14 Best Ways to Fix Skullcandy Earbuds One Side Not Working

Dealing with one side of your Skullcandy earbuds not working can be frustrating, especially when you need to stay connected or enjoy your favorite tunes.

This common issue among wireless earbuds occurs due to various reasons, including battery and charging problems, connection and pairing issues, or functional and physical malfunctions.

By understanding the causes behind this problem, you can follow specific troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and restore your music listening experience.

How to Fix Skullcandy Earbuds One Side Not Working:

1. Check the battery

It’s essential to check the battery status of your Skullcandy earbuds regularly. A low battery can affect the functionality of one or both earbuds. Ensure they are sufficiently charged before use.

Checking the battery level of your Skullcandy earbuds can be done in various ways, depending on the specific model and the device you’re using them with. Here’s a general guideline to check the battery level:

• LED Indicators on the Earbuds/Charging Case:
  • Many Skullcandy earbuds come with LED indicators on the earbuds themselves or the charging case. These LEDs typically change color or blink in a specific pattern to indicate battery level.
  • The LED indicator on the earbuds will blink red when the battery is low (below 30%) and needs charging and will display a Solid red light if out of battery (no light may also be displayed when out of battery).

Additionally, charging indicators are useful for understanding the status of your earbuds. A red light generally signals that the earbuds are charging when placed in the case, even if the light only appears briefly. Note that some models may show a blue light when fully charged.

If this light is absent, it likely indicates a connection problem with the charging pins.

The problem often stems from the earbuds not aligning properly with the case’s charging pins. This misalignment might be due to improperly positioned ear tips or dirt and debris obstructing the charging pins; navigate to step number 7 if this is your issue. Sometimes, resetting the device (as explained in Step 3) can also help in this circumstance.

2. Re-Sync Your Earbuds Correctly

Nearly all Skullcandy earbuds include a handy quick re-sync feature. This is a good first step to troubleshoot any issues. However, the exact process can differ between Skullcandy models. To help, we’ve compiled a guide that includes instructions for every available Skullcandy earbud. Just locate your specific model and follow the accompanying steps:

Skullcandy Indy Evo / Skullcandy Sesh Evo (Similar to reset process)

For Evo models, the re-sync process is the same as the reset process. Here’s how to do it:

• Device Setup: Remove your earbuds from your Bluetooth paired list.
• Power Off: Remove earbuds from the case and hold both touch sensors for 6 seconds.

• Reset: Once powered off, hold the touch sensors of both earbuds for 10 seconds.
• Sync: Place earbuds in the case until LEDs are red, then take them out.

• They’ll auto-power and sync (LEFT earbud will flash RED/BLUE).
• Pair: Turn on your device’s Bluetooth. Choose your earbuds (once) from available devices Bluetooth list. Approve any prompts. Upon successful pairing, you’ll hear a “Connected” voice prompt.

Skullcandy Grind / Grind Fuel / Skullcandy Push Active/ Skullcandy Mod

• Bluetooth Off: Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your device and turn it off.
• Power On Earbuds: Remove the earbuds from their charging case and ensure both are switched on.
• Re-Sync Process: Simultaneously press the button on each earbud three times.

• The LED on the earbuds will pulse, and after a series of blue flashes, they will be successfully re-synced.
• Reconnect to Device: Turn Bluetooth back on from your device settings. Choose the previously paired earbuds from the list.
• Successful Connection: Once paired, both earbuds will blink blue three times, and you’ll hear a voice prompt confirming the successful connection.

Skullcandy Dime/ Skullcandy Jib/ Skullcandy Rail

• Activating Earbuds: Start by taking the earbuds out of their charging case. Alternatively, you can also turn them on by pressing and holding the button on each bud for 2 seconds.
• Initiating Re-Sync Mode: With the earbuds powered on (regardless of whether they are connected to a device), press the button on each earbud four times.

• This action puts the earbuds into re-sync mode, allowing them to establish a connection with each other.
• Observing Re-Sync Progress: As the earbuds work to sync with each other, you’ll see them flash Red/Blue briefly. Once they’ve successfully re-synced, both earbuds will flash blue simultaneously, and you’ll hear an audible “connected” prompt.
• Final Connection: If your earbuds were previously connected to a device, they should now automatically re-establish that connection. You can then enjoy stereo audio from both earbuds.

3. Reset Your Earbuds:

Reset Method #1 Universal Complete Reset (Works on all Skullcandy Earbud models)

Power Off: Take the earbuds out of the case and long-press both touch sensors (or button) for six seconds to turn the earbuds off.

Reset: Following power-off, continue to hold the touch sensors of both earbuds for another ten seconds.

Sync: Insert the earbuds back into the case until the LEDs turn red, then remove them.

The earbuds will automatically turn on and start syncing (the LEFT earbud will flash RED/BLUE).

Pair: Enable your device’s Bluetooth. Select your earbuds (once) from the list of detected devices. Confirm any dialog boxes that appear. A “Connected” voice prompt will sound when pairing is successful.

Reset Method #2 Model Specific Pairing Reset

Grind / Grind Fuel / Skullcandy Push Active / Skullcandy Mod

• Device Setup: Remove your Skullcandy earbuds from your Bluetooth-paired devices. Then turn off your device’s Bluetooth.
• Earbuds Activation: Take out BOTH earbuds from the case. You’ll hear a tone and voice indicating they’re on.
• Reset Process: Press and hold only the RIGHT earbud button for 3 seconds. You’ll hear a tone, see the RIGHT earbud flash thrice, and then a voice will say “Ready to Pair.”

• Both earbuds will show a red/blue pulse.

• Re-Pairing: Activate Bluetooth on your device. Choose your earbuds from the list and confirm any pairing requests. A voice will announce when the connection is established.

Skullcandy Dime/ Skullcandy Jib

1. Unpairing: Remove “Dime” from your Bluetooth paired devices list.
2. Activation: Take the Dime earbuds out of their charging case. They’ll power on automatically.
3. Reset Procedure: Ensure earbuds aren’t connected to a device. Press the button on one earbud (either earbud) twice, then hold for 2 seconds. This clears the paired list and initiates Pairing Mode. You’ll hear a “Pairing” voice prompt, and the LEFT bud will flash RED/BLUE.
4. Pairing: Switch on your device’s Bluetooth. Find and select “Dime” in the available Bluetooth devices. Confirm any “Pair” or “Ok” prompts.
5. Connection Confirmation: Upon successful pairing, a voice will say “Connected”.

Skullcandy Rail

1. First, navigate to your device’s Bluetooth settings and remove “RAIL” from the list of paired devices. After doing so, make sure to switch off the Bluetooth feature on your device.
2. Next, remove both earbuds from their case. You should hear a tone and voice prompt indicating that your earbuds have powered on.
3. Now, press and hold the sensors on both earbuds simultaneously for approximately six (6) seconds.
4. A distinct tone will confirm a successful reset, followed by the right earbud flashing purple six (6) times. A voice prompt will then announce, “Ready to pair,” and both earbuds will begin pulsing in a red/blue pattern.
5. Proceed by reopening your device’s Bluetooth settings and switch Bluetooth back ON. Among the list of available devices, select “Rail”, and approve the “Pair” or “OK” prompt that appears on your screen. When the pairing process is successfully completed, a voice prompt will say “connected”.

Specific Troubleshooting Steps:

4. Take out and reset Only One earbud

• Reset:
  • Take the problematic earbud out of the charging case.
  • Press and hold the touch sensor (or button) on the earbud for 6 seconds to turn it off.
  • Then Press and hold the touch sensor on the earbud for approximately 10 seconds to reset the earbud.

• The earbud should power down or show some form of indication (like an LED flash) that it has reset.
• Reconnect:
  • Place the earbud back into its charging slot in the case to ensure it receives any charge or reset signals.
  • After a few moments, remove it from the case.
  • Check to see if the earbud now connects or syncs with its counterpart and your device.

5. Reset Both Earbuds Individually

1. Left Earbud Reset:
   • Reset only your left earbuds by pressing and holding the touch sensors for 10 seconds while the earbuds are turned off.
   • Place it in the charging case.
2. Right Earbud Reset:
   • Now take out the right earbud from the charging case and Reset it (follow the instructions above.)
   • Once complete, place it alongside the left earbud in the charging case.
3. Pause and Reconnect:
   • Let both earbuds sit in the charging case for a few moments.
   • Remove them from the case and attempt to reconnect them to your device.

6. Charge The Case With Only The Problematic Earbud

Users reported that even if the charging case indicates it has battery life (e.g., showing 3 bars), there might be an issue with the battery indicators.

Place only the non-working earbud inside the charging case and charge the case simultaneously.

7. Clearing Blockages for Charging

Any dirt, debris, or foreign particles can disrupt the connection points between the earbuds and the charging case. The charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case must establish a clean, unimpeded link for effective charging and communication.

Alignment Check: Before cleaning, make sure the earbuds are properly aligned with the charging pins inside the case. Incorrect positioning can lead to charging and connectivity issues.

Inspect Ear-tip Placement: Ensure that the ear-tips are correctly placed on the earbuds, as improper positioning can interfere with the alignment inside the case.

Inspect for Debris: Carefully check the inside of the case, focusing on the charging ports, look for any visible debris, dirt, or foreign particles that may be blocking the charging pins or preventing the earbuds from sitting correctly in the case.

Clean the Case: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the interior, paying special attention to the charging ports where the earbuds connect. If necessary, use a small brush, compressed air, or a cotton swab to dislodge any stubborn debris.

Clean the Earbuds: Pay special attention to the connectors that attach to the charging ports in the case. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the earbuds, ensuring not to damage the connectors in the process. If stubborn debris is present, consider using a small brush or compressed air to clean the connectors.

Test for Connectivity and Charging: After cleaning and ensuring proper alignment, place the earbuds back into the case. Check if they connect and charge correctly.

8. Drain The Batteries

With Skullcandy earbuds, each can operate independently in mono mode. This functionality, while convenient, can sometimes lead to a noticeable battery imbalance between the two. If one earbud is fully charged while its counterpart is low, it might hinder the charging process in the case for either or both earbuds.

1. Drain the Batteries: Allow the batteries in both the earbuds and the charging case to be completely depleted until they no longer power on.
2. Charge Fully: Once both the earbuds and the case are fully drained, connect the charging case to a charger.
3. Monitor the Charging: Let the case and the earbuds charge fully. It’s essential to ensure that all components are charged to maximum capacity.
4. Test the Earbuds: After a full charge, try using the earbuds to see if both are working correctly.

Note: This method might act as a “soft reset” for the earbuds.

9. Check Audio Settings on the Connected Device

Audio settings, if misconfigured, can cause one earbud to malfunction or remain silent, especially due to modes like “mono”. The steps below will guide you in ensuring your device’s configurations are set correctly.

1. Access Audio Settings: Navigate to the sound or audio settings of the device that your headphones are connected to.
2. Verify Stereo Mode: Ensure that the audio output mode is set to “stereo” and not “mono.” Mono mode outputs the same audio to both headphones, which might cause issues if one side’s original audio track was silent.
3. Check Balance Levels: Look for an audio balance setting. Ensure that the balance between the right and left headphones is centered, ensuring that neither side is muted or reduced in volume.
4. Test Audio Playback: Play an audio track to verify that sound is coming from both headphones evenly.

Note: Some devices may have additional audio enhancements or settings that can affect playback. Ensure all such settings are correctly configured for optimal listening.

10. Protective Plastic Oversight (For First Time Users)

While this may seem obvious, overlooking the protective plastic on new earbuds happens more often than you’d think.

Steps:

• Inspect: Check earbud charging connectors before placing them in the case.

• Remove Plastic: Peel off any protective film from the connectors, a common feature in new electronics.
• Charge Again: Place earbuds in the case and look for charging indicators like LED lights.

Note: Always inspect new devices for protective covers before use.

Physical Issues:

11. Check for dirt and earwax build-up

Dirt and earwax can accumulate in the tiny holes of your earbuds, leading to reduced functionality. Use a small brush or a soft cloth to gently clean the earbuds. Ensure that you do not push the dirt or debris further into the earbud.

12. Check for physical damage

The primary thing you’d want to look for is the charging pins inside the case. Ensure they are in a good state, not bent or pushed inward. A proper alignment and condition of these pins is essential for effective charging and overall device performance.

Next, inspect the earbuds for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or loose parts. If you notice any damage, it’s essential to get them repaired or replaced, as this could be the root cause of one side not working.

13. Check for water damage

Despite the water-resistant features of many earbuds, water damage can still occur. Check for any signs of moisture or corrosion inside the charging case or on the earbud connectors. If you suspect water damage, let the earbuds dry completely before attempting to use them again.

If All Else Fails:

Sometimes, despite trying all available solutions, the issue with one side of the Skullcandy earbuds not working might persist. In such situations, it is crucial to seek assistance from the right sources.

14. Contact Skullcandy’s Official Customer Support for Assistance

When all other methods fail, the best course of action is to contact Skullcandy’s official customer support. Their team of experts can provide accurate guidance on diagnosing and resolving the issue.

To get in touch with Skullcandy’s customer support, visit their official website and navigate to the “Support” section. There, users will find various options to connect with the support team, such as email or live chat. It is essential to provide as much information as possible about the earbuds, including the specific model, details of the issue, and any troubleshooting steps already taken.

Moreover, some Skullcandy products come with a warranty, so it’s worth checking if the earbuds are still covered. If they are, the customer support team can guide users through the warranty claim process, which may include repairing or replacing the affected earbuds.

Remember, professional help can save time and prevent further damage to the earbuds. So, when no other solution works, don’t hesitate to reach out to Skullcandy’s customer support for assistance.