If you are having trouble putting your AirPods in noise cancellation mode, don’t worry because it might have an easy and even quick fix. It is not that these problems are very common, but they are not rare either and if your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max are being affected you could try some of the tips that we give you in this post to make the noise cancellation mode work again as it should.
Rule out that it is a software problem
Although it is not safe, it is most likely that your AirPods are not damaged but that it is due to some software or firmware problem, either from themselves or the iPhone or the device in question to which you are connecting it. In the following sections we explain what you should do to rule this out.
Try it on multiple devices
The first thing we advise you to do is try this modality on different devices. That is, connect the headphones to other devices regardless of whether they are from Apple or not and try to activate this mode. In the case that you use an iPhone, iPad or Mac we advise you to change to this noise cancellation functionality from the settings instead of using the button on the AirPods.
This will help you to check if the problem lies with the headphones themselves if it is occurring on all devices. And in case that only one of them fails, it will be an excellent indication that the one who has problems is the computer to which you are connecting, although even in this case it could be due to the software.
Check the device’s operating system
If the problem occurs only in one of the devices as we said before, it is advisable that you turn off and on again the Bluetooth of the device that is failing and then try to reconnect the AirPods and activate the noise cancellation. In case it does not work for you, you should reset the settings of that terminal whenever possible and if not restore its operating system to eliminate possible software errors that are causing the inability to activate the noise cancellation of the AirPods.
Although before this it is advisable that you try to update the system of said device to its most recent version. If it is an iPhone or iPad you must go to Settings> General> Software update and on a Mac to System Preferences> Software update.
Update the firmware of the headphones
It is advisable that you always have the latest firmware version available on your AirPods and although this is generally a process that is done without you noticing, you can force it in the following way:
- On AirPods Pro:
- Store the headphones in their case.
- Put the case to charge via cable. It is possible to do it on a charging base, but the other option is preferable.
- Make sure the AirPods are linked to the iPhone and keep them close by without doing anything else.
- On AirPods Max:
- Put the headphones in the original Smart Case.
- Make sure they are linked to your iPhone and keep them close without doing anything else.
You can later check if it has been updated from Settings> General> Information> AirPods, finding on this screen a section called “Firmware version”.
Fully restore AirPods
By resetting the settings of the headphones you will ensure that all their connections have to be re-established and thus eliminate possible software problems. The way to do it in each of them is as follows:
- AirPods Pro:
- Store the headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Wait about 15-30 seconds and open the lid.
- Go to Settings> Bluetooth on the iPhone or iPad (Preferences> Bluetooth on Mac) and click on the “i” icon that appears next to the AirPods.
- Click on “Skip device”.
- Without closing the case lid, press and hold the case button until the flashing orange light turns white.
- Close the lid and reconnect the AirPods to the iPhone, iPad or Mac as if it were the first time.
- AirPods Max:
- Press and hold the Noise Cancel button in conjunction with the Digital Crown.
- Wait for the leed to blink white and release the buttons.
- Connect the headphones to your devices as if it were the first time.
If you go to repair with them
After having performed the above steps, the problem should have been corrected if it is a software error. If at this point it has not been like that, you will have no choice but to go to the technical service because everything would point to a problem with the headphones.
Procedure for making an appointment
If you want to make an appointment with Apple technical support to check your AirPods and offer you a solution, either in an official Store or in a SAT (Authorized Technical Service), you should know that you have different ways. The official website of the company serves you from the ‘Support’ section, the application also called Support and available on iPhone and iPad, as well as the telephone number 900 150 503, which is free from Spain.
If for any reason you cannot or do not want to attend the appointment in person, you can request that they be picked up at your home . This is done through a courier service that Apple itself makes available to you, which will even deliver the packaging to pick it up. Of course, they could charge you the cost of the possible repair in advance as a deposit.
How much can the replacement cost you?
It really depends a lot on the origin of the problem, since in the end there are several factors that could influence. If it is a problem covered by the guarantee, it could be completely free , as if you have contracted AppleCare + it would cost 29 euros regardless of the repair.
However, in all other cases the price may vary. For the AirPods Max there is no official information about the rates, although there is for the AirPods Pro , for which most repairs go through paying 99 euros , although in cases in which they carry out a complete repair it could amount to 199 euros. In any case, you will receive all the information from the technical service in advance, being able to accept the budget or not without obligation.
Estimated process time
How long it will take Apple to deliver replacement AirPods (or any of their parts) depends on several factors. If you go to a store physically and they have stock, you could take them immediately, while if they have to send them to be checked elsewhere or they do not have spare parts, you will have to wait several days (normally 3 to 7). However, in most cases they always have stock.
If you requested the remote repair it will be at least 48 hours, since it is the estimated time in which your headphones are sent to technical support and how long it takes to send you the replacement afterwards. All this without counting the time it takes to review them, so this is the most comfortable option, but not the fastest if you want to have your AirPods with you as soon as possible and fully functional with noise cancellation and all its operational options.
