Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To turn up volume on AirPods on Android, you need to adjust the level on your phone itself, because AirPods don’t have their own full volume control when paired with a non-Apple device. This guide walks through the Android volume settings, the Bluetooth media volume toggle, and a few fixes for AirPods that stay quiet. Most people can get their audio back to a comfortable level in under five minutes.

Step 1: Raise the Media Volume on Your Android Phone

AirPods on Android send audio at whatever level your phone’s media volume is set to. Press the physical volume up button on the side of your phone while music or a video is playing, and a volume slider will appear on screen. Drag it toward the top or tap the plus icon until the slider reaches the level you want.

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

Keep in mind that Android keeps separate volume levels for ringtones, notifications, alarms and media. If your AirPods sound quiet only during calls, the call volume is the one to raise, not the media slider.

Step 2: Check the Bluetooth Absolute Volume Setting

Many Android phones use a feature called absolute volume, which lets the phone and the headphones share one volume level. When it misbehaves, the AirPods can sound far quieter than the slider suggests. You can change this in Developer options:

  1. Open Settings, go to About phone, and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer options.
  2. Go back to Settings, open System, then Developer options.
  3. Scroll down to the Networking section and find Disable absolute volume. Turn it on, then reconnect your AirPods.

After the change, AirPods control volume separately from the phone. Test a song at the same slider position to see whether the loudness improves.

Step 3: Reset the Connection and Re-Pair

If the volume slider still has no effect, the Bluetooth link may be stuck. Forget the AirPods under Bluetooth settings on your phone, place them back in the case with the lid open, and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. Then pair them again from the Bluetooth menu. A clean pairing often restores normal output.

Step 4: Check Playback Settings in the App

Some apps, including music and video players, have their own volume or equalizer settings that can reduce output. Look for a normalization or volume-limit option, and turn off any setting that caps loudness. A system equalizer or a bass-reduction preset can also make the sound seem quieter, so reset those to flat.

Common Mistakes

  • Adjusting the ringtone or alarm slider instead of the media slider.
  • Leaving the AirPods in the case or on the bench when you test, which can route audio to the phone speaker.
  • Assuming a low volume is a hardware fault before checking the phone’s sound settings.
  • Ignoring a low battery, which can cause weaker output in some AirPods models.
  • Forgetting that a Spotify or YouTube volume slider inside the app may be set low.
  • A USB-C to 3.5mm adapter can help if you want to test wired audio and rule out the Bluetooth link as the cause. View on Amazon
  • A phone case with a raised lip keeps the phone from sitting face-down on a speaker and muffling sound. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why are my AirPods quiet on Android even at full volume?

The most common cause is absolute volume, which can cap output on some Android phones. Disabling it in Developer options often fixes the problem.

Can I control AirPods volume without touching my phone?

On Android, the AirPods’ stem or squeeze gestures usually cannot change volume, so the phone remains the main control. Some Android versions do allow the headphones to adjust volume, but this varies by device.

Will resetting AirPods delete my settings?

Forgetting and re-pairing the AirPods only removes the Bluetooth link. Your audio preferences on the phone stay in place.

Conclusion

Start with the media volume slider, then check absolute volume and your app settings if the sound stays low. If nothing changes after a fresh pairing, the problem may be with the earbuds or case, and a support visit is worth considering. Most volume issues on Android are fixed with the steps above.

Ready to choose one?

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.