Airpods Max not working on one side

All the other answers I’ve seen have involved resetting or other software solutions. The answer could very easily be hardware:

1. Remove the magnetic ear cups.
2. Locate the pin holes at the top of the left and right ear. They’ll look like a SIM card hole for a phone. They’ll be on the inside (would have been hidden under the ear cup).
3. Use a SIM card ejector tool to remove the headphones from the band (yes, each ear completely separates). You’ll see a connector piece that looks like a Lightning cable and a headphone jack had a baby.
4. Use a cotton pad with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol, like from a first aid kit) to clean the connectors. There are two- one at the end of each side of the band. You’ll see there’s likely dirt/corrosion/something that’ll come off as you clean.
5. make sure it’s dry, then reattach the ears to the band. You’ll insert the connector in and rotate slowly until you hear a click. That means the ear piece is attached to the band again.
6. Reattach your ear cups (the magnetic ones) and enjoy!

I spent hours following other tutorials on resetting, restarting, unpairing, etc. and ended up getting nowhere. Did this and now they’re working beautifully again!

If your left or right AirPod won't play audio, this support article may have a solution --> If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support

If you still need help, use this link for this specific issue to contact Apple Support. Click here --> https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=kbase&PGF=PGF32003&category_id=SC0285&symptom_id=23222

nothing helps this sh***. they made me buy 500$ headphones just for audio quality.. but the b*** ain't worth it to me. tbh got the latest update on my phone, now the right side for my airpods max doesn't work. i've tried everything nothing works. f*** apple bruh. they just tryna get people money.

this was not helpful at all. not one article.