More than just charging issues: other common AirPods Max complaints
Besides the classic "won't turn on", "no sound", and "won't charge" issues, at Blue Apple we regularly see other, lesser-known AirPods Max faults come through our doors. In this overview we've bundled the reports we see most often, both online and in our store, along with the most likely cause and fix for each.
1. Stuck pairing loop
The AirPods Max keeps showing the pairing screen over and over and won't connect stably to your iPhone, or the LED flashes white-amber in a loop while charging. This usually points to a fault in the Bluetooth board. First try a reset (noise control button + Digital Crown, 15 seconds) and fully remove the device from your Bluetooth settings before re-pairing. If the issue keeps recurring, a diagnosis is needed.
2. No active noise cancellation (ANC) or Transparency mode
If ANC no longer works noticeably even though the setting is on, the cause is often the ear cushion housing or one of the microphones being blocked or damaged. First gently clean the external microphone openings with a soft brush.
3. Wobbly or loose headband
The canvas headband on the AirPods Max is a well-known wear point. After a few years of daily use, the material can stretch, tear, or come loose from the metal frame. This affects not only wearing comfort but, in cases of severe wear, also the internal flex cables that carry power and signal between both ear cups.
4. Crackling or distorted sound at high volume
Static or distortion that mainly occurs at higher volumes usually points to moisture or sweat damage to the speaker driver. This is common with heavy use during workouts.
5. Digital Crown no longer responding
Is the Digital Crown no longer responding to volume changes or button presses? This is often a loose contact point inside the button module, which can be fixed with a targeted repair without replacing the entire housing.
6. Battery draining extremely fast
Did charging go fine, but the battery is empty again within an hour? This is a sign of an aged battery cell that has lost its maximum charge capacity — a normal ageing process after 2-3 years of heavy use.
7. Scratched, dented, or loose magnetic ear cushions
The magnetically attached ear cushions sometimes come loose on their own, or wear out, reducing sound isolation. This is the most budget-friendly repair and immediately improves both comfort and audio quality.
One free diagnosis, always honest advice
Recognise any of these issues? Feel free to stop by Blue Apple, Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam Zuid, for a free diagnosis of your AirPods Max. We repair both models — the AirPods Max (USB-C) and the AirPods Max (Lightning) — usually the same day, always with a warranty.
AirPods Max repair cost overview
- Diagnosis: free
- Battery replacement: from €68
- Charging port replacement: from €71.20
- Headband replacement: from €79.20
- Ear cushion replacement: from €63.20
- Back cover / housing: from €103.20
- Water damage treatment: from €79.20
- Cleaning: from €31.20