Some AirPods Pro owners have run into issues with their earbuds, and there have been numerous complaints about crackling or popping noises that occur during movement when the AirPods Pro are worn. This guide outlines the problem and provides troubleshooting steps recommended by Apple as a potential fix.
Some AirPods Pro users have been complaining of rattling, crackling, or static-like noises when Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode are engaged since shortly after the AirPods Pro launched.
The noise seems to appear over time, it appears to be a hardware issue as it does not happen when ANC and Transparency Mode are turned off.
The sound happens when something causes the earbud to move or vibrate, such as when a person walks, runs, taps the affected earbud with a finger, turns their head, nods, or plays music with a lot of bass. A MacRumors reader describes what it sounds like:
It's often described like it sounds like something has come loose inside the APP earbud. Many people seem to think it's actually a problem with the external microphone: it appears to be picking up tiny vibrations as sound, and then attempting to "cancel" (in Noise Cancellation mode) or amplify (in Transparency mode) these sounds (which don't actually exist), causing the APP to play the rattling-style noise. Whether this is the actual cause or not I don't know.
While there has been speculation that it's a hardware issue, Apple seems to believe it could be based on wireless interference or a specific app, and recommends people who hear crackling sounds follow these steps:
- Make sure the latest software is installed on a connected iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac.
- Check that the connected device is nearby and there's no wireless interference or obstructions between you and the device.
- Listen to audio from a different app to see if the app causes the issue.
If that doesn't work, Apple recommends contacting Apple Support for help because there is a repair program for the problem.
AirPods Pro Service Program
Apple launched a repair program for AirPods Pro to fix an issue that causes some AirPods Pro models to exhibit sound issues such as crackling or static or faulty Active Noise Cancellation.
Affected models have static or crackling sounds that increase in loud environments such as with movement or when talking on the phone, or Active Noise Cancellation that fails to work properly with a loss of bass, increased background sound, or a street or airplane noise.
The faulty AirPods Pro models were manufactured before October 2020, and those who are experiencing issues can take the AirPods Pro to Apple for service at no charge. AirPods Pro will be examined prior to service to verify that they're eligible for the program. AirPods manufactured after October 2020 should not exhibit this issue.
Guide Feedback
Have a question about Apple's advice for these issues, know of a potential solution we left out, or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here.
Top Rated Comments
if you didn’t do it slowly and got some blue tack stuck in your AirPods you are stuck with 30 minutes of sticking and removing a piece of blue tack until it comes off. Good Luck
I know that the support document says the time window is based on the original purchase date, but if the product is defective, this policy seems anti-consumer. Basically Apple replaced my original defective AirPods, with another pair of defective AirPods that they have acknowledged on their website based on the manufacturing date in and was validated by the diagnostic ran at the Apple store.
The store representative told me to call the online support, who they said may be able to override the policy. But they refused even after confirming that the replacement AirPods fell within the manufacturing defect window.
Has anyone else faced a similar issue? I’m thinking of escalating via email to see if I get a different response.