You can swap out the silicone tips on AirPods Pro yourself in about 30 seconds
The rubber ear tips on AirPods Pro wear out, get lost, or stop fitting right. Apple sells replacement sets for $4 each, and swapping them takes longer to find than to do. You just pull the old tip off and push a new one on — no tools, no settings to change, no pairing required.
The tips come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Most people use medium, but if you've never tried the other sizes, replacing them is a good time to find what actually fits your ear. A tip that's too loose won't seal properly and you'll lose bass and noise cancellation. A tip that's too tight can hurt after a few minutes of wear.
Key Takeaways
- AirPod Pro tips pull straight off the speaker and push straight back on — you don't need to remove the AirPod from the case or change any settings.
- Apple sells replacement tip sets in small, medium, and large sizes for $4 per set, and you can order them online or buy them in an Apple Store.
- The correct size tip should fit snugly but not painfully, and should create a seal that lets you hear bass and feel noise cancellation working.
- If a tip keeps falling off, make sure you're pushing it all the way on until you feel it click into place.
How to remove the old tips
Hold the AirPod in one hand and pinch the silicone tip between your thumb and index finger. Pull straight away from the speaker — the tip will come off with a small amount of resistance. Don't twist or wiggle it; just pull. If the tip is old or dried out, it may tear slightly as it comes off, which is normal.
Do this for both AirPods. You don't need to take them out of the case first, though some people find it easier to work with them in hand. The speaker itself will be exposed now — it's the small dark opening at the bottom of each AirPod.
How to put new tips on
Take a new tip in the same size as the one you removed (or the size you want to try). Line it up with the speaker opening and push it straight on. You should feel it slide over the speaker nozzle and click into place when it's seated all the way. Push until you feel resistance — don't force it, but do push firmly enough that it's snug.
The tip should not move or twist when you tug on it gently. If it slides around or feels loose, pull it off and try again, making sure you're pushing it all the way on. Repeat for the second AirPod.
Choosing the right size
Apple includes all three sizes in the box when you buy AirPods Pro, so you can test which one fits best. The size that works is the one that feels comfortable for hours at a time and creates a seal — you'll notice the bass gets deeper and noise cancellation actually works when the seal is right.
If you're between sizes, start with medium. If medium feels like it's pushing too hard into your ear canal, try small. If you can feel air leaking around the tip or the bass sounds thin, try large. Your ear shape is unique, so what works for someone else might not work for you.
Where to buy replacement tips
Apple sells AirPod Pro tip replacement sets on apple.com for $4 per set. Each set includes one small, one medium, and one large tip. You can also buy them in person at an Apple Store, Best Buy, or other retailers that carry Apple accessories. Some third-party manufacturers make compatible tips as well, though Apple's official tips are the most reliable fit.
If you've lost just one tip and don't want to buy a full set, you can contact Apple Support and ask about buying a single tip — they sometimes have options for that, though availability varies by region.
Why tips wear out or fall off
Silicone breaks down over time, especially if you use your AirPods every day. The material gets less flexible, cracks form, and the tip stops sealing properly. Sweat and earwax also speed up this process. If you clean your tips regularly with a dry cloth, they last longer.
Tips also fall off if they weren't pushed on all the way, or if the speaker nozzle itself has debris on it. Before putting on a new tip, wipe the speaker opening with a dry cloth to remove any earwax or dust. This helps the new tip seat properly and stay in place.
Troubleshooting tips that won't stay on
If a new tip keeps sliding off or won't click into place, first make sure you're pushing it straight on and all the way down. The nozzle is small and it's straightforward to push at a slight angle without realizing it. Try again with firm, straight pressure.
If the tip still won't stay, the speaker nozzle might have damage or buildup on it. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the nozzle, then try a new tip. If the problem continues with multiple tips, the AirPod itself may need service — contact Apple Support to discuss repair options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my AirPods again after changing the tips?
No. Changing the tips doesn't affect pairing or any settings. Your AirPods will work exactly as they did before, just with a better fit or seal.
Can I use third-party tips instead of Apple's?
Yes, many third-party manufacturers make compatible tips. They're often cheaper, but fit and seal quality vary. If you try a third-party option and it doesn't feel right, go back to Apple's tips — they're designed specifically for the AirPod Pro shape.
What if I lose a tip before I can replace it?
You can use the AirPod without a tip, but you'll lose noise cancellation and bass response. Order a replacement set as soon as you notice one is missing, since using mismatched tips (one with, one without) will sound unbalanced.
How often should I replace the tips?
It depends on how much you use them and how well you clean them. Most people get six months to a year before the seal starts to fail. If you notice the bass getting thinner or noise cancellation not working as well, that's a sign the tips need replacing.