Noise cancellation on supported AirPods blocks out background sound so you can focus or enjoy audio in a noisy place. You can switch between blocking noise and letting it in using the earbuds themselves or your device settings.
What you'll need
- AirPods that support noise control
- A paired device
Step by step
- Confirm your model supports itActive Noise Cancellation is available on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and on a version of AirPods 4 that includes it, but not on the standard open-fit AirPods.
- Wear both earbudsPut both AirPods in your ears, since noise cancellation works best with a good seal from the right ear tips.
- Switch modes by pressOn AirPods Pro, press and hold the stem to cycle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. On AirPods Max, press the noise control button on the top of the ear cup.
- Use Control CenterOn your iPhone, open Control Center, press and hold the volume slider, then tap Noise Control to choose the mode you want.
- Adjust in SettingsOpen Settings, Bluetooth, tap the info icon by your AirPods, and set which modes the press gesture cycles through.
How to reduce or block background noise on AirPods
What most people mean by noise cancellation is turning down the background sound around them, such as an airplane cabin, an office hum, or street noise. On supported AirPods this feature is called Active Noise Cancellation, and it uses the built-in microphones to detect outside sound and counter it so you hear less of it.
Active Noise Cancellation works best when the earbuds form a good seal. On AirPods Pro that comes from a snug silicone ear tip, and on AirPods Max it comes from the over-ear cushions. If noise still leaks in, try a different ear tip size or reseat the earbuds, then confirm the mode is set to Noise Cancellation rather than Off or Transparency.
How to turn on Active Noise Cancellation
On AirPods Pro, press and hold the flat part of the stem, called the force sensor, until you hear a chime that signals a mode change. By default this long press cycles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency, so keep pressing until you land on Noise Cancellation. On AirPods Max, press the noise control button on the top of the ear cup to switch into Active Noise Cancellation.
You can also turn it on from your paired iPhone or iPad without touching the earbuds. Open Control Center, press and hold the volume slider, tap the Noise Control control, and choose Noise Cancellation.
How to switch between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off
Supported AirPods offer a few listening modes. Noise Cancellation blocks outside sound, Transparency lets it through so you stay aware, and Off applies no active processing. Some models, such as AirPods Pro, also add an Adaptive mode that adjusts the amount of noise control automatically based on your surroundings.
To move between modes quickly, press and hold the AirPods Pro stem, or press the noise control button on AirPods Max. Which modes the gesture cycles through is set on your device. By default not every mode is included, so if the press only toggles two modes you can add or remove modes in Settings, described below.
How to change noise control from Control Center or Settings
From Control Center, with your AirPods connected and in your ears, press and hold the volume slider. A Noise Control button appears in the lower corner, and tapping it lets you pick Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Off, or Adaptive if your model supports it. This is the fastest way to switch without using a gesture.
To change what the press and hold gesture does, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then tap the info icon next to your AirPods. Under the noise control or press and hold section you can choose which modes the gesture cycles through, so you can leave out any mode you do not use.
Which AirPods support noise cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is available on AirPods Pro and on AirPods Max. Apple has also offered a version of AirPods 4 that includes Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a base version that does not.
The standard open-fit AirPods, such as the earlier second and third generation models, do not offer Active Noise Cancellation because their design does not seal the ear canal. Those models can still play audio normally, but they will not show a Noise Control option. If you are unsure, check the model name in Settings, Bluetooth, then tap the info icon next to your AirPods.
Handy tips
- Transparency mode lets outside sound in so you can hear announcements or hold a conversation without removing the AirPods.
- A good ear tip seal improves noise cancellation, so try the fit test in the AirPods settings if it exists for your model.
- Switch to Transparency when walking near traffic so you stay aware of your surroundings.
Heads up
- Using Active Noise Cancellation reduces awareness of your surroundings, so avoid it when you need to hear traffic or safety alerts.
FAQ
Do all AirPods have noise cancellation?
No. Active Noise Cancellation is available on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and on a version of AirPods 4 that includes it. The standard open-fit AirPods do not offer it.
What is the difference between noise cancellation and Transparency?
Noise cancellation reduces outside sound so you hear less of it, while Transparency mode deliberately lets outside sound through so you stay aware of your surroundings.
How do I turn on noise cancellation on AirPods Pro?
Press and hold the force sensor on the stem until you hear a chime, and keep cycling until you reach Noise Cancellation. You can also set it from Control Center by holding the volume slider and tapping Noise Control.
How do I switch noise modes on AirPods Max?
Press the noise control button on the top of the ear cup to move between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency. You can choose which modes that button cycles through in Settings.
How do I change noise cancellation from Control Center?
With your AirPods connected and in your ears, open Control Center, press and hold the volume slider, tap the Noise Control button, then choose Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Off.
Where do I find noise control settings for my AirPods?
Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then tap the info icon next to your AirPods. There you can set the current mode and choose which modes the press and hold gesture cycles through.
Why is there no noise cancellation option on my AirPods?
The option usually does not appear if your model does not support Active Noise Cancellation, such as the standard open-fit AirPods. It can also seem missing if the mode was removed from the press and hold cycle, which you can restore in Settings.
Does noise cancellation work with only one AirPod in?
On AirPods Pro you can generally use Noise Cancellation and Transparency with one or both earbuds in your ears. A single earbud still cancels noise, though wearing both usually gives a stronger effect.