The ear pads on your Plantronics BackBeat Pro wear out and crack after two to three years of regular use
Replacing the ear pads is a five-minute job that requires no tools. The pads are held on by friction alone — you pull the old ones straight off and press the new ones on. Plantronics sells replacement pads as a single pair under the part number 87609-01, and they cost between $20 and $35 depending on the retailer. You can order them directly from Plantronics, from Amazon, or from electronics retailers that stock Plantronics accessories.
The reason to replace them is comfort and sound quality. Cracked or compressed pads let sound leak out, reduce bass response, and create pressure points on your ears during long listening sessions. New pads restore the seal around your ear and bring back the original sound profile.
Key Takeaways
- Plantronics BackBeat Pro ear pads pull straight off without tools and press back on by friction alone.
- The correct replacement part is 87609-01, sold as a pair, and costs $20 to $35.
- You can order from Plantronics directly, Amazon, or electronics retailers that stock Plantronics accessories.
- The entire replacement takes about five minutes and requires no disassembly of the headphone itself.
What you need before you start
You need only the replacement ear pads themselves — no screwdrivers, no adhesive, no other parts. Order part number 87609-01 from Plantronics, Amazon, or a retailer like B&H Photo or Sweetwater. When the pads arrive, set aside five minutes in a quiet space where you can lay the headphones on a flat surface.
Before you begin, power off the headphones and disconnect them from any device. This is not strictly necessary for safety, but it prevents accidental button presses while you are handling them. Let the headphones sit at room temperature for a few minutes if they have been in a cold car or bag — cold plastic is more brittle and the pads are harder to seat properly.
How to remove the old ear pads
Hold the headphone in one hand with the ear cup facing you. Grip the outer edge of the ear pad with your thumb and forefinger and pull straight outward, away from the headphone. Do not twist or rock the pad — pull in one direction. The pad will come free after about half an inch of pressure. Repeat on the second ear cup.
If the pads are very old or have been glued down by a previous owner, they may resist. Warm the edge of the pad gently with your fingers for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive, then pull again. If adhesive residue remains on the plastic ring, wipe it away with a dry cloth. Do not use water or solvents — the plastic ring is glued to the speaker assembly and moisture can damage the connection.
How to install the new ear pads
Remove one new pad from the package and hold it in both hands, with the fabric side facing outward and the hard plastic ring facing you. Line up the plastic ring with the circular recess on the ear cup. The ring should sit flush against the plastic — there is only one orientation that fits.
Press the pad straight onto the ear cup, starting at the top and working your way around. Use firm, even pressure with the heel of your hand. You will feel the pad seat into place as you go around — it should take about 20 seconds per ear. When the pad is fully seated, the fabric should be smooth and even, with no wrinkles or gaps between the pad and the headphone body. Repeat on the second ear cup.
Let the headphones sit for 10 minutes before wearing them. The pads will tighten slightly as they settle into their final position. After 10 minutes, put them on and adjust the headband so the ear cups sit evenly on both ears.
What to do with the old ear pads
The old pads can be thrown away with regular trash. They are made of plastic and foam and do not contain batteries or electronics. If your local recycling program accepts foam or plastic, you can recycle them instead, but it is not required.
Do not attempt to clean and reuse the old pads. Once the foam compresses or the fabric tears, it cannot be restored to its original shape or seal. Reusing them will result in poor sound quality and discomfort.
Troubleshooting if the pads do not seat properly
If the new pad feels loose or rocks side to side, it is not seated all the way. Remove it and try again, pressing harder and more evenly around the entire circumference. The pad should be snug enough that it does not move when you tug on it gently.
If the pad is wrinkled or bunched on one side, remove it, smooth out the fabric with your fingers, and reinstall it. Make sure the plastic ring is aligned with the recess before you start pressing — misalignment is the most common cause of wrinkles.
If you ordered the wrong part number by mistake, the pads will not fit at all. Plantronics makes different ear pad designs for different models. Check your headphone model number on the bottom of the headband and verify it matches the part number on the package before installation.
How to make new ear pads last longer
Store the headphones in a cool, dry place when you are not using them. Heat and humidity break down the foam and fabric faster than normal wear. A padded case or headphone stand keeps them safe from pressure and crushing.
Wipe the ear pads with a dry cloth once a week to remove dust and skin oils. Do not use water or cleaning solutions — they can seep into the foam and cause mold. If the pads get visibly dirty, a slightly damp cloth is acceptable, but let them air dry completely before wearing the headphones again.
Avoid leaving the headphones in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Prolonged heat softens the adhesive that holds the plastic ring to the speaker assembly and can cause the pads to separate prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party ear pads instead of the official Plantronics ones?
Third-party pads designed for the BackBeat Pro will fit, but they often have thinner foam or different fabric that changes the sound quality and comfort. The official Plantronics pads are engineered to match the original acoustic design. If you want to experiment with alternatives, buy the official pads first so you know what the correct fit and feel should be.
Do I need to replace both ear pads at the same time?
You can replace just one pad if only one is damaged, but Plantronics sells them as a pair. If you replace only one, the other will wear out soon after and you will be ordering again. Replacing both at the same time is more economical and ensures even sound quality on both sides.
What if the plastic ring comes off the headphone when I pull the pad?
This means the adhesive that holds the ring to the speaker assembly has failed. The ring itself is not replaceable — you will need to contact Plantronics support or consider replacing the headphones. Do not attempt to glue the ring back on yourself, as this can damage the speaker.
How often do I need to replace the ear pads?
Most people replace them every two to three years with regular daily use. If you wear the headphones for eight hours or more per day, you may need replacement every 18 to 24 months. If you use them occasionally, they may last four years or longer.
Can I wash the new ear pads to clean them?
Do not submerge them or run them under water. A slightly damp cloth is safe for spot cleaning, but let them air dry completely before putting the headphones on. Water can seep into the foam and cause mold or mildew inside the ear cup.