Why My AirPods Max Kept Disconnecting (and How I Fixed It)
The Problem
I use my AirPods Max almost every time I go for a run. But recently, something super annoying started happening. Every time I adjusted them, the right side would just disconnect completely. No warning, no low battery, just silence.
At first, I thought it was Bluetooth interference or a bad update, but the problem was physical, something inside the headband.
Taking It Apart
To see what was going on, I started by removing the ear cushions. Underneath, there’s a small hole near the top. I took a SIM ejector pin, inserted it, and the ear cup popped right off.
Once it was open, I noticed something interesting. Inside the headband, there’s actually a tiny Lightning-style connector. Each ear cup connects through this port, sending both power and data through the headband.
So if that connector gets corroded or dirty, it can’t make a solid connection, and that’s when you start getting random disconnects.
The Fix
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grab some isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% purity works best). |
| 2 | Dip a cotton swab or small brush and gently apply it to the connector. |
| 3 | Use something soft or a small tool to scratch away any corrosion or residue. |
| 4 | Let it dry for a few minutes, then reassemble the ear cup. |
After cleaning it, I adjusted the headphones again and the right side stayed connected perfectly. Problem solved.
What I Learned
The AirPods Max might look seamless, but underneath, they rely on some surprisingly delicate connections. Sweat, humidity, or even long-term use can cause corrosion inside that Lightning connector.
So if one side keeps cutting out, don’t assume the driver’s dead. The problem might be right where you least expect it, inside the headband.
Final Thoughts
After a quick clean, my AirPods Max are back to normal, and I didn’t have to spend a single cent on repairs. Honestly, I’m just glad I didn’t throw them out thinking they were broken.
Guess Apple wasn’t kidding when they said “it just works” as long as you clean it once in a while.
See you in the next article!
