If Active Noise Cancellation isn't working as expected on your AirPods

If you're having issues with Active Noise Cancellation on your AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 (ANC), these solutions might help.

Before you start

  • Make sure that you have the latest software on your connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

  • Check that your AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 (ANC) are on the latest firmware version.

  • For AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 (ANC), avoid blocking or covering the external microphones. Blocked or covered microphones may cause temporary high-pitched squeals, chirps, feedback, or other audio performance issues.

Check your AirPods settings

  • With your AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 (ANC) in your ears and connected to your device, make sure that Active Noise Cancellation is turned on.

  • Make sure that Adaptive Audio isn't enabled. Adaptive Audio adjusts noise-control settings based on your surroundings.

  • Play audio and remove one AirPod from your ear. If the audio doesn’t pause automatically, or if you can’t enable Active Noise Cancellation from Settings or Control Center, reset your AirPods.

Use the Ear Tip Fit Test or the Acoustic Seal Test

Your AirPods ear tips should make a good seal with your ear canal for the best sound quality and noise cancellation. You can check the seal of your AirPods Pro 1 and AirPods Pro 2 with the Ear Tip Fit Test, or check the seal of your AirPods Pro 3 with the Acoustic Seal Test:

  1. With your AirPods Pro in your ears and connected to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

  2. Tap the Info button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.

  3. Tap Ear Tip Fit Test, or tap Acoustic Seal Test.

  4. Tap Continue, then tap the Play button.

Learn how to choose the right ear tip size for a good seal and optimal sound performance.

Your Ear Tip Fit Test results tell you if the ear tips you’re using are a good fit for your ears.

Clean your AirPods

If you experience a loss of bass sound or an increase in background sounds when you enable Active Noise Cancellation, you might need to clean your AirPods or clean your AirPods Pro.

Reset your AirPods

If Active Noise Cancellation still isn't working as expected, reset your AirPods. If Active Noise Cancellation still isn’t working after you've reset your AirPods, you might need service.

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