How to Turn Noise Cancelling on AirPods: A Comprehensive Guide

Activating noise cancelling on different AirPods models

To activate noise cancelling on AirPods Pro, press and hold the force sensor on the stems. Noise cancelling on AirPods Pro can be controlled by pressing and holding the force sensor on AirPods Pro stems or using the noise control button on AirPods Max. For more customization options, use the Control Center or go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods on your connected iOS device to manage noise cancelling on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

How to activate noise cancelling

AirPods Pro

• Press and hold the force sensor: On the stem of either AirPod Pro, press and hold the force sensor to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. This is the quickest way to turn noise cancelling on AirPods Pro
• Use Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iOS device, press and hold the volume control, then tap the Noise Control button to select Noise Cancellation. This method allows you to activate AirPods noise cancelling from your device
• Siri voice command: Say "Hey Siri, turn on noise cancellation" when your AirPods Pro are connected to your device for hands-free control

AirPods Max

• Press the noise control button: Located on the top of the right ear cup, press this button to cycle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. This is the primary method to turn noise cancelling on AirPods Max
• Use Control Center: Follow the same steps as for AirPods Pro to access noise cancellation settings through your iOS device's Control Center
• Siri voice command: Use the same voice command as with AirPods Pro to activate AirPods noise cancelling

Customizing noise cancellation

AirPods Pro

• Adaptive Audio: For AirPods Pro (2nd generation), enable Adaptive Noise Control in Settings to automatically blend noise cancellation and transparency based on your environment, enhancing noise cancelling on AirPods Pro
• Customize Transparency mode: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations to adjust ambient noise reduction and enable features like Conversation Boost
• Adjust ANC intensity: In iOS 18, use the Customize Adaptive Audio slider in AirPods settings to fine-tune the level of noise cancellation

AirPods Max

• Digital Crown control: Use the Digital Crown on the right ear cup for precise volume control and to activate Siri for noise cancellation adjustments, offering another way to manage noise cancelling on AirPods Max
• Customize button functions: In Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Max, you can customize the noise control button's behavior
• Automatic switching: AirPods Max can automatically switch between devices signed in to your iCloud account for seamless noise cancellation across devices

Optimizing noise cancellation performance

• Ensure proper fit: A good seal is crucial for effective noise cancellation, especially for AirPods Pro. Try different ear tip sizes if necessary to maximize noise cancelling on AirPods Pro
• Keep them clean: Regularly clean the mesh on your AirPods to prevent debris or earwax buildup that can hinder noise cancellation performance
• Update firmware: Ensure your AirPods and connected devices have the latest software versions to benefit from potential ANC improvements and optimize how to turn noise cancelling on AirPods

Battery considerations

• Monitor battery usage: Active Noise Cancellation can significantly impact battery life. Consider turning it off when not needed to extend listening time
• Adjust volume levels: Keeping volume at a moderate level can help preserve battery life while using noise cancellation

Noise cancellation with one AirPod

• Single AirPod use: You can activate AirPods noise cancelling even when using just one AirPod. The noise cancellation feature works independently for each AirPod
• Adjust settings: To optimize noise cancellation with one AirPod, ensure that the Noise Control setting in the Control Center or AirPods settings is set to Noise Cancellation mode
• Performance note: While noise cancelling on AirPods Pro or AirPods Max works with a single AirPod, the overall effect may be less pronounced compared to using both AirPods simultaneously

Using control center and settings for noise cancellation

To control center noise cancellation on AirPods, you can use Control Center and Settings. Turn noise cancelling on AirPods by accessing Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Switch between noise control modes on AirPods Pro, including Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off, with a quick tap. Change AirPods settings in the Settings app for advanced noise control on iPhone and customize your experience. This allows you to easily manage and adjust noise cancellation features directly from your device's control center.

Control Center for quick noise control

• Access noise control modes: Open Control Center, long-press the volume slider, then select desired mode to turn noise cancelling on AirPods: Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Off
• Toggle between modes: Quickly switch between noise control modes without opening Settings
• Adaptive Audio: For AirPods Pro (2nd gen), Control Center noise cancellation also offers Adaptive Audio option, which adjusts noise control based on your environment

Customizing AirPods settings for noise control

• Adjust press-and-hold action: Change AirPods settings by going to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Press and Hold AirPods to customize which modes are toggled when pressing the stem
• Set up Siri for one AirPod: Configure one AirPod for Siri and the other for noise control on iPhone in the same settings menu
• Personalize Transparency Mode: Enable Custom Transparency Mode to change AirPods settings for amplification, balance, tone, and ambient noise reduction

Switching between noise control modes

• Using AirPods directly: Press and hold the force sensor on the AirPods Pro stem to turn noise cancelling on AirPods until you hear a chime to toggle between configured modes
• Voice commands: Use Siri by saying "Hey Siri, Turn On Noise Cancellation" or "Hey Siri, Turn Off Noise Cancellation" to switch between noise control modes
• On Mac: Click the AirPods icon in the menu bar, then the arrow button next to it to select desired noise control on iPhone mode

Advanced noise control features

• Adaptive Transparency: Reduces loud noises like sirens to 85 dB, though effectiveness may vary when you turn noise cancelling on AirPods
• Conversation Boost: Adjust in AirPods settings to focus on a person talking in front of you, useful for those with hearing difficulties and enhancing noise control on iPhone
• Custom hearing profile: Upload an audiogram or use apps like Mimi Hearing Test to create a personalized sound profile and change AirPods settings

Enabling noise cancellation on non-Apple devices

AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Android can be turned on by pressing and holding the stem of the AirPods. This method works for Apple devices, Android, Windows, and laptops. However, some advanced features may be limited on non-Apple devices when using AirPods Pro noise cancellation.

Activating noise cancellation on non-Apple devices

AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Android

• Press and hold AirPods: To turn on noise cancelling on AirPods Pro with Android, press and hold the stem of either AirPod until you hear a chime. This toggles between noise cancellation and transparency modes.
• Check for compatibility: While basic AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Android works, some advanced features may not be available.
• Use third-party apps: Some Android apps may offer additional control over AirPods Pro settings, but these are not official solutions for noise cancellation.

AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Windows and laptops

• Use the stem controls: As with Android, press and hold the stem to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods Pro when connected to Windows PCs or laptops.
• Connect via Bluetooth: Ensure your AirPods Pro are properly paired with your Windows device or laptop for best noise cancellation performance.
• Limited functionality: Advanced features like automatic switching or personalized spatial audio may not be available when using AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Windows or laptops.

General tips for non-Apple devices

• Maintain proper fit: Ensure you're using the correct ear tip size for optimal noise cancellation effectiveness when turning on AirPods Pro noise cancelling.
• Keep firmware updated: While challenging on non-Apple devices, try to keep your AirPods Pro firmware updated for best noise cancellation performance.
• Be aware of battery drain: Noise cancellation may drain the battery faster, so monitor battery levels closely when using AirPods Pro on non-Apple devices.

Limitations on non-Apple devices

• No Adaptive Audio: Features like Adaptive Audio, which adjusts noise control based on your surroundings, are not available when using AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Android or Windows.
• Limited customization: You won't have access to iOS settings for customizing controls or running the Ear Tip Fit Test on non-Apple devices.
• No Siri integration: Voice commands for controlling noise cancellation won't work when using AirPods Pro on Android, Windows, or non-Apple laptops.

Maximizing noise cancellation effectiveness

• Ensure proper seal: A good seal is crucial for effective noise cancellation. Try different ear tip sizes if necessary when learning how to turn noise cancelling on AirPods Pro.
• Clean regularly: Keep the AirPods Pro and ear tips clean to maintain optimal noise cancellation performance on all devices.
• Be aware of limitations: While effective, AirPods Pro noise cancellation may not completely block all external sounds, especially on non-Apple devices like Android phones, Windows PCs, or laptops.

FAQ

How do I activate noise cancelling on AirPods Pro?

Press and hold the force sensor on the stem of either AirPod Pro until you hear a chime. Alternatively, use Control Center on your iOS device to switch to Noise Cancellation mode.

Can I use noise cancellation with only one AirPod?

Yes, noise cancellation works independently for each AirPod. You can activate it even when using just one AirPod, though the effect may be less pronounced compared to using both.

How to switch between noise control modes on iPhone?

Open Control Center, long-press the volume slider, then select the desired mode (Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Off). You can also use Siri voice commands or press and hold the AirPods Pro stem.

Is it possible to use AirPods noise cancellation on Android?

Yes, you can use basic noise cancellation on Android by pressing and holding the stem of either AirPod Pro. However, some advanced features may not be available on non-Apple devices.

How to enable noise cancelling on AirPods Max?

Press the noise control button located on the top of the right ear cup to cycle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. You can also use Control Center on your iOS device or Siri voice commands.