How to Fix the Bass Issue on AirPods Pro

Are you experiencing poor bass quality on your AirPods Pro? In this guide, I will show you all you need to do to improve the bass on your AirPods and improve your AirPods’ audio quality overall. Let’s get into it. 

Check for Software Updates

The first step is to ensure that your devices are up to date. First, check that your iPhone or the other device paired to your phone is up to date. 

Next, make sure the firmware on your AirPods are up to date. Doing that is fairly simple, as there are no manual configurations or downloads you need to download. 

Instead, follow these steps: 

1. Place the AirPods in their case and close the lid. 
2. Connect the AirPods case to a charging source (this could be your Mac). 
3. Make sure the AirPods are within Bluetooth range of a paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 
4. Wait 30 minutes to allow for all firmware updates to be downloaded and installed automatically to your AirPods. 

Updating the software and firmware can often fix poor audio issues. 

Clean AirPods Pro Earpieces

If you are still experiencing AirPods quality issues, the most likely issue is dirt or debris, which can block sound and affect bass quality. 

Start with a soft cloth. You can wet it slightly with water or eyeglasses cleaning solution, but avoid using strong or alcohol-based detergents. Gently wipe the surface of the AirPods to clear away dust. 

If that still does not work, try gently using a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush and clean your AirPods Pro. Once again, you can wet it slightly. 

Finally, if that still does not work, there is another solution: Use your mouth to suck dirt and debris out of the mesh of the AirPods. It is a little disgusting, I admit. However, there is often no better way to get all that gunk out, as debris and earwax can easily build up there. Avoid using compressed air, as that could create strong pressure that could damage the internal components of your AirPods.

Adjusting Headphone Accommodations

The next step is to go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations and turn on Headphone Accommodations in your iPhone settings. 

This allows you to create a Custom Audio Setup, where you can set the lowest frequencies, like 125 Hz, to 15, while setting the higher frequencies to 0. What this does is increase the lower bass frequencies while lowering the non-bass frequencies, which can help improve the bass quality and make the bass more noticeable to your ears. 

Using Bass Booster Settings on an iPhone

If that doesn’t give you a satisfactory listening experience, try selecting the Bass Booster preset in the Equalizer settings. In your iPhone settings, go to Music > EQ, where you can find various equalizer presets. Choose the Bass Booster preset, which automatically boosts bass levels without any additional configurations. 

Troubleshooting Muffled Audio and Distortion

While we already covered dirty AirPods as a cause for muffled audio and discussed various software updates and settings you can adust to increase audio quality, there are several other things that may also cause muffled or distorted audio on your AirPods. 

The first step is to test that the muffled audio is actually caused by the AirPods and not your device. Connect your AirPods to a different phone or laptop and check if the muffled audio persists. If it does, the issue lies in the AirPods, not the device. 

Make sure your AirPods are properly cleaned, as mentioned, but also fully dry, before using them again. 

Another possible cause is Headphone Safety being turned on in your settings, which can force low volume on your AirPods to protect your hearing. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety to check. 

Resettings AirPods Pro for Optimal Performance

You may want to consider resetting your AirPods, which can often fix poor quality issues. 

To reset your AirPods Pro 1 or AirPods Pro 2, follow these steps: 

1. Put the AirPods Pro in their case and close the lids. 
2. Wait 30 seconds and then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your paired iPhone. 
3. Find your AirPods in your Bluetooth list, click on the More Info button next to your AirPods, and click on Forget This Device and then tap again to confirm. If you can’t find your AirPods in the list, proceed to the next step. 
4. Open the lid of your charging case and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for around 15 seconds until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber and then white. 
5. Proceed to repair your AirPods by following the instructions on your iPhone screen. 

To reset our AirPods Pro 3, follow these steps: 

1. Put the AirPods Pro in their case and close the lids. 
2. Wait 30 seconds and then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your paired iPhone. 
3. Find your AirPods in your Bluetooth list, click on the More Info button next to your AirPods, and click on Forget This Device and then tap again to confirm. If you can’t find your AirPods in the list, proceed to the next step. 
4. Open the lid of your charging case, wait for the status light on the front of the case to turn on, and double-tap the front of the case.
5. Once the status light flashes white, double-tap the front of the case again. 
6. Once the status light starts flashing faster, double-tap the front of the case a third time, until the status light flashes amber and then white again. 
7. Proceed to repair your AirPods by following the instructions on your iPhone screen. 

Balancing the Sound Between Left and Right Earbuds

Another common issue that is related to muffled sound is a lack of balance between your left and right earbuds. You can actually balance and adjust this in your iPhone settings by going to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Balance Slider. Make sure the Balance Slider is centered exactly in the middle to get the equilibrium you want. If it’s skewed to the right, the right AirPod will be louder than the left (and vice versa). 

If you have an Android, Windows, or Mac, check out our guide on how to adjust the balance between the left and right earbuds. 

Consider Replacing AirPods Pro if the Issue Persists

If your AirPods are old, there may come a point when the audio quality will just be bad compared to newer models. Hardware failures can also occur over time due to extensive use. In addition, dirt and dust buildup may prove difficult to clean if the dust is persistent. 

At that point, it might be time to upgrade your model to a new pair of AirPods. Unlike other Apple products, AirPods are not part of Apple’s Trade-In program. However, you may be able to sell them on eBay for a small amount. 

Conclusion on Fixing Bass Issues in AirPods Pro

I hope this guide was helpful in helping you fix the bass issue on your AirPods Pro! By cleaning your AirPods, updating the firmware, and adjusting some settings, you can fix most bass quality issues. Nevertheless, if your AirPods are very old, you may want to consider replacing them.