AirPods Pro Crackling/Rattling Issues: Troubleshooting

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.

AirPods Crackling Feature
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, though some users have reported having issues with AirPods manufactured later as well.

Lawsuit

Apple customers filed a class action lawsuit against Apple in November 2024 for continuing to sell AirPods Pro knowing there was a defect causing the crackling sound. Apple has been accused of deceiving customers and false advertising, with the lawsuit seeking damages.

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.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

iPhone 16 Pro Max 80% Charge Limit: One Year Later, Was It Worth It?

Wednesday September 24, 2025 3:58 pm PDT by
With the iPhone 15 series, I did an experiment and kept my iPhone's Charge Limit set at 80 percent for an entire year. It provided an interesting look at the impact of charge limits on battery longevity, so I decided to repeat it for the iPhone 16 line. Since September 2024, my iPhone 16 Pro Max has been limited to an 80 percent charge, with no cheating. As of today, my battery's maximum...
Home Hub Command Center with Dome Base Feature

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Thursday September 25, 2025 1:11 pm PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system codenamed "Charismatic," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple smart home hub concept based on rumors This is likely Apple's long-rumored "homeOS" operating system. In a report last month, Gurman said both Apple's rumored smart home hub in 2026 and tabletop robot in 2027 will run the new operating system. He said the software platform ...
AirPods Pro 3 Newsroom

Apple's 'Back to School' Offer Ends Soon, Now Applies to AirPods Pro 3

Wednesday September 24, 2025 7:20 am PDT by
Apple's annual "Back to School" promotion for students ends soon, so act fast if you want to score free AirPods with the purchase of an eligible new Mac or iPad. Until Tuesday, September 30, college students and qualifying educational staff in the U.S. can receive free AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation when they purchase an eligible new Mac or iPad from Apple. This is a $179 value. ...
iPhone 17 Pro Colors

Skipped the iPhone 17 Pro? Here's What is Rumored for iPhone 18 Pro

Tuesday September 23, 2025 8:55 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still a year away, there are already a few rumors about the devices that offer an early look ahead. Below, we have recapped some of the early iPhone 18 Pro rumors so far. This story was published previously, and it has been updated to reflect the latest rumors. Many early rumors prove to be true, but nothing is confirmed yet, and Apple's...
iOS 26

iOS 26.0.1 Update for iPhones Coming Soon — Here's What to Expect

Thursday September 25, 2025 12:40 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.0.1, according to a private account on X with a proven track record of sharing information about future iOS versions. MacRumors has also seen evidence of iOS 26.0.1 in its visitor logs in recent days. It is likely that iOS 26.0.1 will fix a camera-related bug on the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models. In his iPhone Air review, CNN Underscored's...
iOS 26

Everything New in iOS 26.1 Beta 1

Monday September 22, 2025 12:44 pm PDT by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 26.1 today, just a week after launching iOS 26. iOS 26.1 mainly adds new languages to Apple Intelligence, but there are a few other features that are worth knowing about. New Apple Intelligence Languages Apple Intelligence is now available in Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. AirPo...
apple tv 4k new orange

Next Apple TV Expected to Launch This Year With These New Features

Monday September 22, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
The next Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Likely Features N1 Chip With Wi-Fi 7 Last year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the next Apple TV would be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is...
Apple More Personal Siri Ad

Apple Responds to U.S. Class Action Lawsuit Over Delayed Siri Features

Friday September 26, 2025 6:57 am PDT by
In March, Apple delayed the launch of its personalized Siri features, and soon after the company was hit with multiple class action lawsuits over the situation. The plaintiffs said they never would have purchased an iPhone 16, or would have paid less, had they known Apple's marketing about the Siri features was false. In the U.S., all of the complaints were consolidated into one class...

Top Rated Comments

Ikeda Kazuto Avatar
64 months ago

It is a hardware issue, I managed to fix mine. Just take some blue tack and force it into every hole in your AirPods. Then slowly SLOWLY remove each blue tack. Repeat this a few times on each vent and you will get perfect sound quality again. I don’t know where the inner and outer microphone is but if you know which vent has microphones in them just do the ones with microphones in them.

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


Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcexco Avatar
42 months ago
Thanks! The blue tack method works! Except that I don't have the blue tack, so I suck and blew the hole instead. And It's fixed in just one try! Thanks! You saved my life. ?

Attachment Image
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ikeda Kazuto Avatar
64 months ago

Wow, I have that exact same problem and was going to go to an Apple store (after Covid) to exchange my Airpod Pros (I have applecare+) b/c I really thought it was a hardware issue.

Glad to hear that it's being addressed and that it wasn't only me!
It is a hardware issue, I managed to fix mine. Just take some blue tack and force it into every hole in your AirPods. Then slowly SLOWLY remove each blue tack. Repeat this a few times on each vent and you will get perfect sound quality again. I don’t know where the inner and outer microphone is but if you know which vent has microphones in them just do the ones with microphones in them.

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
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pmm1221 Avatar
32 months ago
I have this issue. The Apple store ran a diagnostic and confirmed it. My original purchase was over three years ago. However, I have already had my AirPods replaced within the first year, and that replacement occurred less than three years ago.

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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
valleyboy1970 Avatar
66 months ago
I’ve had 3 replacement buds since Christmas for this issue each time. When they work these are great but this fault makes the buds unbearable except when anc and trans are off. So far they have been swapped under warranty - but after this I’m afraid I’ll be stuck with £249 lemons.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Variant Avatar
57 months ago
I hate to bump an old thread, but no one has said thank you yet. So... THANK YOU. The stick tack method works! This worked for me and saved me a lot of hassle!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)