Apple Provides Advice to AirPods Pro Users Experiencing Noise Cancellation or Crackling Sound Issues

In recent months, some AirPods Pro users have been complaining about reduced noise cancellation and crackling or static sounds, particularly since the release of firmware version 2B588 for the earphones in November.

AirPods PRo isolated
As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple has now addressed these potential issues. in two support documents, providing affected users with troubleshooting advice.

For users experiencing noise cancellation issues, Apple first says to make sure that you have the latest software installed on your connected iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. Apple has also just released a new firmware version 2D15 for the AirPods Pro, which should automatically install after the earphones are connected to an Apple device for a short period.

Next, Apple says to place both AirPods Pro in your ears and perform the obvious step of making sure that Active Noise Cancellation is turned on.

If noise cancellation still isn't working as expected, Apple says to clean the mesh located on the top of your AirPods Pro, noting that sometimes noise cancellation can be affected if debris or earwax builds up in the area highlighted below. In particular, Apple says this buildup could result in a loss of bass sound or an increase in ambient noise.

airpods pro mesh top callout
As for crackling or static sounds, Apple again says to make sure that you have the latest software on your connected iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, and to ensure that there are no wireless interference or obstructions between you and your device. Apple also recommends listening to audio from a different app to see if a particular app causes the issue.

If all else fails, Apple says to contact its support representatives.

Since the release of firmware version 2D15 yesterday, there has been mixed feedback about noise cancellation, with some users noticing an improvement, some noticing no change, and some noticing further degradation.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

supergt Avatar
68 months ago
The mid November firmware update (2B584 to 2B588) permanently reduced the ANC performance. The subsequent updates have done nothing to improve this. Extremely disappointing and the support document is bs.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
68 months ago
Three different Twitter responses. Someone is lying. Lol.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WannaGoMac Avatar
68 months ago
Just goes to show a) Most people have no idea what they are talking about with audio b) People listen with their eyes more than their ears.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OneMike Avatar
68 months ago
I personally don’t notice an improvement with the latest firmware. Noise cancellation definitely doesn’t work as good as it did when I first purchased them though.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ijordano Avatar
68 months ago
The amount of people who come into the Genius Bar complaining about noise issues and hand me AirPods CAKED in wax is honestly shocking. So many people think their sound has gotten quieter and haven't realised they've just got nasty ears
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jbusick7944 Avatar
68 months ago

Just goes to show a) Most people have no idea what they are talking about with audio b) People listen with their eyes more than their ears.
Yep, and there's probably a lot of placebo-type response in what people are trying to listen for.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)