AirPods Pros making crackling static noises

Support had an interesting temporary fix for me - the noises go away if I removed the soft tips. (Then noise cancel works). Very strange - it seems like a firmware issue to me, I'll bet they developed the algorithms with the tips off, and didn't test enough with the tips on. They seem to think a replacement will solve the problem... we will see.

Nope, happens with any of my devices - in fact it doesn't seem to be anything to do with bluetooth or audio, but a bug in the noise cancelation feature. I get a soft popping in the left ear about once a second ... sounds like it's trying to cancel environmental noise, gradually ramping up, then failing, resetting, and starting over. If I turn of noise cancelation, it goes away. If I remove the soft tips, it goes away. (support's suggestions). They're shipping me replacements so we will see if they work any better.

I had the same issue with the left AirPods. I had a phone call where I got a high pitch sound during a phone call, as well as the buzz and cracking static whenever I would sneeze or clear my throat. Soon after I got a replacement from Apple for the left AirPods, the right AirPods started doing the same issue. I got a replacement for the right AirPod. And now about a month later, the left one that was a replacement is doing the same thing again. I've put them back in the case, charge, reset, everything you I can do to rely to reset the device, it continues to crackle. I'm about to call Apple about it now. These AirPods are great, and not great at the same time. I'd like to return them and get my money back.

After having this problem since November, trying all the "solutions" I could find, waiting for software updates, going to the Apple store with no solution, waiting for more updates, I FINALLY called apple and asked for a replacement. The replacement came two days later and now my AirPods Pro finally work again. Not only is the distortion gone but the sound quality is much better too. Apparently I lost a lot of bass when the crackling stated happening.

I have a similar problem to my AirPods Pro but on the left ear. The buzzing sound comes on the Noise cancellation and Transparency mode. I tried resetting it but didn't work. I don't know what to do about it.

I called Apple, ask for replacements, and they arrived today. So far so good and I am really enjoying them again now. When they work they really work well.

So, ring Apple support, tell them about your problem and you should get a replacement.

I will post again if they fail again!

Thats great! I'll call them up tomorrow. I am however in a sticky situation. I'm abroad and due to the pandemic and with the flights and all, I don't know when I will be able to return. I don't know how apple will help me in this regard. Lets hope for the best.

I got a replacement via mail. You'll pay $100 in advance, and refunded when you return your defective one. But don't necessary count on the replacement to fix the problem. I've had both Left and Right AirPods replaces, and the Left one is having the same issue again. I like these AirPods, but it's starting to become an annoyance and a $250 Disappointment. If I could leave a review like on Amazon, I'd be giving it a 3 star.

There is a defect on these AirPod pros, and Apple need to fix them. The trouble shoots Apple suggests don't do anything. And If I may say, Why do I need to keep trouble shooting for a $250 item? I owned, and still own a Samsung wireless headphones, which I do not need to do any trouble shoots. They need to recall these AirPods pros, and Personally I'd like my money back for these, and wait for AirPods Pro Gen 3. This has been one of my biggest disappointment with Apple. I'm still waiting for a call from apple with trouble with the replacement I've received, as of right now they are 2 hours behind on the scheduled call.

Apple told me they want to but can’t ship a replacement to my location and advised to go via a service centre. Service centre in Poland (Cortland) was holding onto my Aipods Pro for a week until I asked about the status- they said they’re still diagnosing... Then I contacted Apple and when they asked them they responded in 5min saying the headphones are dirty and they’re sending them back- Apple said they can’t do anything. I’ve been around for for a while and I’ve never experience such a bad and frustrating customer service.

May 13, 2020 I found a solution to the AirPod Pros, it’s as simple as the first generation AirPods. (Even though it’s nasty it works) You have to try and pull out gunk in the AirPod with your mouth, by sucking it out, nasty but it’s efficient.

I had crackling noises in both AirPods Pro for months but NOT ANYMORE! I always ignored the "clean them" advice but after a service center returned them untouched a "senior apple adviser" said that they have to be EXTREMELY clean. It made no sense to me and I didn't believe it but having no choice I used sticky putty/ blue/ white tack (which I use with my 1st and 2nd generation AirPods as explained by sb here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEzgl8rNPJc) and meticulously cleaned every orifice. THE CRACKLING IS GONE!

Seems like an over-engineered product- shame on apple that they would rather do mass replacements instead of monitoring threads like this one and advising how to fix issues.

Let me know guys if it works for you.

That fixes it -- turning both modes off removes the clicking noise in my left AirPod Pro. That means it's definitely some sort of software bug. Thanks for suggesting this fix. I'll be reaching out to Apple support to try and get some replacements.

Just set up my second return/repair for this issue. I am certain it's a hardware thing given it happens when the airpods are in my ear but not connected to anything (in this case, it happens if i speak or chew loudly or sneeze or am walking outside and a rush of wind comes).

It must be debris or some lose componentry. I too notice a similar sound if the airpods are in my ear and i touch them or adjust their positioning. while i'm relieved to find a very painless process to get new ones, I'm not confident this issue has been fixed. and wonder if there is a limit to how many free repairs they'll allow...

The cracking has nothing to do with the cleanliness . The link above from MARCIN89, showed a filthy case for the “AirPod”(not AirPod pro) being cleaned. Basically an Ad for the putty someone probably used to get hits on YouTube and get paid.

I’ve had my left AirPod pro go bad, followed by my right, then the replacement Left. Apple’s way to deal with me for the third AirPod failure was to send me a brand new AirPod, without asking me to send back my current ones. A nice gesture you may say? Why wouldn’t Apple want the defective product sent back so that they can figure out the problem? Unless they already know the problem and don’t want to admit to it. I am reluctant to open the new ones and experience the same thing. Anyone interested in a brand new AirPods Pro?