AirPods Pro Noise Cancelling Not Working? Fixes

If your AirPods Pro noise cancelling has stopped working, the most common causes are ear tip fit issues, a dirty mesh, or a software glitch — and most cases are fixable in under five minutes. This guide walks through every practical fix, from re-seating the ear tips to resetting the firmware, and explains why the feature fails in the first place.

How AirPods Pro Noise Cancelling Works

AirPods Pro use active noise cancellation (ANC), which relies on outward-facing and inward-facing microphones. The outward mics detect ambient sound, and the inward mics listen inside your ear canal. The chip then generates an anti-noise wave that cancels incoming sound before it reaches your eardrum. This is why a proper seal matters so much: if the ear tip doesn’t fully block your ear canal, low-frequency noise (like engine rumble or air conditioning) leaks in and the ANC can’t compensate. The silicone tips come in four sizes (XS, S, M, L) and must create an airtight fit for the system to work as designed.

Quick Checks Before Anything Else

Check the Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right (iPhone/iPad) and confirm the noise control icon shows “Noise Cancellation” — not “Off” or “Transparency.”
Check battery level: ANC uses more power; if the case is below 10%, the feature may disable itself to preserve battery.
Check for debris: Look at the black mesh on the outer and inner vents. A thin layer of earwax or dust can block the microphones and reduce effectiveness.
Check ear tip fit: Run the Ear Tip Fit Test (Settings → Bluetooth → i next to your AirPods → Ear Tip Fit Test). If it says “Adjust” or “Try a different size,” the seal is broken.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Common Issues

1. Clean the Ear Tips and Mesh

Dirt is the #1 cause of ANC failure. Remove the silicone tips and rinse them with water (no soap). Dry them completely. For the mesh on the speaker housing, use a dry cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use water or alcohol on the mesh — it can push debris deeper or damage the membrane. Let everything air-dry for at least an hour before reattaching.

2. Re-seat or Swap Ear Tips

Even if the tips look clean, they may have stretched or deformed. Push them firmly onto the speaker housing until you hear a click. If they feel loose, try the next size up. The Ear Tip Fit Test will confirm: it plays a tone and uses the inward mic to measure the seal. A “Good Seal” message means the fit is correct.

3. Reset Your AirPods Pro

A software glitch can disable ANC even with a perfect fit. To reset:

Put AirPods in the case and close the lid.
Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth → tap the “i” next to AirPods → tap “Forget This Device.”
With the lid open, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.
Reconnect as if they were new.

This clears the firmware and re-pairs the buds. You’ll need to redo your noise control settings afterward.

4. Update Firmware

Apple occasionally updates AirPods firmware to fix bugs. To check: Settings → Bluetooth → i → Firmware Version. Current versions are typically 6B34 or later (as of 2025). To force an update, place AirPods in the case, connect to power, and keep your iPhone nearby. There’s no manual update button — it happens automatically.

5. Check for Physical Damage

If you’ve dropped your AirPods or exposed them to water, the internal microphones or the chip may be damaged. Water damage is a common cause — AirPods Pro are water-resistant (IPX4) but not waterproof. If cleaning and resetting don’t help, the hardware may need service.

When the Fix Doesn’t Work: Hardware Issues

If you’ve tried all the above and ANC still doesn’t work, the problem is likely hardware. Apple offers a service program for AirPods Pro (first generation) with sound issues, but noise cancellation failure alone isn’t covered by that program. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Out-of-warranty battery service costs around $89 per bud, but if the ANC is dead due to a defect, you may qualify for a replacement. Always check your serial number on Apple’s coverage page.

Comparing AirPods Pro Models

There are two generations of AirPods Pro. The second generation (2022) has a newer H2 chip that improves ANC significantly — it cancels up to 2x more noise than the first gen. If you’re using first-gen AirPods Pro and find ANC weak, that’s partly due to the older hardware. The second gen also has a smaller case with a lanyard loop and better battery life. If you’re considering an upgrade, keep in mind that the ANC performance difference is noticeable in loud environments like subways or airplane cabins.

Common Misconceptions

“ANC should block all sound.” No — ANC is best at low-frequency constant sounds (engine hum, fan noise). It does little against sudden, high-pitched sounds like a baby crying or a dog barking. That’s normal.
“Turning up volume fixes weak ANC.” It masks the noise, but doesn’t improve cancellation. If you need to raise volume to hear audio, the ANC is likely underperforming.
“ANC drains battery instantly.” It does consume more power, but on AirPods Pro you get about 4.5–5 hours with ANC on vs. 5 hours with it off. Not a huge difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my AirPods Pro noise cancelling sound like it’s not working after an update?

Firmware updates can reset your noise control settings or introduce a bug. Check that the noise control is still set to “Noise Cancellation” (not “Off”). If it is, try resetting the AirPods as described above. If the problem persists, wait for the next firmware update or contact Apple.

Can I test if my noise cancelling is actually working?

Yes. Put your AirPods in with ANC on and play a constant low-frequency sound (like a fan or white noise app). Then switch to Transparency mode — you should hear a clear difference. If there’s no change, the ANC is not functioning.

What do I do if one side has no noise cancelling?

This usually indicates a blocked mesh or a hardware fault on that side. Clean the mesh carefully. If cleaning doesn’t help, the internal mic may be damaged. Since each bud has its own mic and chip, a single side can fail independently.

Does ear tip size really matter that much?

Yes. A poor seal directly reduces ANC performance. Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test is the quickest way to verify. If you’re between sizes, try the larger one — a snug fit is better for ANC, but too large can cause discomfort.

Will Apple replace my AirPods Pro for free if ANC fails?

Only if the device is under AppleCare+ or the one-year limited warranty, and the failure is due to a manufacturing defect. Normal wear and tear, including earwax buildup, is not covered. Check your coverage on Apple’s website using the serial number.

Can I use third-party ear tips with AirPods Pro?

Yes, but they may not fit as precisely, and the Ear Tip Fit Test may not work with them. Some third-party tips (like memory foam) can improve the seal for some users, but they can also block the mesh if not designed correctly. Use caution and test the fit.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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