AirPods Pro clicking sound.

Just found this thread from daringfireball.net. Had exactly the same issue with left AirPod Pro starting a few weeks ago. Making a short sharp static click whenever there was a slight physical shock - such as footfall when walking. Completely went away when the pods were in 'off' mode so I don't think it was physical. Also couldn't hear it with the rubber plug removed although that could just be it being too low a volume to hear without the sealed ear canal. Apple replaced the left pod immediately under warranty and so far so good with the replacement.

I only just learned that firmware updates are even a thing for AirPods. I had subconsciously noted that the ANC seemed a bit less good. The day I bought them (the day they came out) it blew me away then how good it was and more recently it seems a bit mediocre. Assumed it was just my imagination but perhaps not.

Hello Paula, I'm hoping to get my new left Airpod Pro on Monday. You say your new left one is working fine. Can you tell us what Firmware is currently on your AirPods Pro? Settings - General - About and then the AirPods Pro. The case has to be open to see the AirPods Pro tab. I currently have the new Firmware 2D15 and am concerned when I put the new left one into the case the right one is going to update the left one. This is what the Apple Tech told me would happen. Not sure I want it to update to the new firmware.

I saw the same problem being discussed on another site about people fixing it, by trying to get the dirt that builds up in the mesh grill on the back of the AirPods Pro removed, by basically rubbing the mesh with a NEW toothbrush then trying to suck the dirt out from the mesh with their mouth (do not let saliva flow to the AirPods, use your lips) or a special tool they had that does the same thing.

I tried it and it did work after a lot of tries to do the same things and also clean it with cotton swab and lint free cloth.

But after a month or so the problem arose another time and I seem to have to replace them after all because the are not getting back with this trick.

I think this will help some people fix their AirPods Pro or at least have them work for another month.

Mine are 2D15. Not a problem so far. Notably, when I did the ear fit test the new left one was good but the old right one said bad fit. Which wasn’t right because it was fine when I first got it with the same rubber tip. Maybe the old one has just worn in a little and is no longer such a good fit. Anyway, the difference is very slight and not noticeable. So far no static clicking.

Yes, I agree. Went away completely when they were in 'Off' mode. So can't be a physical problem. I also noticed a feedback distortion coming from the problematic side when using them for a phone call. So it does certainly sound like a software / external microphone issue or a DSP issue somewhere in between.

But then why would it affect some people but not others. And why not just roll back the ANC algorithm to the original highly praised one. It's a bizarre issue. One article postulated it may be a patent rights issue with the original ANC techniques which they then had to remove.

I have the exact same problem and support gave me new ear tips and it didn’t fix the problem seems like they’re trying to save money and not replace mine when i’ve clearly gone through all the motions, most definitely a hardware problem

New firmware, same issues. Maybe more, because this morning I’ve found that the right earphone went at 33% of charge after a 20 minutes call, the left one at 90%... now I’m charging back both, but this is really strange. Metallic click seems to be worsened, it happens more times than before. This morning I’ve changed the tips with the small ones in the apple box, I don’t know if this can affect the sound (sound test ok)

Received my new left APP on Friday, 8 May. Put it into the case for a bit. Took them out. paired them and they work great. I have had no more issue with the static clicking or reverberation in wither APP. Looks to be solved. It did take a new left APP though. Using Firmware 2D15. I can't tell if there is a reduction in Noise Cancellation. Just cut the grass and used them. Totally cuts out the mower noise while listening to music. Sounds the same as before. Fingers crossed they don't get stuffed up again with another Firmware Update.

I had this exact clicking issue right out of the box in my left AirPod whenever I moved my head, took a step, or touched it. I received a replacement after calling Apple. The new AirPod works out of the box, so hopefully this is fixed for now.

Can you believe this? I just updated it to 2D15 frimware ad the clicking sound is now more than eveeer! Even when noise cancellation is off!!

Can't I undo the update? :((

God what is this with Apple's airpods going broke? I had the airpods 2 and it broke in it's own special way. Right ear not pairing anymore and no solution fixed it.

How the best company in the world is doing this?! Or is it just a psychological trick to get us obsessed with apple?

I try to summarize the issue, I had to replace in sequence both my AirPods:

1) I had this problem twice: after 7 months from purchase on right AirPod, and after 8 months from purchase on left AirPod;

2) even if firmware update might worsen or not the problem in my opinion it's hardware related: it happened in the same way with 2C54 and 2D15 update. No software troubleshooting helps. The problem is present only with ANC turned on or Transparency mode on. Which sounds to me to an issue to the external mic pickup;

3) the only solution that worked for me was a replacement with new AirPods. I really hope to not have to deal with is issue again after the same period has elapsed.

I’m having the exact same issue. Clicking in right AirPod when I move my head or touch it, but only in transparency or noise cancellation mode, not in off mode. My firmware version is 2D15.

Not sure if I should take in for repairs or just wait for firmware update.

Ive had four DIFFERENT AirPods do the same

thing and when I swapped out first time Apple rep said to “expect a similar problem even if they swap it out”. I said swap out anyway. All FOUR units have this issue and thousand of others.

It is F/W. another issue that seems to have shown up from F/W 2B588 along with the reduced ANC issue.

I don't know what to say, I had a completely opposite experience where the replacement solved the issue twice, first with right AirPod and one month later with the left.

I was running 2D15 having a defective left AirPod, asked for a replacement and now both AirPods with the same firmware 2D15 are fine.

How it can be possible if it's a firmware issue that I'm running both AirPods fine with 2D15?

Maybe they didn't provide you brand new AirPods in all your FOUR replacement.

I took pics of the serial numbers each time just to ensure it was a new one. And they switched every time.

firmware or software issues doesn’t necessarily show up all the time in every device.

my iPhone XS Max has had horrible battery since 13.4.1 (and still in 13.5). That’s another issue that is affecting many people but not every device and some say it got better in 13.5. Not for me. Just like this issue