Table of Contents
- Struggling with AirPods Noise Cancelling? Here’s How to Fix It Fast
- Why Noise Cancelling Fails
- Solution 1: Turn Noise Cancellation Back On
- Solution 2: Check the Fit
- For AirPods Pro
- For AirPods Max
- Solution 3: Clean Your AirPods
- For AirPods Pro
- For AirPods Max
- Solution 4: Restart or Reset Your AirPods
- Restart
- Reset
- Solution 5: Update Firmware
- Solution 6: Avoid Interference
- Solution 7: Turn Off Transparency Mode
- Solution 8: Check Battery Levels
- For AirPods Pro
- For AirPods Max
- Solution 9: Test with Another Device
- Solution 10: Contact Apple Support
- Pro Tips for Preventing Future Issues
Struggling with AirPods Noise Cancelling? Here’s How to Fix It Fast
When your AirPods noise cancellation stops working, it feels like the world gets louder. You’re in a noisy café, trying to focus, but the chatter seeps in. Fixing this isn’t rocket science. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Noise Cancelling Fails
Noise cancelling isn’t magic—it’s tech. Your AirPods use microphones to block out background noise. But things like dirt, software bugs, or even how they sit in your ears can mess it up.
Solution 1: Turn Noise Cancellation Back On
Sometimes, the simplest solution works.
- Put your AirPods in and connect them to your device.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth > tap the (i) next to your AirPods.
- Check if Noise Cancellation is selected.
Alternatively:
- Open Control Center on your iPhone.
- Long-press the volume slider and ensure Noise Cancellation is active.
If it’s already on but not working, keep reading.
Solution 2: Check the Fit
A bad fit equals bad noise cancellation.
For AirPods Pro
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap (i) next to your AirPods.
- Run the Ear Tip Fit Test. If it says “poor fit,” switch ear tips until you get a snug seal.
For AirPods Max
- Make sure the ear cushions are secure and fully seal around your ears.
Think of it like wearing shoes—if they don’t fit right, they won’t do their job.
Solution 3: Clean Your AirPods
Dirt is sneaky. It clogs microphones and speakers, ruining noise cancellation.
For AirPods Pro
- Wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Remove the silicone tips and rinse them under warm water (no soap!).
- Use a soft brush or cotton swab to clean around the speaker mesh.
For AirPods Max
- Check the ear cushions for dust and wipe them with a lint-free cloth.
- Gently clean near the drivers without using sharp objects.
Think of cleaning as giving them a spa day—it keeps them performing their best.
Solution 4: Restart or Reset Your AirPods
Tech gets cranky sometimes. A restart might calm things down.
Restart
- Put your AirPods in their case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.
Reset
- Put them in the case.
- Hold the setup button (on the back) until the light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect them to your device.
For AirPods Max, hold the Noise Control Button and Digital Crown together until you see an amber flash.
Solution 5: Update Firmware
Outdated software can cause chaos.
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
- Place them in their case near your phone while it’s charging.
- Make sure your iPhone is on Wi-Fi and has enough battery.
Firmware updates happen automatically when conditions are right—just let them sit for about 30 minutes.
Solution 6: Avoid Interference
Your environment matters more than you think.
- Wind or strong airflow (like from a fan) can confuse noise cancellation.
- Sudden loud sounds might still break through—ANC works best on steady background noise.
- Electronics like Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth devices can interfere with performance.
Try using your AirPods in a quieter spot to test if interference is the issue.
Solution 7: Turn Off Transparency Mode
Transparency Mode does the opposite of noise cancelling—it lets sound in.
- Open Control Center, long-press the volume slider, and turn off Transparency Mode.
- Or go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap (i) next to your AirPods > Noise Control.
If Transparency Mode is on, ANC won’t work as expected.
Solution 8: Check Battery Levels
Low battery? Say goodbye to ANC.
For AirPods Pro
Charge them for at least five minutes in their case.
For AirPods Max
Plug them in via Lightning cable for at least ten minutes.
If battery life drains too quickly, there could be a deeper issue at play.
Solution 9: Test with Another Device
Your iPhone might be the problem—not your AirPods.
- Connect your AirPods to another device (like an iPad or Mac).
- If ANC works there, update your iPhone’s software: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Still no luck? Forget and re-pair your AirPods: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap (i), and choose “Forget This Device.”
- Reconnect and test again.
Solution 10: Contact Apple Support
If nothing works, it might be hardware trouble.
- Check if you’re under warranty on Apple’s website.
- Schedule a repair or replacement through Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
- First-gen AirPods Pro users may qualify for Apple’s free service program for sound issues—worth checking out!
Pro Tips for Preventing Future Issues
- Clean regularly—don’t let earwax win!
- Keep firmware updated by charging near your iPhone often.
- Store your AirPods properly when not in use—no tossing them into bags unprotected!
Fixing noise cancellation isn’t hard if you know where to look. Sometimes it’s dirt; other times, it’s software acting up—or maybe just a bad fit! Follow these steps, and you’ll have peace and quiet again soon.