AirPods Pro Rattling Noise

I also have this issue with my right AirPods Pro. It was really subtle when I first got it and thought it was normal, but it got worse over time to the point where moving my jaw would make it rattle. Everyone should still have their year warranty so definitely contact Apple for a replacement ASAP. I contacted them via chat the other day and my new replacement is coming in today. Fingers crossed!

I just experienced the same issue with my Airpod Pros too. I purchased mine in November of 2019, and they started rattling about 1 month ago.

Apple mentions that some of them manufactured prior to October of 2020 can experience this issue: https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues

I made an appointment with my local Apple store (appointments only right now), and they confirmed that not all of the headphones manufactured prior to that date that are experiencing this issue are covered.

They look it up based on the serial number and also run it through a diagnostic machine to determine what issues exist.

The link provided by MrBill3 shows it can be $89 per earbud if not covered or $0 if covered.

I thought the only issue with mine was rattling in one earbud only, however it ended up being present in both plus a loss of bass and mid-range sound in both as well. Turns out I was missing out on a lot of sound and there was nothing I could do to fix it (hard reset, un-pair, and re-pair, etc).

Fortunately, both of mine were covered! It's worth having them look at it so you can figure out your options.

Same thing happened to me with my right one. I started noticing it during phone calls. Eventually, it started happening with certain frequencies in songs (not necessarily bass) and when I coughed or hummed.

Surprisingly enough, I did still hear the noise when I had noise cancellation turned off. It was harder to hear, but it was still there.

Apple did replace it without hassle though. Hopefully, whatever is happening during manufacturing to cause this is found and addressed. I really hope we’re not spending the next year swapping AirPods for this reason.

Hello,

See this:

AirPods Repair - Official Apple Support

Good luck.

I had this issue, and resolved it after resetting and re-pairing didn't work.

It's pretty grotesque, but the cause I found was ear wax buildup on the mesh of the tip.

If I was to guess I'd say that the attenuation of the sound caused by the wax resulted in the anti-noise generated by ANC forming a feedback loop.

Fix was easy, take the tips off, pop them in a teacup with a small amount of dish soap, add boiling water, leave and let cool.

Drain, and douse one last time in boiling water. Dry thoroughly ( I left mine on a paper towel overnight).

Job done.

To test this is the case, try the APP with different (fresh) set of tips and see.

Hope it helps.

I had the same thing happen. After about 2.5 months of use. First in the right ear when on a call (have a low voice), then during low tones in music (bass, deep strings,) then just all the time. Took it to an Apple Store and they replaced the right pod for free. Two weeks sound was great... now the left one is starting to do it. If I turn both noise canceling and transparency off it reduces the buzz about 70%. But this is clearly a hardware issue with the build quality of some of these AirPods. Gonna see if Apple will do the same for the left one. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Call the customer service and they will set it up everything about your shipping info. Take note you must return the old damage earpods upon receiving the new one.. Apple has a free label return that comes in the box and you must provide debit/credit to hold your payment (just in case you refused to send the old one, they will charge you for regular price) and get a full refund when apple confirmed that they received the old one.

My left ear rattles when I clear my throat. I was able to get rid of the rattle (somewhat) when I swapped the ear plug tips, but of course that is not a solution, needing to switch to a different ear tip size that does not fit my ear. I just chatted with Apple support online, and I paid the $98.00, but that money is being used as a hold on my credit card because they are sending me a new pair and they want to make sure I send my old (under warranty) pair back in to them. When they receive my old air pods, they will release that hold on my credit card and it won't cost me anything.

you can take them to apple or call apple and let them know. They will have to change it for you with no fee. This is what they told me.. “ if they get the rattles 100 times we change them 100 times” try giving them a call and see what happens

Apple has a replacement program for Airpods pro specifically . Check this : https://support.apple.com/en-in/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues.

Hope this helps.

I'm having the same issue also, found that if i change it to noise canceling off (must be done through your volume, can't be done by holding the earpiece), that this issue goes away. I'm assuming something is wrong with the external speaker (the one that detects noise in transparency or noise canceling mode), I'm going through some steps now (making sure the ear pod is clean and then disconnecting / reconnecting). Will contact Apple support if doesn't fix the issue.

My right one started this behavior last night too. Had the left one replaced a few weeks ago. I went to chat with Apple support and they’re shipping me replacements for the left, right, and case this time. I can’t say I’m confident this will be the last time it happens though :(

Wow! Just saw an article on CNBC where Apple admits to there being a problem with AirPod pros. I don’t think I can link the article. I’ll grab the bullet points:

• Apple said on Friday that it will replace AirPods Pro headphones that have sound issues.
• These issues include a static or crackling sound that increases in loud environments as well as issues with active noise cancellation.
• Apple said that AirPods Pro made after October 2020 don't have the issue.

Good news. Let’s hope the newer made ones have resolved the issue like Apple says.

I've had this problem as well. I took it to the Genius bar. It was my right AirPod Pro. They replaced it for me. For awhile the pair of them worked great, old and new. I've had the new one for about a month now and it's begun rattling again. It seems as if there's some inner membrane that is gradually coming loose.

I recommend asking Apple to replace an earpiece if you experience this problem yourself. The AppleCare cost for the Pros are totally worth it if this keeps happening. I would say if you haven't gotten AppleCare for them yet, do it right now.

I had same thing. Did a chat with Apple. They sent me new airopod pro. All good.

As an aside, while I was at it, I replaced both since they gave me the option.

Beware, they may send you two that have different firmwares. That what occurred for me.

So if your new pair of airpods pro won't "pair", check the firmware on both.

To do that, I had to pair each separately to check the firmware.

To repair, I just placed both in case and charger overnight. Firmware was upgraded.

HOWEVER, if you do this, you will then need to have your iphone (or whatever) unpair each before you reset them. That means, hit the "i" button and tell it to forget this device.

Then place both in case and reset them.