Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Learning how to make AirPods louder usually comes down to checking a handful of settings and physical factors. Most of the time, the volume is limited by the device playing audio, a setting that caps output, or a buildup of debris over the speaker mesh. This guide walks through the adjustments that typically make the biggest difference, starting with the quickest checks.

Check the Volume on Both the AirPods and the Source Device

AirPods don’t have their own volume buttons in the usual sense, so the level you hear depends on two controls. The first is the volume on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Android phone. The second is the volume slider in the app or media player you’re using, such as Spotify or YouTube, which often has its own limit.

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

  1. Press the volume-up button on the connected device while audio is playing.
  2. Open the media app and check for an in-app volume slider. Raise it to the top.
  3. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Sounds & Haptics, and confirm the ringer and media volume are not set low.
  4. If you use a Mac, open System Settings, then Sound, and check the output volume slider.

Turn Off Volume Limits and Adjust Headphone Safety Settings

iOS includes a setting that caps maximum volume to protect hearing. If it’s enabled, AirPods can sound quieter than expected no matter how far you push the slider. On iPhone, open Settings, go to Sounds & Haptics, then Headphone Safety, and check whether Reduce Loud Sounds or a maximum volume limit is switched on. Adjust or disable it if you need more output.

Android phones have a similar feature under the media volume settings in some versions. Look for options labeled “volume limiter” or “loud sound warning” and review them.

Adjust Conversation Boost and Equalizer Settings

On supported AirPods models, Conversation Boost can make voices more prominent when you’re talking with someone nearby, which can make the overall experience feel louder in the right situations. Its availability depends on your AirPods generation and iOS version, so check your device’s accessibility options. Equalizer presets are also set on the iPhone: under Settings, then Music, then EQ, a preset like Late Night reduces dynamic range and can make quiet passages easier to hear, while Bass Booster adds low-end emphasis that some listeners perceive as louder.

Clean the AirPods Speaker Mesh and Ear Tips

Earwax and lint are common reasons AirPods sound thin or quiet. Each earbud has a small mesh opening that can clog over time. Manufacturers recommend gentle cleaning rather than liquids or sharp tools.

  • Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to clear the mesh.
  • Wipe the surface with a lightly dampened lint-free cloth, making sure no moisture enters the openings.
  • For AirPods Pro models with ear tips, remove the tip and check for wax buildup inside the nozzle.

Reconnect and Reset If the Volume Still Seems Low

If the volume stays low after your settings are correct, the connection may be the issue. Forget the device in Bluetooth settings, then pair again. If one earbud is weaker than the other, the problem may be hardware-related, and a guide like Right AirPods Not Working? 8 Fixes to Try First covers those checks in detail. For iPhone-specific pairing steps, see How to Pair AirPods Max: Step-by-Step for iPhone, Mac, and Android.

A few inexpensive tools make cleaning easier and safer.

  • Soft-bristled cleaning brush kit: Designed for small electronics, these brushes reach the speaker mesh without scratching the surface. View on Amazon
  • Lint-free microfiber cloth: Useful for wiping the exterior without leaving fibers behind. View on Amazon

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting that the media volume and the ringer volume are separate controls on iPhone.
  • Poking the speaker mesh with pins or toothpicks, which can push debris deeper.
  • Using water or cleaning sprays directly on the earbuds.
  • Assuming the problem is the AirPods when the app or source file is recorded at a low level.
  • Overlooking an active volume limit in Headphone Safety settings.

FAQ

Can I make AirPods louder than their maximum volume?

Not beyond the hardware limit, but you can often reach that limit by disabling volume caps and raising the output on your source device. Equalizer presets may also make the sound feel fuller.

Why are my AirPods quiet on only one side?

Debris in one speaker mesh is the most common cause. Clean the affected earbud carefully and test again. If the imbalance continues, check the troubleshooting guide linked above.

Does cleaning AirPods improve volume?

It often does, because blocked openings reduce the sound that reaches your ear. Use only dry or very lightly dampened materials, and avoid inserting anything into the speaker openings.

Conclusion

To make AirPods louder, start with the volume on your source device and any in-app slider, then check Headphone Safety limits. Clean the speaker mesh gently and review EQ or Conversation Boost settings if they apply to your model. If the problem persists, reconnecting the device or checking for hardware faults will usually identify the cause.

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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.