Noise cancelling works differently depending on your AirPods model

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have active noise cancellation built in. AirPods (2nd generation and later) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) can use Adaptive Audio instead, which blends noise cancellation with transparency mode. Standard AirPods (1st generation) and AirPods 3 do not have noise cancellation at all — they rely on their physical fit to block sound.

The steps to turn on noise cancellation depend on which model you own and whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. Once you know your model, set up takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have active noise cancellation; other models do not.
  • You can turn noise cancellation on through the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, or through the AirPods settings in Bluetooth preferences.
  • A long press on the force sensor (AirPods Pro) or digital crown (AirPods Max) cycles between noise cancellation, transparency, and off.
  • Noise cancellation drains the battery faster than standard listening, so expect shorter playtime when it is active.
  • If noise cancellation stops working, restart your AirPods by placing them in the case for 15 seconds, then removing them.

Turning on noise cancellation through Control Center on iPhone or iPad

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier). Find the audio card — it shows your AirPods name and a speaker icon. Press and hold this card to expand it.

You will see three buttons at the bottom: Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off. Tap Noise Cancellation. The button will highlight, and your AirPods will switch modes when ready. You can close Control Center and start using noise cancellation right away.

If you do not see the audio card in Control Center, your AirPods may not be connected. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure your AirPods appear in the list with a checkmark.

Using the force sensor or digital crown to switch modes

AirPods Pro have a force sensor on the stem. Press and hold it for about two seconds. Each press cycles through Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off. You will hear a chime in your ear when the mode changes. This is the fastest way to switch if you are already wearing your AirPods.

AirPods Max use the digital crown on the right ear cup. Press and hold the crown until you hear the mode change. Like the AirPods Pro, holding the crown cycles through the three modes. You can also rotate the crown to adjust volume while a mode is active.

Changing noise cancellation settings in Bluetooth preferences

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Find your AirPods in the list and tap the info icon (a circle with an "i"). Scroll down to find the Noise Control section. You will see three options: Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off. Tap the one you want to use by default.

On Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth in the sidebar, find your AirPods, and click the info icon. Under Noise Control, choose your preferred mode. These settings sync across your Apple devices, so changing the default on one device affects all of them.

Understanding Adaptive Audio on newer AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) introduced Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts between noise cancellation and transparency based on your surroundings. When you enable Adaptive Audio, your AirPods listen to ambient sound and reduce it when you are stationary, but increase transparency when you start moving.

To turn on Adaptive Audio, open Control Center and tap and hold the audio card. Instead of choosing Noise Cancellation, tap Adaptive Audio. You can also enable it in Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro info > Noise Control > Adaptive Audio. Adaptive Audio uses more battery than standard noise cancellation because it is constantly monitoring your environment.

Battery drain and noise cancellation

Active noise cancellation requires your AirPods to run a processor that generates sound waves to cancel incoming noise. This drains the battery significantly faster than listening without it. AirPods Pro typically last about 6 hours with noise cancellation on, compared to 6 hours without it — the difference is smaller than older models because Apple improved the battery efficiency in recent generations.

If you need your AirPods to last longer, switch to Transparency mode or turn noise cancellation off entirely. You can also charge your AirPods case frequently so you always have a full charge available. The case itself holds enough charge for multiple refills throughout the day.

Troubleshooting noise cancellation that is not working

If noise cancellation is on but you still hear outside noise, first check that you have the right size ear tip installed. AirPods Pro come with three sizes: small, medium, and large. A poor fit breaks the seal and lets sound leak in, making noise cancellation ineffective. Remove your AirPods and try the next size up or down.

If the fit is correct and noise cancellation still is not working, restart your AirPods. Place them in the charging case, close the lid, and wait 15 seconds. Open the case and remove your AirPods. They will reconnect automatically. If they still do not work, forget them from your device's Bluetooth settings and pair them again from scratch.

Noise cancellation can also fail if your AirPods firmware is outdated. Your AirPods update automatically when they are in the case and connected to a device with an internet connection, but this only happens if the device is plugged in. Plug in your iPhone or iPad, place your AirPods in the case nearby, and leave them for at least 30 minutes to may support the update completes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn on noise cancellation every time I put my AirPods in?

No. Your AirPods remember which mode you last used and return to it automatically the next time you wear them. If you always use noise cancellation, it will be on by default. You can change the default mode in Bluetooth settings under Noise Control.

Can I use noise cancellation with non-Apple devices?

AirPods Pro work with any device that supports Bluetooth, including Android phones and Windows computers. However, you can only control noise cancellation through the physical force sensor or digital crown — the Control Center method only works on Apple devices. The noise cancellation itself functions the same way on any device.

Why does noise cancellation sound strange or make my ears feel full?

This is normal when you first use noise cancellation. Your brain is hearing the absence of sound, which can feel unusual. Most people adjust within a few days of regular use. If the sensation is uncomfortable, try Transparency mode instead, which lets you hear the world while still reducing loud noise.

Does noise cancellation work if I only have one AirPod in?

Yes. Noise cancellation works on whichever AirPod you are wearing, whether it is one or both. If you are wearing only the left AirPod, it will cancel noise in your left ear. The mode you set applies to both AirPods, so if you switch to wearing both, they will both be in the same mode.

What is the difference between noise cancellation and transparency mode?

Noise cancellation reduces outside sound so you hear mainly what you are listening to. Transparency mode does the opposite — it amplifies outside sound so you can hear conversations and traffic while your audio plays quietly in the background. Use noise cancellation when you want to focus, and transparency when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.