This article explains how to control the Active Noise Cancellation feature on Apple's AirPods Max headphones. Bear in mind that iOS devices need to be running iOS 14.3 or later in order to support ‌‌AirPods Max‌. You can check that your device is updated by launching the Settings app and going to General -> Software Update.

airpods max on head

What is the Active Noise Cancellation Feature on AirPods Max?

‌‌AirPods Max‌ are Apple's first own-brand over-ear headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is designed to block out the outside world so you can focus on what you're listening to. Several microphones on the outside of the headphones listen to the noise around you and then create an inverse wave to reduce the volume of the incoming sound.

In contrast, Transparency mode allows you to simultaneously listen to music while still hearing the environment around you – whether that's to hear traffic during a walk or an important train announcement during the morning commute. It uses the same external microphones as ANC to monitor the sound, but that sound is then passed through the headphones just like any other audio, while advanced software ensures that your own voice sounds natural as your audio continues to play perfectly.

How to Control Active Noise Cancellation on AirPods Max

There are three ways of controlling Active Noise Cancellation on ‌‌AirPods Max‌. The first method involves using a physical button on the ‌headphones themselves that offers default settings, while the second and third methods are accessed via onscreen menus on the connected iOS device.

Method 1:

  1. Allow your ‌AirPods‌ Max to connect to your iPhone or iPad in the usual way, by taking them out of the Smart Case and putting them over your ears.
  2. Press the noise control button on the top of the right ear cup to cycle between Noise Cancellation and Transparency, depending on your preference.
    airpods max digital crown

  3. You'll hear a tone when switching between the two functions.

If you want, you can customize the noise control button on the ‌‌AirPods Max‌, and even use it to turn off the noise control features completely.

Method 2:

  1. Allow your ‌AirPods‌ Max to connect to your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ in the usual way, by taking them out of the Smart Case and putting them over your ears.
  2. Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
  3. Tap Bluetooth.
    settings

  4. Under My Devices, tap the information icon (the circled "i") next to ‌AirPods Max‌ in the list.
  5. Under Noise Control, tap Noise Cancellation, Off, or Transparency, depending on your preference.

Method 3:

  1. Allow your ‌AirPods Max‌ to connect to your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ in the usual way, by taking them out of the Smart Case and putting them over your ears.
  2. Open Control Center on your iOS device: On an ‌iPad‌ with a Home button, double-tap the Home button; on ‌iPhone‌ 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen; and on a 2018 iPad Pro or ‌iPhone‌ X and later, swipe down from the upper right of the screen.

  3. Press and hold the Control Center volume bar (pair of earbuds will be visible inside of it to indicate the ‌AirPods Max‌ are connected.)
  4. Tap the Noise Control button.
    control center

  5. Use the strip of buttons to switch between Noise Cancellation, Off, or Transparency, depending on your preference.

How to Control Active Noise Cancellation on Mac

If you've got your ‌AirPods Max‌ connected to a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you can also control noise cancellation from the volume icon in the menu bar. Simply hover over your ‌AirPods Max‌ in the Output Device list to reveal a submenu, where you can click Transparency, Noise Cancellation, and Off.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iOS 17 and iPhones Feature

iOS 17: 10 New Features That Just Launched

Sunday September 17, 2023 12:35 pm PDT by
In June, Apple announced iOS 17 with a wide range of new features and changes for the iPhone. Following over three months of beta testing, the free software update will be released this Monday, September 18 for the iPhone XS and newer. Below, we have recapped 10 key features coming to the iPhone with iOS 17, with additional features coming later this year. The update should be released to...
maxresdefault

Apple Releases iOS 17 With StandBy, Live Voicemail, Improved Autocorrect, FaceTime Video Messages and Tons More

Monday September 18, 2023 10:05 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, the latest operating system updates that are designed for the iPhone and iPad. As with all of Apple's software updates, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are available for free. iOS 17 is compatible with the iPhone XR/iPhone XS and later, while iPadOS 17 runs on the iPad mini 5 and later, the iPad 6 and later, iPad Air 3 and later, the second-generation 12.9-inch...
flighty standby

Best Apps With New iOS 17 and watchOS 10 Features

Monday September 18, 2023 3:02 pm PDT by
With the release of a new operating system, there are multiple features and design elements for developers to adopt. Now that iOS 17 is out, many major apps are getting interesting updates today, which we've rounded up below. watchOS 10 also has a new design language, so there are a range of Apple Watch updates to check out too. Flighty (Free, Premium Subscription) Popular flight tracking...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still

iPhone 15's USB-C Port: 4.5W Charging for Accessories, USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Pro Models, and More

Saturday September 16, 2023 8:17 pm PDT by
In a support document published on Friday, Apple provided some additional details about the USB-C port found on all iPhone 15 models. First, Apple said all iPhone 15 models can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods case, or other small accessories connected to the USB-C port at up to 4.5W. Apple already announced this capability, but it had not provided the wattage information. Second, the...