Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To make AirPods louder, start by raising the volume on both your phone and the AirPods themselves, then check the audio settings that limit output. Most volume problems come from a low source level, a limiting setting, or a dirty speaker mesh rather than a hardware fault. Work through the steps below in order and you will usually recover full loudness within a few minutes.

Check the Volume on Your Device First

AirPods only play as loud as the device sending them audio. On an iPhone, press the volume-up button while something is playing, then confirm the slider in Control Center is near the top. On a Mac, check the sound slider in the menu bar and make sure the output is set to your AirPods, not the built-in speakers.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

Also check the app itself. Many music, video and podcast apps have their own volume slider, and it can sit well below the system level.

Adjust the Volume Settings on AirPods

Apple lets you control how AirPods respond to volume changes. On iPhone, open Settings, tap Accessibility, then Audio/Visual, and look for the headphone accommodations options. Turning on the option to adjust the sound balance and frequency range can make quiet passages easier to hear, though it does not add raw loudness.

On AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, you can also use the volume controls on the stem or the Digital Crown-style touch surface. Swipe up or down while listening and confirm the level moves all the way up.

Turn Off Limiting and Quiet Modes

Some features reduce output on purpose. Loud sound reduction, if enabled in Settings under Sounds and Haptics or Health, caps the maximum level to protect hearing. Turning it off removes that ceiling, but keep in mind that prolonged high volume can damage hearing, so raise it only as far as you need.

Noise cancellation and transparency mode do not raise the level, but switching them off can make the perceived volume feel stronger because background noise no longer competes with the music. If you use Adaptive Audio, try switching to plain Noise Cancellation to compare.

Clean the Speaker Mesh and Check the Fit

Earwax and lint can block the speaker mesh and make AirPods sound thin and quiet. Owners often report a noticeable change after cleaning. Use a dry, soft brush to clear the mesh, and avoid pushing debris deeper. Apple’s cleaning guidance recommends a dry cloth and a small brush rather than liquids or sharp tools.

Fit matters too. If the tip is not seated properly in your ear canal, bass and overall volume drop. Try a different ear tip size if your model includes multiple sizes, and run the in-ear fit test in Settings to confirm a good seal.

  • Soft-bristle cleaning brush: A small dry brush lets you clear the speaker mesh without damaging it. View on Amazon
  • Replacement silicone ear tips: A correct size restores the seal that keeps volume strong. View on Amazon

Common mistakes

  • Raising the volume on AirPods but forgetting the phone slider, which caps output.
  • Using liquids or pointed tools on the speaker mesh, which can cause lasting damage.
  • Leaving Loud Sound Reduction on without realizing it is limiting the maximum level.
  • Assuming a quiet recording is a fault, when the source file may simply be mastered low.

If the sound stays weak after all these steps, the problem may be one earbud or a hardware issue. For that, see Right AirPods Not Working? 8 Fixes to Try First, or Only One AirPods Is Working? How to Fix It in 7 Steps.

FAQ

Can I make AirPods louder than the maximum volume?

No. The maximum output is set by the device and the AirPods design. Raising other settings can only help you reach that maximum, not exceed it.

Why are my AirPods quiet on one device but loud on another?

Each device has its own volume slider and audio settings. Check the output level on the quiet device and make sure the AirPods are selected as the output.

Does cleaning AirPods really make them louder?

It can. A blocked speaker mesh reduces the sound that reaches your ear, and clearing it often restores lost volume and clarity.

Conclusion

To make AirPods loud, raise the volume on your device and on the AirPods, turn off any limiting features, and keep the speaker mesh clean. Confirm a good ear tip fit as well. These steps fix most cases of weak output.

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Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.