Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Wireless Headphones - Orange

Check the Audio Balance / Accessibility settings:

• On iOS/iPadOS: go to Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual and ensure the Balance slider is centred (not fully left or right).
• On macOS: go to System Settings → Sound → Output, select your AirPods Max and make sure the balance is centred.

Check the volume and mute settings: 

• Make sure the volume is turned up on your device and on the AirPods Max (use the Digital Crown).
• Make sure the audio output is set to the AirPods Max. 
• On some apps, there may be an in-app mute or balance control; check that too. 

 Try a different device/source: 

• Pair your AirPods Max with another phone, tablet, or computer. If the same side remains silent, it's likely an issue with the headphones.

 Turn off Bluetooth on other devices / forget & re-pair: 

• Disable Bluetooth on any unused devices, to avoid interference or automatic switching.
• On your active device, “Forget” the AirPods Max in Bluetooth settings, then re-pair them.  

Restart the AirPods Max: 

• Restart: Press and hold the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown until the LED flashes amber. 

 Reset the AirPods Max:

Note: It’s recommended that the AirPods Max be charged to at least ~50% before attempting a reset.  

• Reset (factory reset): Press and hold both the Noise Control button and Digital Crown for ~15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then white.   
• After factory reset, re-pair them with your device.

If your AirPods Max headphones make a crackling or static sounds, try the following: 

Restart the AirPods Max: 

• To restart, press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown until the LED flashes amber.  

Reset the AirPods Max: 

• To reset (factory reset), press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown for ~15 seconds until the LED flashes amber then white.  
• After resetting, you’ll need to reconnect them to your device. 

Check software / firmware / OS versions: 

• Make sure the device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) you use them with is up to date. 
• Make sure the AirPods Max firmware is up to date — if you use them with iOS/macOS, updates to iOS/macOS often push firmware updates to the AirPods Max. 

 Disable / test without Noise Control (ANC / Transparency): 

• Sometimes the crackling only occurs when Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode is on. Try turning off noise control (i.e. setting it to “Off”) and see whether the noise disappears.  

Check for wireless / Bluetooth interference & proximity issues: 

• Ensure there is minimal interference (other active Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, devices in between, etc.).
• Ensure the source device (phone, laptop, etc.) is within range of the AirPods Max headphones.
• At times other wireless peripherals (e.g. a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, etc.) can cause interference with your AirPods Max Headphones.  

Inspect / clean the cushions, contact surfaces, sensors: 

• Remove and re-seat the ear cushions to make sure they’re properly installed.
• Clean any debris, lint, or moisture from contact surfaces, sensors, or openings.

Test with different devices / apps:

• Try connecting your AirPods Max headphones to a different device (another iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.). Does the static still appear?
• Try a different audio source or app (e.g. music app vs. streaming vs. local files). This helps rule out device/app-specific issues.

Restart (soft reset): 

• Ensure your AirPods Max have sufficient charge (at least ~50 %).
• Press and hold both the noise control button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.    
• Keep holding until the LED indicator flashes amber.  
• Release the buttons. That will reboot the headphones.   

Factory reset (full reset): 

• Ensure your AirPods Max have sufficient charge (at least ~50 %). 
• Press and hold the noise control button and the digital crown simultaneously for 15 seconds, until the LED flashes amber, then white.  
• After you have reset your AirPods Max, connect them to your iOS or iPadOS device, Mac or another device.

If your AirPods Max headphones will not charge, try the following: 

• Make sure the charging cable is plugged firmly into the bottom right earphone, and the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
• Charge the headphones for at least 5 minutes using the cable that came with them.
• Reset your AirPods Max headphones.