Earbuds Care Guide: Fixing One Side Not Working and Making Them Last

Quick answer: If one wireless earbud is silent, put both buds in the case, forget the device in Bluetooth, reset the earbuds as per the manual and pair again. Clean the speaker mesh and charging contacts, and check that both buds charge. If it still fails, the bud may need a service. Junaid Telecom, Chiniot: WhatsApp 0345 7701965.

Why would only one earbud work?

True wireless (TWS) earbuds are two separate devices. Normally one bud acts as the “main”, connecting to your phone and passing audio to the other. If either side loses sync, runs out of power or gets blocked, you hear sound from only one.

Step-by-step fixes for TWS earbuds

1. Check that both buds are charged

Place both in the case for at least 30 minutes. Look at the indicator lights if your case has them. Wipe the charging contacts, which are the small metal dots on the bud and in the case, with a dry cotton cloth. Dirt or sweat on those contacts stops one bud from charging.

2. Clean the speaker mesh

Earwax and dust block the small mesh where sound comes out. Use a dry, soft brush or a dry cotton bud. Don’t poke with a pin; it tears the mesh and pushes dirt in. Never rinse the bud under a tap.

3. Forget the device and reset

1. On your phone, open Bluetooth settings and forget or unpair the earbuds.
2. Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid for a few seconds.
3. Perform the reset method written in the manual. On many earbuds it means opening the case and holding a button on the case or touching the buds for several seconds, until the lights flash. The method varies by model, so follow the one on the box or manual.
4. Take the buds out and pair them again from scratch.

4. Pair them away from interference

Crowded Wi-Fi, other Bluetooth devices and metal cases can disturb pairing. Do the reset in a quiet spot with other Bluetooth devices turned off.

5. Check the phone side

• Toggle Bluetooth off and on.
• Check the audio balance: in accessibility settings there is a left-right balance slider that can accidentally be pushed to one side.
• Disable “mono audio” if it is on.
• Try another phone to find out whether the problem is the earbuds or the phone.

6. Update the app or firmware

Some earbuds have a companion app that can update firmware. If yours does, update with both buds well-charged.

When one earbud is truly faulty

A bud may need service if:

• It never charges, even with clean contacts and a different case position.
• It crackles, distorts or is very quiet even after cleaning.
• It got wet or was dropped.
• It gets hot.
• The case does not charge either bud.

For items under brand warranty, follow the brand’s official policy. For paid repair or a replacement bud, availability depends on the model, so ask on WhatsApp.

Fixing wired handsfree with one side dead

For wired handsfree and earphones, the usual culprit is the cable, not the speaker.

• The cable breaks at the plug end or near the earpiece, where it bends most.
• Wiggle the cable while music plays. If the sound cuts in and out at one point, the wire is broken.
• Clean the headphone jack or USB-C connector of lint.
• Try another phone to check.

Once the cable inside is broken, replacement is usually more practical than repair.

How to care for earbuds daily

1. Wipe after workouts. Sweat is salty and corrodes contacts.
2. Keep them in the case when not in use.
3. Let them dry completely before charging if they get damp.
4. Don’t sleep with them in, and don’t pull the case’s lid shut on loose fabric.
5. Clean weekly with a dry soft brush.
6. Avoid heat, such as the dashboard of a car or under a pillow on a warm day.
7. Don’t share wet earbuds.
8. Keep the volume sensible. Very high volume harms hearing and strains the speaker.
9. Charge using a proper adapter and cable. See our guide on fast-charging myths.

Which earbuds should I choose?

For Pakistani buyers, there are several well-known local brands. Ronin and Zero (Zero Lifestyle) offer wireless earbuds, and Audionic offers earbuds and neckbands. Which one is right depends on how you use them. Ask on WhatsApp for today’s rate and availability. Warranty follows each brand’s official policy, and retail customers can buy even one piece at the wholesale price.

Visit Junaid Telecom

Junaid Telecom & Repairing Lab, Madrasa Banat Road, Mohalla Garah, Dhol Sikandar, Chiniot. Open daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

• Owner WhatsApp: 0345 7701965
• Staff WhatsApp: 0348 8651965
• Repairing Lab WhatsApp: 0345 7599995