Only one side of my headphones works

You can hear sound through one ear cup, but the other side is silent or much quieter. The cause might be a balance setting, a loose plug, a Bluetooth issue, or a problem with the headphones themselves.

Test the left and right channels separately first. The Speaker Test can help you tell whether your device is sending sound to both sides before you start changing settings.

Test both headphone sides

1. Connect your headphones, then open the Speaker Test.
2. Make sure your computer or phone is playing sound through the headphones, not its built-in speakers or another connected device.
3. Play the left and right channel tests one at a time. Listen for sound in the matching ear cup each time.
4. Repeat the test at a comfortable volume. If you can, test a second pair of headphones on the same device, or test your headphones on another device.

Keep the volume low while testing. If you are using Bluetooth headphones, check that they are connected as the audio output before playing the test.

What the result means

Both channels play in both ears

The headphones and output are probably working. The original audio may be recorded on one side, or the app may have a channel or balance setting. Try another song, video, or app to compare.

One channel is silent in the same ear every time

The problem is likely in the headphones, their connection, or the device's left-right balance setting. Continue with the fixes below, then test the headphones on another device.

The silent side changes between tests

A loose plug, damaged cable, unstable Bluetooth connection, or audio output switching between devices can cause sound to cut in and out. Gently move the plug or cable while playing audio. Do not bend it sharply or force the connector.

The test works, but one app still plays on one side

The headphones can play both channels, so check the app's audio settings and try another audio file. The source may contain sound on only one channel, or the app may have its own balance control.

How to fix it

1. Check the left-right balance. On Windows 11, open Settings › System › Sound, select your headphones under Output, and check the left and right channel levels in the device's output settings. Also check Settings › Accessibility › Audio and turn off Mono audio if you want to hear stereo. On a Mac, open System Settings › Sound and center the Balance control. On iPhone, check Settings › Accessibility › Audio & Visual › Balance. On Android, look under Settings › Accessibility for audio adjustment or left-right balance; the name and location vary by phone.
2. Reconnect the plug. For wired headphones, remove the plug and insert it fully. A case or adapter can stop a phone plug from seating all the way. If you use a USB-C or Lightning adapter, reconnect it or try another compatible adapter.
3. Check the cable and connector. Look for a bent plug, frayed cable, or debris in the headphone jack. If sound returns when the cable moves, the cable or connector may be damaged. Avoid putting sharp objects into a jack.
4. Reconnect Bluetooth headphones. Turn Bluetooth off and on, then reconnect the headphones. Make sure they are not still connected to another phone, tablet, or computer that is playing audio. If one earbud is silent, put both earbuds in their case, check that they are charging, and follow the manufacturer's pairing or reset steps.
5. Check the app and audio source. Play audio from another app and try a different song or video. If only one app has the problem, check its audio balance, accessibility, or sound settings.
6. Restart the device. A restart can clear an audio connection that is stuck on the wrong output. Reconnect the headphones and test both channels again.

When the headphones may be broken

Test the headphones on a second device, and test another pair on the device that had the problem. If the same ear stays silent with your headphones on multiple devices, but another pair works normally, the headphones are likely faulty. For wired headphones, a damaged cable or plug is a common cause. For wireless earbuds, one earbud may have a battery or internal connection problem.

If the headphones are under warranty, contact the seller or manufacturer before opening or repairing them. Otherwise, compare the cost of a repair with a replacement. A worn cable on a model with a detachable cable may be replaceable; a sealed earbud usually needs professional service or replacement.

Why a stereo test can sound different from a song

Stereo audio has separate left and right channels. A test that plays each channel separately makes it easier to identify which side is missing. Mono audio combines the channels into one, so the same sound should come through both sides. If one side works in the test but not in a particular recording, the recording or app may be the issue rather than the headphones.