How to Turn On Noise Canceling on AirPods

Have you bought yourself a pair of Apple AirPods with noise cancelation capabilities? You feel excited, right? 

What happens if you don’t know how to turn the feature on? How do you even know if the earbuds have noise-canceling abilities?

The world of earbuds and headphones has seen tremendous changes recently. Initially, you’d only listen to audio on your earbuds. Today, they have many more features, including making calls and prompting Siri. 

Noise cancellation is among the crucial features of AirPods. It blocks ambient noise, leading to a better-quality listening experience. 

But how do you turn on the feature? The process may vary depending on the model. 

This is HowTurn On Noise Canceling on AirPods:

1. Open the Settings app by tapping it
2. Go to Bluetooth
3. Click the (i) next to AirPods Pro
4. Go to the Noise Control section and tap Noise Cancelation

Why Won’t My AirPods Go Into Noise Canceling Mode?

Why is AirPods Pro noise canceling not working?

The noise cancellation feature is available for AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2 Apple earbud models.  However, it may refuse to work even after buying a model with the feature. 

Related: Why Are My AirPods So Quiet? 6 Reasons & The Corresponding Solutions

Why can this happen, and how should you deal with it? 

There are several reasons why your AirPods may not go into canceling mode. 

For instance, the active noise cancelation mode may not work if you only wear one of the earbuds. Ensure you have both (right and left) AirPods before activating the mode. If you want to use the feature with one earbud, go to the Settings menu of your iPhone or iPad.

Use the following steps:

1. Open your iPhone or iPad and then go to the Settings option and select Accessibility
2. Next, go to the Physical and Motor section and select AirPods
3. Go to the Noise Cancelation with One AirPod option and toggle it on.

The noise cancelation feature may also fail to work due to software issues. Ensure you’re using the latest software on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iPod Touch. 

Another hack you can try if the noise canceling mode isn’t working is to clean the mesh at the top of the AirPods Pro. Sometimes the feature may fail to work if earwax or debris builds up around the area. 

Related: How to Make My AirPods Louder? Step By Step Guide

How Do I Know If My AirPods Have Noise Canceling?

Not all AirPods come with the noise-canceling feature. Even the newer 3rd generation AirPods don’t have the ability. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine before spending your money whether your choice of AirPods has noise-canceling abilities. 

But how can you determine whether they come with the feature?  

There are various ways you can use to find out. For instance, you can check the AirPods’ features and specs online or on the company’s website. Checking out reviews by other users will also help you determine other people’s experiences with the earbuds. 

Alternatively, you can use the Settings option on your device to check out the noise control modes available for your earbuds. 

To use this method:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPad or iPhone and put them in your ears
2. Go to Settings and then Bluetooth
3. On the list of devices, go to the AirPods option and tap on the More Info button
4. Check out the available noise control modes that may include Noise Cancelation, Transparency, and Off

Do All AirPods Have Noise Cancelation?

Apple AirPods come with features that set them apart from other competitors in the market. They are an excellent pick for anyone looking for quality sound. 

But do all AirPods come with the noise-cancelation feature? No, they don’t. Some models have it, while others don’t. 

You’ll find the noise canceling features on models such as AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. The models use the feature to block the noise around you, enabling you to focus on your work, meeting, or music. 

The active noise cancelation starts immediately after you plug the earbuds into your ears. Apple offers various methods you can use to control it. For instance, you may use the Control Center, Settings, or AirPods. 

Related: Can You Use Airpods on a Plane? Yes, And This Is How

Other models, such as the Apple AirPods 2 and the 3rd generation AirPods, don’t have active noise cancelation. You’ll have to depend on noise isolation by fitting the ear tips in your ear canal to reduce noise. 

The method isn’t as effective as noise cancelation. 

How to Turn On Noise Canceling on AirPods Pro Android

 Although AirPods are Apple products, many other phone makers are out there. Besides working with iOS devices, the earbuds can also connect with other devices, including Android. You’ll need Bluetooth to connect to other devices. 

Once you connect your AirPods and the Android device, you’ll start enjoying the features normally. However, Android treats the AirPods as ordinary Bluetooth earphones. Thus, you may not have access to the more refined controls you’d enjoy on an Apple device.   

Using an Android device, you’ll have to use Force Sensors to turn on noise cancelation on AirPods Pro. These are touch-sensitive buttons on each stem of the earbuds. 

You touch the button on either the right or left AirPod using your finger. The earbud will change action depending on how long you press or the number of taps. 

You’ll have to press and hold the Force Sensor controls to switch between Active Noise Cancelation and Transparency modes. 

Although the AirPods Pro works perfectly with your Android device, you’ll have some limitations. Since the earbuds were designed for Apple products, using them with your Android device denies you access to particular controls. 

Related: How to Skip Songs With AirPods: Easy Guide

How to Turn On Noise Canceling on AirPods 2 

Apple AirPods 2 don’t come with a noise canceling feature. If you get a pair of the 2nd generation AirPods, you have to rely on the noise isolation themselves. 

When you have the buds in your ears, the ear tips help block some noise. But the method isn’t as effective as the noise canceling feature on AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

How to Turn On Noise Canceling on AirPods 3

If you’re looking for earbuds with noise canceling abilities, the 3rd generation AirPods may not be the perfect pick. 

Since they don’t come with noise-canceling abilities, they don’t do an excellent job blocking other sounds from outside. Therefore, you may not use them in scenarios such as classes or meetings when you need to focus. 

The lack of the noise cancelation feature is one factor contributing to the longer battery life of the AirPods 3. 

Related: AirPods Pro Vs. AirPods 3 – A Detailed Comparison

How to Turn Off Noise Cancelation on AirPods Pro 

If you turn off noise cancelation on your Apple AirPods Pro, there are several methods you can use. These include:

Using the Control Center

This method may be the fastest and easiest for turning the noise cancelation feature on or off. Use the following steps:

1. Connect your AirPods Pro earbuds to your device
2. For some models, you need to swipe up to open the Control Center. For other models, swipe down starting from the top right corner.
3. Long press on the volume slider
4. Press Noise Control
5. Click on Noise Cancelation
6. Tap Off or enable the Transparency mode by tapping Transparency

Using the Settings Option

To use the Settings option to enable or disable noise cancelation:

1. Open the Settings app by tapping on it
2. Go to Bluetooth
3. Tap the more information icon (i) next to AirPods Pro
4. Go to the Noise Control section and tap Noise Cancelation 
5. Tap Off or select the Transparency mode

Transparency Mode AirPods 

Active noise cancellation helps you block outside noise before you can hear it. 

On the other hand, the Transparency mode lets outside sound in without the need to remove the AirPods. The two work best when your Apple AirPods fit perfectly. 

If you have the 2nd generation AirPods Pro and the latest versions of iPad OS and iOS, you can also use Adaptive Transparency. This helps you minimize the loud sounds around you. 

Using Noise Cancelation on AirPods

If you’re considering getting a pair of AirPods, it’s essential to find out if they come with noise-canceling ability. The feature helps you enjoy an incredible listening experience by blocking outside noise. 

However, put in mind that not all AirPods come with the capability. You’ll find the feature on AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. 

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