Airpods Max Which is Left and Right: Here’s The Easiest Way to Tell

The AirPods Max may be stylish and packed with premium features, but it’s surprisingly easy to get turned around when trying to figure out which earcup goes on which ear. Unlike most headphones, where “L” and “R” labels are prominently displayed, the design on the AirPods Max is so sleek that it can actually be hard to spot these markers at first glance.

Airpods Max Which is Left and Right

Luckily, once you know where to look—and a few helpful tips—it’s a breeze to ensure you’re putting them on correctly every time. Here’s how you can quickly identify the left and right sides on your AirPods Max.

1. Check for the L and R Indicators Inside the Ear Cushions

The easiest way to identify the left and right earcups is to look for the “L” and “R” markings inside the ear cushions. Apple placed these indicators subtly, blending them into the mesh fabric of each earcup, so they don’t disrupt the minimal aesthetic. Here’s how to find them:

  1. Hold the AirPods Max by the headband and turn them so the earcups face you.
  2. Inside each earcup, you’ll see either an “L” or “R” subtly printed on the mesh covering.

While this may sound straightforward, the markings are faint, so it’s easy to miss if you’re not familiar with their location. Taking a moment to spot these indicators makes a big difference, especially when you’re in a rush or putting them on in low light.

2. Remember the Crown Placement

The Digital Crown on the AirPods Max serves as a useful shortcut for identifying the right earcup. Apple designed the Digital Crown to always be on the right side, functioning similarly to the crown on a traditional watch.

  • Right Side: The earcup with the Digital Crown (the rotating control knob) and the Noise Control button is always the right side.

Using the Digital Crown as your guide becomes second nature over time, making it easy to put your AirPods Max on the right way without looking for the L and R labels.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Button Placement

The button layout on the AirPods Max is another helpful clue. Both the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown are located on the right earcup. Once you familiarize yourself with these button placements, they’ll help you get oriented quickly without needing to search for tiny letters.

  1. Feel for the Buttons: Run your fingers along the earcup. If you feel the buttons, then you’re holding the right side.
  2. Practice Identifying by Feel: After a few times of locating the Digital Crown and Noise Control button, you’ll be able to distinguish the right earcup by touch alone.

4. Look for the Charging Port Position

Another way to determine the correct orientation is by using the position of the charging port on your AirPods Max. Apple placed the charging port on the bottom of the right earcup, so if you’re holding the headphones and find the charging port, that’s the right side.

Here’s how to use the charging port as your guide:

  1. Hold the AirPods Max upright, with the headband at the top.
  2. Locate the charging port on one of the earcups. If the charging port is on the bottom, that earcup is the right side.

This trick is particularly helpful if you’re in a dimly lit room or if you’ve been charging your AirPods Max recently and are already familiar with the port’s location.

5. Make a Habit of Using the Storage Case

One often overlooked tip is to make use of the Smart Case that comes with the AirPods Max. While it’s primarily for storing and protecting your headphones, the case’s shape and fit can act as a helpful orientation guide. Each side of the case is designed specifically to fit one earcup, so it naturally forces you to place the left and right sides correctly every time you put your headphones away.

When you take them out, they’ll already be in the correct orientation, and you can simply slip them on without second-guessing which side is which.

6. Remember Headband Adjustment Direction

An additional, subtle way to tell left from right on your AirPods Max is by the direction the headband adjusts. When you adjust the headband, the earcups extend downward. If you need a quick reminder, practice adjusting each side to understand how the fit changes when the headphones are worn properly.

Why It Matters to Get Left and Right Correct

Getting the orientation of your AirPods Max right isn’t just about comfort—it’s also essential for a proper audio experience. Apple designed the Spatial Audio feature to deliver directional sound, creating an immersive listening experience that adjusts as you move your head. If you accidentally wear the headphones the wrong way around, you may miss out on the accurate positioning of audio elements.

For example:

  • Movies and Games: Directional sound effects in movies and games, such as footsteps or passing vehicles, can sound distorted or unnatural when wearing the headphones incorrectly.
  • Music Tracks: Stereo audio, especially on well-produced tracks, can lose its intended impact if left and right channels are reversed.

Final Tips for Remembering Left and Right

While it may feel like extra effort at first, remembering these tips can help you seamlessly integrate the habit of identifying the left and right sides of your AirPods Max. With a few easy-to-follow techniques—such as locating the Digital Crown or using the charging port as a reference—you’ll be able to put on your headphones confidently and enjoy an uninterrupted, immersive listening experience.

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