Why Do My AirPods Sound Muffled on Mac? (And how to troubleshoot the problem in 2023)

AirPods, Apple’s sleek wireless earbuds, have become common in today’s tech-savvy world. They’re known for their impressive sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices.

But why do my AirPods sound muffled on Mac? It’s a question that has left many users scratching their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Common causes of muffled sound in AirPods include low battery, Bluetooth connectivity issues, outdated software, codec problems, earwax buildup, and incorrect setup.
• Solutions range from charging your AirPods, fixing Bluetooth connectivity, updating software, switching codecs, cleaning your AirPods, checking audio settings, to resetting your AirPods.
• Advanced troubleshooting may involve checking for hardware issues or getting your AirPods repaired or replaced.

Common Causes of Muffled Sound in AirPods on Mac

When your AirPods sound muffled, it’s like listening to your favorite song underwater. The music is there, but it’s distant, distorted, and unsatisfying. So, what’s causing this?

1. Low Battery

Like a car running on fumes, AirPods with low batteries can’t perform at their best. The sound quality may deteriorate, leading to that muffled sound you’re experiencing.

2. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

Bluetooth, the invisible thread connecting your AirPods and Mac, can sometimes be the culprit. Your AirPods may sound muffled or choppy if the connection is weak or unstable.

3. Outdated Software

Software updates often come with fixes for bugs and improvements in performance. If your Mac or AirPods’ software is outdated, it might be causing sound issues.

4. Codec Problems

A codec is a program that encodes or decodes a digital data stream or signal. If another app is using the mic, your AirPods might downscale the audio quality to 16-bit mono, affecting the sound quality.

5. Earwax Buildup

Earwax can accumulate on your AirPods over time, blocking the sound. This can lead to a muffled sound, especially if the buildup is significant.

6. Incorrect Setup or Settings

If your AirPods are not set up correctly with your Mac, you might experience sound issues. This could be due to incorrect audio settings or a problem with the initial pairing process.

In my experience…

Over the years, I’ve found that the most common cause of muffled sound in AirPods is a combination of Bluetooth connectivity issues and earwax buildup. I remember when my father’s AirPods sounded so muffled that I thought they were broken. After thoroughly cleaning them, and resetting the Bluetooth on his Mac, they were back to their normal, crystal-clear sound. A good charging helped as well.

Do your AirPods keep cutting out? Check out our related post for a troubleshooting guide.

How to Fix Muffled Sound in AirPods on Mac

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes of muffled sound on AirPods, let’s dive into the solutions.

1. Charging Your AirPods

This is the simplest solution. Plug your AirPods into their charging case and give them some time to recharge. You’d be surprised how often this resolves the issue.

2. Fixing Bluetooth Connectivity

Try turning off the Bluetooth on both your Mac and AirPods. Wait for a few seconds, then turn it back on and reconnect. This can often resolve any connectivity issues.

3. Updating Software

Check if there are any software updates available for your Mac or AirPods. If there are, install them. This can often fix any bugs causing sound issues.

4. Switching Codecs

If another app uses the mic, your AirPods might be forced into call mode, downscaling the audio quality. Ensure no apps are using the microphone in the background.

5. Cleaning Your AirPods

A simple cleaning can often work wonders. Use a soft, dry brush to remove any earwax or debris from your AirPods gently. A soft toothbrush can work well. But be careful not to push any debris further into the mesh.

6. Checking Audio Settings

Ensure the correct audio settings on your Mac are selected in sound preferences. Your AirPods must be selected as the output device to receive audio.

7. Resetting Your AirPods

If all else fails, try resetting your AirPods. This can resolve any software-related glitches and allows your AirPods to get updates.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the muffled sound persists, it might be time for some advanced troubleshooting.

Checking for Hardware Issues

Try using your AirPods with a different device. If the problem persists, your AirPods might have a hardware issue.

Getting Your AirPods Repaired or Replaced

If none of the above solutions work, consider getting your AirPods repaired or replaced. Remember to bring proof of purchase when you take your AirPods for repairs.

Conclusion

Dealing with muffled sound in your AirPods can be frustrating, but with a little patience and troubleshooting, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember, regular maintenance and updates can prevent many common issues with AirPods.

And if you need to know how to connect AirPods to Peloton, check out our troubleshooting guide.

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