that will work for any situation. If you have AirPods that are sounding muffled normally, while connecting to PC, iPhone, on Zoom, or in any other situation, this post is rightly written for you.
Keep reading further to find out how to solve this dreadful issue on the Apple AirPods, or in any other Truly Wireless Stereo headsets.
Why do AirPods Sound Muffled & Sound is in Low Quality?
The Apple AirPods are specially designed for convenient use but with high-quality sound. They are one of the finest TWS headsets available for iPhone & even Android users. The AirPods work by using optical sensors and motion accelerometers to detect when they are inside your ears. The voice detection of AirPods also features an additional speech-detection accelerometer to filter out external noise and focus on the sound of your voice.
Despite being such high-tech devices, sometimes the AirPods start creating nuisances. This happens when the AirPods start sounding muffled. The sound also becomes very low in quality just like when you use cheap Chinese headsets.
This AirPods sound muffled issue can occur due to a number of reasons. The most common reason for this problem is dirty speakers. The speakers get covered up in earwax, dust, and other particles after sitting inside your ear canal for hours. This reduces the quality of the sound.
Related: Best AirPods 3 Accessories
Apart from this, there are several other causes for this issue like Bluetooth interference, problems with the device they are connected to, poor quality audio, or just that the AirPods need to be reset.
How to Fix Muffled Sound in AirPods?
Since there are multiple reasons for the muffled sound in AirPods, there are multiple solutions available as well. If you know the cause of the low-quality sound in the AirPods, then you can simply use the relevant solution. However, those who are unaware of the cause, have to try the solutions one by one.
The dirt and blockage over the speakers is the most common reason for muffled sounds, so the issue for most of you will be solved after cleaning up the AirPods. But if the problem stays, you should continue using the other solutions.
Solution-1: Clean the AirPods
Cleaning the AirPods is the simplest, most effective, and best solution to fix the muffled sound in AirPods. Cleaning the AirPods from time to time is recommended even if your AirPods are working fine. Here is how you can do it:
At first, wipe down the exterior of the AirPods using a microfibre cloth. Make sure the cloth is dry and clean. This will clean the outside portion of each unit. After that, clean the case in the same manner.
Next, you have to clean the Speaker ports to free them from the buildup of wax, dust, etc. You can use a microfibre cloth, toothpick, rubbing alcohol, compressed air can, or any other tool for this purpose.
Using a spray screen cleaner or rubbing alcohol will make clearing the buildup easier as it will soften it. It will also sanitize the AirPods. Thoroughly clean both the AirPods and then clean the charge. Let it dry up.
Finally, connect with your iPhone and check if the sound is fine now.
Solution-2: Check the Bluetooth Connection
If the AirPods are still sounding muffled even after cleaning properly, then there could be an issue with the Bluetooth connection. If the Bluetooth connection between the AirPods and the other device is unstable, the sound quality will suffer.
So, check that the Bluetooth connection is stable, the devices are at a proper distance (neither too close nor too far), and there are no other Bluetooth devices near the AirPods.
After that, you should also toggle the Bluetooth connection On & Off once. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Center.
- Turn Bluetooth Off.
- Wait for 15 seconds.
- Now turn it back on
- Finally, complete pairing.
Check if this simple trick worked for you and the sound in AirPods improves.
Solution-3: Remove Other Bluetooth Devices
If your device is connected to more than one Bluetooth device, then the quality of sound in AirPods may suffer. So, whatever device like a speaker, printer, or anything else is paired, just unpair it.
Go to Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, find the device from the list, and then tap on “Forget this device.” Make sure you leave the AirPods unpaired. After this, check if this fixed muffled sound in your AirPods.
Solution-4: Update the iOS Version
If you are using an older iOS version on your device, then the AirPods may suffer. We recommend at least using iOS 13 or higher on the device that you are using with the AirPods. If your iPhone is supported, you should update it to the latest iOS version. To do that, follow these instructions:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on About.
- If you see an alert to update, tap on Update.
- Wait patiently for the iPhone to update itself.
Make sure you have enough power and a stable WiFi connection. After updating, see if the AirPod sound has become normal.
Solution-5: Reset the AirPods
The ultimate solution to fix muffled sound in AirPods and to fix the sound quality is to reset the AirPods. Follow these instructions to reset your AirPods easily:
- Press and hold the AirPods ‘Set up button’ for 15 seconds.
- On the case, check the white LED flashing.
- It will change to amber and then to white again.
- When this happens, you have successfully reset the AirPods.
Turn them on, and pair them with your iPhone, Mac, or PC. You will have to pair it back to all the devices after resetting. After pairing, play a song and see if the sound quality has improved or not.
Final Words
Muffled sound in AirPods is enough to frustrate anyone, especially when you are habitual to HQ sound via the AirPods. This is how you can resolve this issue. However, if the sound in your AirPods is still muffled, you may need to visit the nearest Apple Service Station. The specialist will figure out the problem and fix it professionally.
You can also check this related Apple thread. I wouldn’t recommend trying to check or fix the AirPods internally at home. That’s all for this post. I hope this helps you to repair the sound in your AirPods. Feel free to tell us which method worked the best for you.
