The basic process takes about 30 seconds

Changing the ear tips on your AirPods Pro means removing the silicone covers that sit on the speaker part of each earbud and replacing them with a different size. Apple includes three sizes in the box — small, medium, and large — so you have options if the default fit doesn't feel right or if you want to swap them out when they get worn or dirty.

The ear tips are the soft rubber pieces you can see and feel when you look at the bottom of each AirPod. They're not glued on — they're designed to come off easily by hand. You pinch and pull, and they slide right off. Then you slide a new one on the same way, making sure it's seated all the way down.

Key Takeaways

  • Ear tips come in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and you can switch between them without tools or damage.
  • To remove a tip, hold the earbud steady and pinch the silicone, then pull straight away from the speaker.
  • To put a new tip on, align it with the speaker nozzle and push straight down until you feel it click or seat firmly.
  • Worn or discolored tips should be replaced because they affect sound quality and seal, which matters for noise cancellation.

Why the right fit matters

The ear tip size affects two things: comfort and how well noise cancellation works. A tip that's too small or too loose won't create a seal in your ear, which means sound leaks out and outside noise leaks in. A tip that's too large or forced in can hurt after a few minutes of wear.

The medium size comes installed from the factory, but that doesn't mean it's right for your ears. If you find yourself turning up the volume more than you'd expect, or if you can hear a lot of background noise even with active noise cancellation on, the wrong tip size is often the culprit. Trying the other sizes takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

To remove a tip: Hold the earbud in one hand so the speaker nozzle (the part the tip sits on) points toward you. With your other hand, pinch the silicone tip between your thumb and index finger and pull straight away from the earbud. Don't twist or wiggle — just pull. The tip will slide off cleanly.

To put a new tip on: Take the new tip and line up the opening with the speaker nozzle. Push it straight down onto the nozzle until it seats all the way. You'll feel a slight resistance as it goes on, and it should sit flush with the earbud — no gap between the tip and the white plastic body. If it feels loose or wiggly after you've pushed it down, it's not seated correctly. Remove it and try again.

Do this for both earbuds if you're changing both, or just one if you're replacing a damaged tip on a single side. There's no pairing or reset needed — the AirPods will work the same way once the new tips are on.

When to replace your ear tips

Ear tips wear out over time. The silicone gets thin, discolored, or develops small cracks. When that happens, they don't seal as well, and you lose some of the noise cancellation benefit. If you've had your AirPods Pro for a year or more and the tips look yellowed, cracked, or feel less springy than they used to, it's time to swap them.

You can also replace tips if they get lost or damaged. Apple sells replacement tip sets separately — a pack of three sizes costs around $4 to $5 and comes with one small, one medium, and one large. You can order them from Apple's website or find them at most electronics retailers. If you only need one size, you can buy a single-size pack, though the three-pack is usually the better value.

Cleaning tips before you swap them

Before you put new tips on, take a moment to look at the speaker nozzle itself. Earwax and dust can build up there, and if you don't clean it, the new tip won't seat properly and you'll have the same seal problem you were trying to fix.

Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, dry cloth to wipe the nozzle gently. Don't use water or cleaning solution — moisture can damage the speaker. If there's stubborn buildup, a dry toothbrush with very soft bristles can help, but be gentle. Once the nozzle is clean and dry, slide the new tip on.

Troubleshooting a loose or uncomfortable fit

If a new tip feels loose even after you've pushed it all the way down, the nozzle itself may have debris on it. Remove the tip, clean the nozzle with a dry cotton swab, and try again. If it's still loose, try the next size up — sometimes what feels loose is actually the wrong size for your ear shape.

If a tip feels uncomfortable or painful after a few minutes, it's probably too large. Try the smaller size. Comfort matters more than a perfect seal — if you take the earbuds out because they hurt, you're not getting any benefit from them. It's normal to need different sizes for each ear, so don't assume both sides have to be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage my AirPods by changing the ear tips?

No. The tips are designed to come off and go back on repeatedly. As long as you pull straight (not at an angle) and don't force them, there's no risk of damage. The speaker nozzle is durable and won't break from normal tip changes.

What if I lose one of the replacement tips?

You can buy a new set of three from Apple or third-party retailers for a few dollars. You don't have to replace all three at once — you can use different sizes on each earbud if you want. Some people keep a spare set in their bag or desk.

Do I need to reset my AirPods after changing the tips?

No. Changing the physical tips doesn't affect the pairing or settings. Your AirPods will work exactly the same way once the new tips are on. There's no reset or reconnection needed.

Why does noise cancellation sound worse after I change the tips?

Usually because the new tip isn't seated all the way down or isn't the right size for your ear. Remove it, clean the nozzle, and push the tip down firmly until it's flush. If it still doesn't feel right, try a different size. A proper seal is what makes noise cancellation work.