How to Change AirPods Pro Tips

Swapping the silicone tips on your AirPods Pro lets you get a better seal, improve noise cancellation, or simply replace worn-out ear tips. All you need is a clean, dry surface and about 30 seconds — no tools required.

What You’ll Need

• Your AirPods Pro (either the original or 2nd generation, both use the same style of tips)
• New or replacement ear tips (Apple’s silicone tips or compatible third-party ones)
• A clean, well-lit area with a flat surface
• A soft, dry cloth (optional, for wiping the AirPods before reattaching)

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the current tip. Hold the AirPods Pro with the speaker grill facing you. Grip the silicone tip firmly between your thumb and index finger, near where it meets the metal housing. Pull straight away from the AirPod with a steady, even tug. It should pop off with a slight resistance. Do not twist or yank at an angle, as this can tear the silicone.
2. Inspect the AirPod’s nozzle. Once the tip is off, look at the small black mesh speaker port on the AirPod. Make sure it’s free of earwax or debris. If it looks dirty, gently wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use water or insert anything into the port.
3. Check the new tip’s orientation. Look at the opening of the new silicone tip. You’ll see a small oval or rounded hole. This is the side that slides onto the AirPod’s nozzle. The tip is symmetrical, so there’s no left or right — just make sure the wider opening faces outward, away from the AirPod.
4. Align the tip with the nozzle. Position the new tip so its opening is directly over the black nozzle on the AirPod. The tip should sit flush against the metal housing, with the hole centered on the mesh speaker port.
5. Press the tip on firmly. Push the tip straight onto the nozzle until you feel it snap into place. You should hear a soft click or feel a slight resistance as the tip’s internal ridge locks into the groove around the nozzle. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s secure — it should not slide off easily.
6. Repeat for the other AirPod. Follow the same steps for the second AirPod. If you’re only replacing one tip, make sure the new tip is the same size as the one on the other side, unless you intentionally want different sizes for a better fit.
7. Test the fit. Place the AirPods in your ears. They should feel snug but not painful. Run the Ear Tip Fit Test (see Tips below) to verify you have a good seal. If the seal is poor, try a different size.

Common Mistakes

• Pulling too hard or at an angle. This can tear the silicone or damage the internal mesh. Always pull straight off.
• Not aligning the tip before pressing. If you press the tip on at an angle, it may not seat correctly, causing a poor fit or making it fall off in your ear.
• Using the wrong size tip. Too small a tip won’t seal, weakening noise cancellation and bass. Too large a tip can cause pressure or discomfort.
• Forgetting to clean the nozzle. Earwax or debris on the mesh can block sound and reduce performance. Always check before attaching a new tip.
• Pushing the tip on too far. The tip should stop at the ridge on the nozzle. Forcing it further can distort the silicone and affect the seal.

Tips

• Run the Ear Tip Fit Test. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods Pro, then tap Ear Tip Fit Test. Follow the prompts. The test plays a tone and tells you if the seal is good or if you should try a different size.
• Try different sizes. Your ears may need different tip sizes for each side. The fit test will help you determine which size works best for each ear.
• Clean the tips regularly. Remove the tips and rinse them with warm water (no soap) and let them air dry completely before reattaching. This keeps them hygienic and maintains a good seal.
• Store spare tips safely. Keep extra tips in the case or a small bag. They’re easy to lose.
• Don’t use the tips on other earbuds. AirPods Pro tips are designed specifically for the AirPods Pro nozzle. They won’t fit standard earbuds or other brands.

Troubleshooting

• The tip won’t come off. If the tip feels stuck, try gently wiggling it side to side while pulling. If it’s still stuck, run the AirPod under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds — this softens the silicone. Dry it thoroughly before attempting again.
• The new tip won’t stay on. Make sure you’re pressing it straight on until you feel the click. If it still slides off, the tip may be the wrong size or a third-party tip that doesn’t fit properly. Try a different tip or go back to the original Apple tips.
• No sound or muffled sound after changing tips. Check that the mesh on the AirPod is clean and that the tip’s opening is fully covering the speaker port. If the mesh is blocked, gently clean it with a dry cotton swab.
• The Ear Tip Fit Test says the seal is poor. Try a larger tip. If the larger tip feels uncomfortable, try a different shape or material (some third-party tips are made of foam). Also make sure the tip is fully seated on the nozzle.
• Tips feel loose after a few days. Silicone can stretch slightly with use. If a tip becomes loose, replace it with a new one. This is normal wear and tear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my AirPods Pro tips?

Replace them when they show signs of wear — cracks, tears, or if they no longer stay on the AirPod. For most people, this is every 6–12 months, depending on use and how often you clean them.

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

Yes, many third-party tips are designed to be compatible with AirPods Pro. They come in various materials (silicone, foam) and sizes. Just make sure they’re specifically labeled for AirPods Pro, as the nozzle size is unique.

Do the tips affect noise cancellation?

Yes. Noise cancellation relies on a tight seal. If the tips are too small or worn, ambient noise will leak in and the ANC will be less effective. A proper fit is essential for the best noise cancellation.

Can I wash the ear tips?

Yes, you can rinse them with warm water and a mild soap (like dish soap) if needed. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely before reattaching. Do not put them in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Will changing tips void my warranty?

No, removing and replacing the ear tips is a normal part of using AirPods Pro and does not void the warranty. However, if you damage the AirPod while doing so (e.g., by pulling too hard), that damage may not be covered.

Are the tips the same for AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generation?

Yes, Apple uses the same ear tip design for both generations, so tips are interchangeable between them. Third-party tips also generally fit both.

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