AirPods Pro Controls: Noise Cancellation & Transparency

To switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode on AirPods Pro, press and hold the force sensor on the stem of either earbud until you hear a chime. You can also toggle the modes in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, or in the Bluetooth settings on a Mac. The force sensor is the small, flat, oval-shaped area on the stem, just below the microphone grille.

Background: How AirPods Pro Changed the Game

When Apple released the first AirPods in 2016, they were a revelation for many, but they had a fundamental problem: they let in all ambient noise, and the audio quality suffered in loud environments. The original AirPods also had a one-size-fits-all design that didn’t fit everyone comfortably. AirPods Pro, launched in October 2019, addressed both issues head-on. They introduced a new in-ear design with silicone ear tips in three sizes, and more importantly, they brought Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to the AirPods lineup. This wasn’t just a minor feature; it was a paradigm shift for Apple’s earbuds, making them competitive with dedicated noise-cancelling headphones from brands like Sony and Bose. The addition of Transparency mode was equally significant, as it allowed users to hear the world around them without removing the earbuds, a feature that would later become a standard for premium earbuds.

How Active Noise Cancellation Works

Active Noise Cancellation on AirPods Pro is a sophisticated process that happens in real time, hundreds of times per second. It uses two microphones—one outward-facing and one inward-facing—combined with advanced software to create what Apple calls “anti-noise.” The outward-facing microphone detects external sounds, such as traffic, a humming air conditioner, or the roar of an airplane engine. The AirPods Pro’s H1 chip (and later the H2 chip in the second generation) then generates a sound wave that is the exact opposite (180 degrees out of phase) of that incoming noise. This anti-noise is played through the speaker driver, and when the two sound waves meet, they cancel each other out. The inward-facing microphone listens to what you hear and makes further adjustments to ensure the cancellation is effective. This process is continuous and adapts to changes in your environment, so if you walk from a quiet street onto a busy one, the noise cancellation adjusts accordingly.

How Transparency Mode Works

Transparency mode is essentially the opposite of ANC. Instead of blocking external sounds, it amplifies them. The same external microphones that feed the ANC system are used to capture ambient sounds, but instead of generating anti-noise, the AirPods Pro play those sounds directly into your ear, mixed with your audio. This makes the world around you sound natural, even though you have earbuds in. The result is a seamless blend of your music or podcast and the sounds of your environment. This is incredibly useful in situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings: walking or cycling on a busy street, having a brief conversation with a colleague, or listening for a train announcement at a station. Apple’s implementation is particularly praised for its naturalness; it doesn’t sound like you’re listening to the world through a tinny speaker, but rather as if you weren’t wearing earbuds at all.

How to Switch Between Modes

There are several ways to control which mode your AirPods Pro are in, and each is useful in different situations.

• Force Sensor Press: The most direct method is to press and hold the force sensor on the stem of either earbud. You’ll hear a chime, and the mode will cycle between Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and (if enabled) Adaptive Audio. You can customize which modes are cycled through in the Bluetooth settings.
• Control Center (iOS/iPadOS): On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Press and hold the volume slider (which shows the AirPods icon when they’re connected) to reveal the audio controls. Tap the noise cancellation icon in the bottom-left corner to switch between modes.
• Settings App: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods Pro, and you’ll see a list of modes. Tap the one you want to use. This is also where you can customize which modes are available when you press and hold the force sensor.
• Mac: When your AirPods Pro are connected to a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, then click the Sound section. You’ll see your AirPods Pro listed, and you can click the mode you want to switch to.
• Apple Watch: On your Apple Watch, tap the AirPlay icon in the Now Playing app, then select your AirPods Pro and choose the mode.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent issue users encounter is that the force sensor press doesn’t seem to work. This is often because they’re pressing the wrong part of the stem. The force sensor is located on the flat, oval-shaped area near the bottom of the stem, not the entire stem. Pressing the top or the sides won’t register. Another common misconception is that you can adjust the volume by pressing the force sensor. You cannot. Volume is controlled by the volume buttons on your iPhone, the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch, or by saying “Hey Siri, turn up the volume.” Some users also expect to hear a distinct sound when switching modes, but the chime is subtle by design. If you’re not hearing any change, ensure that your AirPods Pro are properly connected and that the ear tips fit well, as a poor seal can drastically reduce the effectiveness of both ANC and Transparency.

Comparing AirPods Pro to Other Earbuds

When it comes to noise cancellation, AirPods Pro are often compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Sony’s earbuds are known for having slightly stronger noise cancellation, particularly for low-frequency sounds like engine rumble. Bose also offers excellent ANC, and their earbuds are often praised for their comfort. However, AirPods Pro have a significant advantage in integration with Apple devices. The seamless pairing, automatic switching between devices, and the ability to use Siri hands-free are features that Android users don’t get. In terms of Transparency mode, AirPods Pro are widely considered the best in the business. The sound is so natural that it’s often compared to not wearing earbuds at all. This is a key differentiator, as many other earbuds’ transparency modes sound artificial or “tinny.”

Costs and Alternatives

The AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds, and they come with a premium price tag. As of 2024, they typically retail for $249. If that’s out of your budget, there are several alternatives. The standard AirPods (3rd generation) offer a similar design but lack ANC and Transparency mode. They do have a feature called “Adaptive EQ” that tunes music to your ear, but they don’t have the active noise control features. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and the Google Pixel Buds Pro offer excellent ANC and transparency modes at a similar price point, and they integrate better with their respective ecosystems. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offer ANC and a transparency mode for around $100, though the performance isn’t quite on par with the AirPods Pro.

Safety and Ear Health Considerations

While ANC and Transparency mode are safe to use, there are some considerations to keep in mind. When using ANC, you may be less aware of your surroundings, which can be dangerous in traffic or other situations where you need to hear warning sounds. Transparency mode is designed to mitigate this, but it’s not perfect. It’s always a good idea to use Transparency mode when walking or cycling in urban areas. Additionally, listening at high volumes for extended periods can damage your hearing, regardless of whether you’re using ANC or Transparency. Apple includes a feature in the Health app that can monitor your headphone audio levels and alert you if you’re exceeding recommended limits. It’s a good idea to check this periodically and keep your volume at or below 70% of the maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off noise cancellation on AirPods Pro?

To turn off noise cancellation, press and hold the force sensor on the stem of either earbud until you hear a chime. This will cycle to the next mode, which could be Transparency or Adaptive Audio. If you want to completely turn off both ANC and Transparency, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods Pro and select “Off” under the Noise Cancellation section. This will disable both modes, but you’ll still have passive noise isolation from the ear tips.

Why is my AirPods Pro not switching to Transparency mode?

If pressing and holding the force sensor doesn’t switch to Transparency mode, it’s likely that Transparency is not included in the modes that the force sensor cycles through. You can check this by going to Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods Pro and looking at the “Press and Hold AirPods” section. Make sure Transparency is checked. If it is, try resetting your AirPods Pro by putting them in the case, closing the lid, and waiting 30 seconds before reconnecting.

Can I use one AirPod Pro at a time and still use noise cancellation?

Yes, you can use a single AirPod Pro and still use noise cancellation or Transparency mode. The microphones and sensors are built into each earbud, so they work independently. However, the noise cancellation may be slightly less effective with only one earbud in, as the inward-facing microphone in the other ear won’t be helping to adjust the anti-noise.

Does Transparency mode drain the battery faster?

Both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode use additional power because they require the microphones and processing to be active. Apple states that AirPods Pro provide up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC or Transparency enabled, and up to 5 hours with both turned off. The difference is small, but it’s there. If you’re running low on battery, turning off both modes can give you a bit more listening time.

What is Adaptive Audio on AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

Adaptive Audio is a feature introduced with the second-generation AirPods Pro. It dynamically blends Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation based on your environment. For example, if you’re in a quiet room and start talking, it will let in more outside sound so you can hear the conversation. If you’re on a noisy street, it will increase noise cancellation to block out the din. You can enable Adaptive Audio by pressing and holding the force sensor until you hear a chime, or by selecting it in Control Center.

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