How to Turn On Noise Cancelling on AirPods

In an era where wireless earbuds are part of our daily essentials, knowing how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods can significantly enhance your listening experience. Whether you’re commuting, working in a noisy environment, or just enjoying your favorite tunes, the noise cancelling feature of AirPods can be a game changer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods, along with other useful tips to maximize their potential.

How to Turn Off Noise Cancellation on AirPods

Turning off noise cancellation on AirPods is a simple process, allowing you to quickly switch to a more ambient listening experience. This feature is particularly useful when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, like when walking on busy streets or conversing with someone. Here’s how to turn off noise cancellation on AirPods:

For AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

1. Using the AirPods Themselves:
   • On your AirPods Pro, locate the force sensor on the stem of either AirPod.
   • On your AirPods Max, find the noise control button.
   • Press and hold the force sensor (AirPods Pro) or the noise control button (AirPods Max) until you hear a chime. This chime indicates that the noise cancellation has been turned off, switching the AirPods to either Transparency mode or Off mode, depending on your settings.

For All Models Using a Connected Device

1. Through Your iPhone or iPad:
   • Access the Control Center on your device. This can be done by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen on newer iPhones or up from the bottom of the screen on older models and iPads.
   • Look for the volume slider, which shows the AirPods icon when they are connected.
   • Press and hold the volume slider until additional controls appear.
   • You will see the Noise Control icon. Tap it and select ‘Off’ to disable the noise cancellation feature.
2. Via the Settings App:
   • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Go to Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods in the list.
   • Under the “Noise Control” section, select ‘Off’.
3. Using a Mac:
   • If your AirPods are connected to a Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar.
   • Choose your AirPods from the output device list.
   • Select ‘Noise Cancellation’ and switch it to ‘Off’.

Knowing how to turn off noise cancellation on AirPods allows you to adapt quickly to different listening environments, ensuring that you remain connected to the world around you when necessary.

How to Turn On Noise Cancelling on AirPods

Turning on noise cancelling on AirPods is a feature that can transform your auditory experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio content without outside distractions. This functionality is especially useful in noisy environments like public transport, busy streets, or crowded offices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods:

For AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

1. Directly Through the AirPods:
   • On AirPods Pro, locate the force sensor on the stem of either AirPod.
   • On AirPods Max, find the noise control button.
   • Press and hold the force sensor (AirPods Pro) or the noise control button (AirPods Max) until you hear a chime. This sound indicates that noise cancellation has been activated.

For All Compatible Models via Connected Devices

1. Using an iPhone or iPad:
   • Swipe to access the Control Center on your device (swipe down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones, or up from the bottom of the screen on older iPhones and iPads).
   • Find the volume slider which should display the AirPods icon when they are connected.
   • Press and hold the volume slider. Additional control options will appear.
   • Tap the Noise Control icon and select ‘Noise Cancellation’ to enable it.
2. Through the Settings App:
   • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Navigate to Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods in the list.
   • Under the “Noise Control” section, you will find options for noise control settings. Choose ‘Noise Cancellation’.
3. On a Mac:
   • If your AirPods are connected to a Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar.
   • Select your AirPods as the output device.
   • Here, you will have an option for ‘Noise Cancellation’. Select it to turn on the feature.

Additional Tips

• Check Firmware: Ensure your AirPods are updated to the latest firmware for optimal performance of noise cancellation features.
• Fit and Seal: For AirPods Pro, ensure you have the right fit with ear tips that seal your ear canal properly. This enhances the effectiveness of noise cancellation.
• Battery Life: Be mindful that using noise cancellation can consume more battery life. Keep your AirPods charged for uninterrupted usage.

By following these steps, you can easily learn how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods, thus optimizing your listening experience by isolating yourself from unwanted external noise.

How to Turn Noise Cancellation On or Off Through Control Center

Controlling noise cancellation on your AirPods through the Control Center on your iOS device is a quick and convenient way to adapt your listening experience without the need to directly interact with the AirPods. This method is especially handy when your phone is more accessible than reaching for your AirPods. Here’s how to turn noise cancellation on or off on your AirPods through the Control Center:

1. Access the Control Center:
   • On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
   • On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
   • On an iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Locate the Volume Slider:
   • In the Control Center, find the volume slider. It should display an AirPods icon if your AirPods are connected.
   • Press and hold the volume slider. This action will bring up additional audio controls.
3. Adjust Noise Control Settings:
   • After pressing the volume slider, you will see the Noise Control options.
   • Here, you can select between different modes: ‘Noise Cancellation’, ‘Off’, and ‘Transparency’ (for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max).
   • Tap ‘Noise Cancellation’ to turn it on or ‘Off’ to disable it.
4. Switching Modes:
   • You can switch between these modes any time based on your preference or the environment you are in.
   • Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings along with your audio content, which is useful for staying aware of your environment.
5. Closing the Control Center:
   • Once you have selected your desired setting, simply swipe up or tap outside of the control center to close it.
6. Additional Tips:
   • Ensure your AirPods are connected to your device before trying to adjust settings through the Control Center.
   • This method works with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, which support noise cancellation. Standard AirPods do not have this feature.
   • The Control Center can also be customized via Settings to include additional controls as per your preference.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly manage how to turn noise cancellation on or off through the Control Center, providing a quick and convenient way to control your listening experience on your AirPods.

How to Make Sure You’re Using the Best Ear Tips for Noise Cancellation

For users of AirPods Pro, one of the key factors in maximizing the effectiveness of noise cancellation is ensuring that you are using the best ear tips. The right ear tips can significantly enhance the noise-cancelling capabilities by providing a proper seal in your ear canal. Here’s how to make sure you’re using the best ear tips for optimal noise cancellation:

1. Try Different Sizes:
   • AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone ear tips: small, medium, and large. Start with the medium size (which is usually pre-attached) and see how they fit.
   • If you feel any discomfort, or if the earbuds feel loose or too tight, switch to a different size.
2. Check for a Secure Fit:
   • A proper fit means that the ear tips should feel comfortable in your ears and stay in place, even when you move around or shake your head.
   • The ear tips should create a seal in your ear canal, which is crucial for effective noise cancellation.
3. Use the Ear Tip Fit Test:
   • Apple provides an Ear Tip Fit Test to help you determine if you have the right fit. To access this test:
     • Connect your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
     • Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
     • Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro.
     • Select ‘Ear Tip Fit Test’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • The test plays a short piece of music and checks whether the ear tips create a good seal.
4. Look for External Noise Leakage:
   • After choosing your ear tips, test them in a noisy environment.
   • If you can still hear a lot of external noise with noise cancellation on, you might need to try a different size.
5. Consider Third-Party Options:
   • If the provided silicone tips don’t work well for you, consider third-party ear tips.
   • There are many options available, including memory foam tips, which can offer a different fit and feel.
6. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:
   • Keep your ear tips clean for the best performance. Remove the ear tips from the AirPods and rinse them with water, avoiding soap or other cleaning agents.
   • Ensure the ear tips are completely dry before reattaching them to your AirPods.

By following these steps, you can make sure that you’re using the best ear tips for your AirPods Pro, thereby enhancing the noise cancellation feature and overall listening experience. A good seal not only improves noise cancellation but also enhances audio quality and comfort.

Conclusion

Mastering how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods can significantly elevate your audio experience, allowing you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls without the interference of external noise. Whether you’re using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, the process is straightforward and user-friendly, providing a seamless transition between different listening modes to suit your environment and preferences.

Remember, the effectiveness of noise cancellation also depends on using the right ear tips for a proper seal, especially for AirPods Pro users. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ear tip sizes or even explore third-party options for the perfect fit. Additionally, leveraging the Control Center on your iOS devices offers a convenient way to switch between noise cancellation and other listening modes, ensuring that you can adapt your AirPods’ settings on the go.

Incorporating these practices into your usage routine will not only enhance the functionality of your AirPods but also protect your hearing by allowing you to listen at lower volumes, even in noisy environments. By understanding how to turn on noise cancelling on AirPods, you’re set to enjoy a more immersive and focused listening experience, whether you’re diving into your favorite tunes or blocking out distractions in a busy setting.