AirPods Flashing Red Light? Find Solutions Here

AirPods are an everyday accessory for many individuals. But, although these tiny, portable earbuds can make your life easier, some problems can keep them from operating correctly. 

It can mean several possible issues if you notice your AirPods flashing red. Thankfully, here are all the possible causes for flashing lights with AirPods and how to solve them so you can continue to use your devices effectively. 

Why Are My AirPods Flashing Red? | Solved!

Electronic devices that display flashing lights are there to tell the user a message. AirPods can have red, blue, white, or orange lights that all point to various issues requiring different solutions. 

Many people ask, “Why is my left AirPod flashing red?” Essentially, a flashing red light on AirPods can indicate something is wrong. However, it is simple to rectify the issue if you know why they are flashing and what to do about it. 

The location of the flashing light is a signal that will point to the cause, so taking note of where you see the light will help the diagnostic process. In addition, First generation AirPods have a light on the inside of the case, while second-generation models include this status light on the case’s outside.  

So, what does flashing red light mean on AirPods? It could be due to one of these numerous problems: 

• Low charge
• Error while storing 
• Delay in a firmware update
• Pairing error 

1. Low Charge

The most common reason for AirPods flashing red is because they are running on a low battery charge. This simple blinking light will grab the user’s attention immediately and requires them to sit in the charging case to function further. 

If you notice a red light on AirPods Pro, the first step should be to place them in the charging case. However, if the case does not have a full charge, it will require a connection to bring the battery up to a total amount. 

2. Error While Storing AirPods

AirPods are delicate electronics that require precision during operation and storage. Unfortunately, these small earbuds are identical to thousands of other AirPod models that belong to your friends or family members. This similarity can create errors during storage, resulting in an AirPod case flashing red. 

If you have an AirPod in the wrong compartment side for charging, it may flash red and not charge correctly. So, the first step is ensuring that the earbuds sit appropriately in the charging case. If this action does not solve the problem, you may not have the correct devices. 

Flashing red light AirPods also occur when you accidentally grab your friend’s earbuds instead of your own and place them into your charging case. This red light indicates that the AirPods are not synced with your case and have a problem communicating. 

3. Delay in a Firmware Update

Because AirPods are electronic devices, they may occasionally require a firmware update. Although Apple tries to ensure that all AirPods are up-to-date automatically, you may run into an instance where your earbuds will not operate correctly and flash red. 

Once they receive a proper firmware update, the light should disappear, and you can resume use of your AirPods as usual. 

4. Pairing Error 

If you are confident that your AirPods have a full charge and are your earbuds, a flashing red light can point to a pairing error. Pairing errors can happen if you reset your mobile device that operates your AirPods or upgrade your phone, and your new model is not set up with your earbuds yet.  

The solution to fix a pairing error is simple. All you need to do is remove your AirPods from your Bluetooth devices on your electronics, then press and hold the reset button on the AirPod charging case to go through the setup steps. 

AirPods Flashing Red While Charging

You are not alone if you wonder why your AirPods are flashing red while charging. However, a red flashing light on AirPods right after transferring them to the charging case is entirely normal. 

Your earbuds will blink temporarily once you place them into their compartment, then the light will remain steady or dim as they charge when you close the lid, depending on your device model. 

AirPods Flashing Red and Blue

A flashing red and blue light can be concerning for AirPod users, especially if you have not noticed this before. Thankfully, AirPods flashing red and blue indicate that they are in the pairing process and searching for your Bluetooth devices to pair to. 

Red and blue flashing AirPods should be temporary as they electronically connect to your mobile device. Once they pair correctly, this flashing sequence should disappear. 

AirPods Flashing Red and White

You may wonder, “Why is my AirPod case flashing red and white?” if you have not noticed it before and they are not working correctly. The red and white flashing lights signify that your AirPods need pairing to a compatible mobile device. 

AirPods flashing red and white lights can happen if you are trying to use them, your mobile phone is out of range, or your Bluetooth has disconnected from your AirPods. However, by resetting your earbuds and repairing them, you should have no problem using them again. 

Why Is My Right AirPod So Quiet?

Sometimes users may notice that one AirPod earbud is quieter than the other. If your right AirPod does not emit the same volume of sound as the left one, there are a couple of solutions you can try. 

First, you should examine the quieter mesh screen on the AirPod. There may be dirt or debris stuck, which makes it sound more subdued than the other side. Try to clean the inside of the mesh screen with a soft cloth or brush and remove any dust or debris blocking the sound. 

Next, go into the settings of your AirPods on your mobile device. Depending on the make and model of your electronics, it should reside in the settings menu, under accessibility, sound, or hearing options. 

Once you locate the proper function, you can adjust the balance slider to sit equally between right and left. If it sits to the left side more than the right, your left earbud will be louder, causing the right one to sound much quieter.  

What if There Is No Colour on My AirPod Case?

After exploring all the possible color options, you may have on your AirPod case, having no lights at all can also create some concerns. However, seeing no color on the charging case is due to one of two possible causes.  

First, if your charging case is entirely dead and has no battery power left, it will not flash or have any indicator lights, even when you place the AirPods inside the compartments. If this is the situation, you will need to charge the case before any colored lights appear again. 

Lastly, an AirPod case may not show any color if it is fully charged and is sitting idle. If you noticed that it was flashing previously and after plugging it in, the light has stopped, it has finished charging, and there are no concerns. 

How To Hard Reset Apple AirPods?

Often, completing a hard reset on your Apple AirPods will solve numerous problems with flashing lights or issues with their operation. This task is easy to do and will only take a few moments of your time. 

To hard reset your Apple AirPods, follow these easy steps: 

1. Insert your AirPods into their correct charging case compartments and close the lid completely
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds 
3. Open the charging case lid but leave the AirPods inside their compartments
4. Open your Bluetooth devices option on your mobile device that your AirPods are paired to
5. If they are present, remove them by selecting Forget this device
6. If they are not present, you can then begin the hard reset process
7. With the charging case lid open, press and hold the setup button that sits on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds or until it starts flashing red and white
8. Now, you can reconnect your AirPods by ensuring they are close to your mobile device and following the on-screen directions

Conclusion

You no longer have to worry; what does it mean when AirPods flash red, red and white, or red and blue? By following these simple steps, you can reset your AirPods and have them operational again in no time. 

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