When you invest in a high-quality product like Apple’s AirPods Pro, you expect a premium experience, especially when it comes to features like noise cancellation. However, many users find themselves frustrated when they discover that the noise cancelling feature isn’t working as expected. This article delves deep into the reasons behind this issue and presents actionable solutions to restore your noise cancellation functionality.
Understanding Noise Cancellation Technology
Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand how noise cancellation technology works in your AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro uses a combination of passive and active noise cancellation:
Passive Noise Cancellation
This is achieved through the physical design of the AirPods Pro. The silicone tips create a seal in your ear, blocking out some external sounds. The snug fit is critical for optimal performance—if the seal is not perfect, external noise will seep in.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active noise cancellation employs sophisticated technology that uses built-in microphones to detect external sounds. The AirPods Pro then generates sound waves that are opposite to the incoming noise, effectively canceling it out. This feature works best in environments with constant, low-frequency sounds, like air conditioning or engine noise.
Understanding these mechanisms will help you diagnose why your noise cancellation might not be functioning properly.
Common Reasons for Noise Cancelling Malfunctions
There are several reasons why your AirPods Pro may not be delivering the noise cancelling experience that you desire. Let’s explore some of these common issues.
Improper Fit
One of the most common reasons for ineffective noise cancellation is an incorrect fit.
Ensuring a Good Seal
Make certain that the silicone ear tips snugly fit your ear canal. If the seal isn’t tight, noise cancelling will not be as effective. Apple provides three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large) to accommodate different ear sizes.
Battery Issues
The performance of your AirPods Pro can be dramatically affected by battery levels.
Checking Battery Status
When the battery is low, the noise cancellation feature may become less effective. Ensure your AirPods Pro are fully charged, and check the battery status in the Bluetooth settings on your connected device.
Environmental Factors
Sometimes, even high-quality noise-cancelling headphones can struggle due to overwhelming ambient noise.
Understanding Your Surroundings
Keep in mind that ANC is most effective in environments with consistent noise. If you are in a location with irregular high-frequency sounds—like sharp speech or abrupt noises—Active Noise Cancellation may not completely block them out.
Troubleshooting Steps to Restore Noise Cancellation Functionality
If your AirPods Pro still seem to struggle with noise cancellation after understanding potential problems, it’s time to put on your troubleshooting hat. Below are some steps you can take to restore functionality.
1. Fit Check
As mentioned earlier, improper fit can lead to subpar noise cancellation.
2. Reset Your AirPods Pro
Sometimes resetting the device can clear up any software glitches that might be affecting performance.
How to Reset Your AirPods Pro:
- Put your AirPods Pro in their charging case.
- Open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect the AirPods to your device.
3. Update Software
Always check to ensure that your AirPods Pro and connected device are running the latest firmware and operating system.
Steps to Update:
4. Toggle Noise Cancellation Settings
Sometimes, simply toggling the noise cancellation settings can resolve issues.
How to Access Noise Cancellation Settings:
- On your connected device, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
- Press and hold the volume slider and tap on the noise control icon to switch between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off.
5. Test the Microphones
If the microphones of your AirPods Pro are blocked or malfunctioning, it can lead to ineffective noise cancellation.
How to Test the Microphones:
To test the microphones, make a phone call or use a voice command tool like Siri. If your voice sounds muffled to the other party, there might be a blockage.
6. Environmental Adjustment
If you are in a location that you think influences noise cancellation effectiveness, consider moving to a less cluttered space.
Ideal Noise-Cancellation Environment:
Active Noise Cancellation works best in consistent environments. Areas like a plane or train usually work better than a crowded coffee shop.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and noise cancellation is still not functioning correctly, it may be time to seek professional help.
Apple Support
Reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. You may have a hardware issue, or your AirPods Pro may be eligible for a warranty claim.
How to Contact Support:
Go to the Apple Support website or use the Apple Support app on your device for guidance.
Visit an Apple Store
If you prefer, make an appointment at your local Apple Store. Bring your AirPods Pro with you for inspection.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with noise cancelling features on your AirPods Pro can be frustrating, but understanding potential causes and solutions can make a significant difference. Always ensure a perfect fit, check the battery, and consider the environment around you.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can restore your AirPods Pro to full functionality and get back to enjoying the peace and quiet that quality noise cancellation delivers. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if problems persist; sometimes, expert intervention is necessary to solve the mystery of why your noise cancelling isn’t working as you expected.
Overall, investing a bit of time into diagnosing and solving these issues could greatly enhance your overall listening experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks without distraction.
What should I do if my AirPods Pro noise cancellation feature is not working?
If your AirPods Pro noise cancellation feature isn’t functioning properly, the first step is to check if the feature is enabled. You can do this by going to the Control Center on your iOS device and ensuring that the noise control options display ‘Noise Cancellation’ as selected. If it’s not, simply tap on it to activate the feature. You may also want to ensure that your AirPods Pro are fully updated to the latest firmware, as software glitches can sometimes hinder functionality.
If the noise cancellation option is enabled but still doesn’t work, try resetting your AirPods Pro. To do this, place them in the charging case, close the lid, wait for about 30 seconds, open the lid, and then press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes amber. This will reset your AirPods, and after that, you can reconnect them to your device and check if the noise-canceling feature is functioning correctly again.
Could unclean AirPods Pro cause noise cancellation issues?
Absolutely, accumulation of dirt, earwax, or other debris on the AirPods Pro can significantly affect their performance, including the noise cancellation feature. The microphones used for noise cancellation can become obstructed, which may prevent them from accurately filtering external sounds. It is advisable to regularly clean your AirPods Pro gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth and ensure the microphone openings are free from obstructions.
To clean them more thoroughly, you can use a clean, dry toothbrush to gently brush off any grime from the speaker and microphone meshes. However, avoid using liquids or allowing moisture to enter the openings, as this may cause irreparable damage. Regular maintenance can help maintain optimal performance of the noise cancellation feature and extend the lifespan of your AirPods Pro.
Why does noise cancellation stop working when using AirPods Pro with certain apps?
If you’ve noticed that noise cancellation isn’t functioning properly while using specific apps, it may be due to the app’s settings or how it interacts with audio processing. Some applications may have their own audio settings that can interfere with the AirPods Pro’s noise cancellation feature. Check the audio settings within the app to ensure they aren’t set up to override or disable the noise cancellation function.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to close the current app and restart it to reset its audio processing behavior. Sometimes, a temporary glitch within an app can affect how it interacts with your AirPods Pro. If the problem persists, consider updating the app or checking for any existing bugs related to audio performance in the app and AirPods compatibility.
Do environmental factors affect the noise cancellation feature of AirPods Pro?
Yes, environmental factors can significantly impact the effectiveness of noise cancellation on your AirPods Pro. The technology relies on the detection and cancellation of external sounds, and certain conditions, such as very loud or fluctuating noise levels, can diminish their performance. For example, environments with constant loud noises, like construction sites, may overwhelm the noise-canceling capabilities, making them less effective.
Moreover, the fit of your AirPods Pro in your ears is crucial for effective noise cancellation. If they do not form a proper seal, external sounds can infiltrate, reducing the overall effectiveness. Ensuring you use the correct ear tips for a snug fit can enhance the noise cancellation experience, allowing your AirPods Pro to function optimally even in noisy environments.
How do I ensure my AirPods Pro firmware is up to date?
Keeping your AirPods Pro firmware updated is essential for ensuring all features, including noise cancellation, are working smoothly. Apple generally updates the firmware automatically when your AirPods are connected to an iOS device. To check if your AirPods Pro have the latest firmware version, connect them to your device, navigate to Settings, then Bluetooth, and then tap the info icon next to your AirPods Pro. Here you can see the version number.
If your firmware is not up to date, ensure that your AirPods are charging and within range of your iOS device. Leave them connected for a while, and they should update automatically. Always ensure that your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS version, as firmware updates are often accompanied by new software features that enhance the performance of connected devices like AirPods Pro.
Can using AirPods Pro during phone calls disrupt noise cancellation?
Using AirPods Pro during phone calls can sometimes affect the noise cancellation functionality, particularly if you’re in a noisy environment. When on a call, the AirPods Pro automatically switch modes to prioritize voice clarity, which might mean switching from noise cancellation to transparency mode or activating adaptive EQ settings aimed at improving call quality. This is designed to allow you to hear the person on the other end more clearly but can diminish the noise-canceling effect.
If you find that noise cancellation is consistently disrupted during calls, check the audio settings on your device. Some have specific toggles for optimizing call audio that can affect features like noise cancellation. It’s also worth noting that using third-party applications for calls may also influence how AirPods Pro manages these audio features, so experimenting with different methods may help find a more satisfactory solution.
What should I do if my AirPods Pro noise cancellation is still not working after trying all solutions?
If you’ve attempted all suggested troubleshooting steps and your AirPods Pro still aren’t performing noise cancellation as expected, it might be time to seek professional help. Contact Apple Support for assistance or schedule a visit to an Apple Store or authorized service provider. They have the expertise to diagnose hardware or software issues that could be causing the malfunction.
If your device is under warranty or you have AppleCare, repairs may be covered. Even if your warranty has expired, genuine service from Apple will ensure that whatever issue persists is addressed with the necessary repairs or replacement. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if troubleshooting doesn’t yield results, as this will ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your AirPods Pro.