AirPods Pro clicking sound.

A few weeks ago the latest firmware update for the AirPods Pro released(2C54). Following this update, my right AirPod developed a clicking sound whenever ANC/Transparency mode was active. Whenever the AirPod is touched slightly by moving my head or touching it, you can hear a clicking/rattling sound. When both modes are off, the sound is not present. This leads me to believe the problem is not a hardware problem as nothing is physically damaged. The mic on the outside of the AirPods has a problem however. Today my left AirPod has also started producing this clicking/rattling sound whenever touched. I just want some answers/help. Thank you.

Posted on Jan 18, 2020 4:04 AM

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Posted on Apr 23, 2021 5:14 PM

Here is the video explaining the factory issue and how someone got replacement airpods pro. I did this and replaced mine free as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7yoxH4HMWY&t=0s


Here is the official apple link with steps to get free replacement

https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues

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140 replies

Feb 4, 2021 12:36 AM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

Apple has posted a recall on its site regarding the static sound issue with AirPods pro. I also heard annoying noise when making a phone call with ANC and Transparency modes turned on in my headset. It was replaced for the second time under warranty. I found out that this problem is on devices with hardware version 1.0 and it is fixed in 1.1.


My exchanged product arrived last week. The hardware version was still 1.0. There was no static sound issue when I first put on the headphones. Especially when the transparency mode is turned on, you forget that you even have headphones in your ear after a while. It is that successful. The software version of the incoming product was outdated. That night I put my phone and headset on and left them on charge. The next morning, interestingly, I felt as if there was pressure when the headset was in my ear. The product, which I said you would forget that you even had headphones in your ear after a while the previous day, caused discomfort in my ear all day because of that pressure sensation. When I checked the software version I saw it was updated. The spirtual sound feature had already come.


Currently there is no static sound issue. It just felt like there was a slight decrease in the bass, but I wasn't sure because I couldn't compare it with the previous one. The previous static audio problem also appeared after a while. I'm worried that it will happen again. Fortunately, the product is still under warranty and Apple is good at service.


However, although it is written on the internet that this problem is fixed in 1.1, I do not understand why the new product that came to me came to 1.0.

Apr 29, 2020 7:31 AM in response to Eggbo18

Sorry Eggbo18 but you will have to call Apple Support (1-800-My-Apple) and have the AirPod replaced. You will have to pay a refundable $99USD, ensuring that you return the defective AirPod, but I was able to get the replacement within 24 hours of my call delivered to me. According to three Apple techs that I spoke with this is a known issue with no known fix as of yet. Affects the right AirPod with popping and cracking sounds and the left AirPod with either the same sound issues or the inability to establish a good seal. I attempted to buy AppleCare yesterday but Apple was unwilling since I was beyond 65 days of my original purchase even though I had both the left and right AirPods replaced within a month of each other and inside of 6 months of purchasing. So an A+ for service but a D- for accountability. AirLemons Pro!

Jun 10, 2020 5:27 PM in response to abdurrahman_sa

Yeah I think everyone on this thread has experienced that same exact issue. It starts with one and soon the other will have the same symptoms. Send both left and right earbuds in for a replacement. I got mine replaced yesterday. It is amazing to hear the way they are supposed to sound in comparison to the unbearable clickety/static sounds.when they go bad. It’s a defect and you need to replace as soon as possible. There are no user or repair fixes for this problem other than a replacement.

Jul 28, 2020 11:15 AM in response to sherif_k

You should replace the one having the problem at the store. And they will replace it for free if the AirPods Pro are still under warranty. I replaced mine from about month and the half ago and they are still fine. Though I have to note that the model number written on the AirPod Pro itself has changed from one to the other since I replaced only one AirPod Pro. New one is A2083 while the one l already have is A2084. And I feel that the new one has a little bit less quality to its finishing texture compared to the one I have, but not noticeable while using them.


I hope they don’t do this problem another time after my warranty expires, because after you replace them you will definitely notice how horrible and irritating they were.

Apr 23, 2021 5:00 PM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

This is my fix!!! Hope it works for you forks.

My AirPods was first batch and only had problem lately in Apr 2021. It has the latest software.

Same issue but for the left ear, this is my fix.

Settings-Bluetooth-AirPods pro- microphone always right, if you have problem with the right one just vice verse.

It still won’t past the ear tip fit test, but it hugely reduced the rattling noise. I hardly hear them now, butt it also reduced the ANC imo.

100% sure it’s software issue.

Feb 24, 2020 8:37 AM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

I had this issue with my left Airpod about 3 weeks ago. Tried every possible troubleshooting method, but was always pretty certain it was an issue with the outward facing mic. It picks up the slightest movements while the airpods are in and amplifies a "crackling" sound. Especially, when the outside of the Airpod comes in contact with any surface.


Finally replaced the left Airpod and now the right side is doing it. I absolutely LOVE these headphones, but this definitely seems like a physical design flaw rather than a firmware issue. Will likely go through the motions to have the right one replaced as well...

Apr 9, 2020 9:46 AM in response to mjacobs06

Hardware issue. You will absolutely require a replacement. 1-800-My-Apple


Took 24 hours to have one shipped to me in the US since stores are closed. You will have to provide a credit card to ensure that you return the defective AirPod. By the way, we need Apple to address this publicly or let us know that the issue was fixed - I'm seeing it so much that I am afraid I will need to pay $100 for the replacement when the warranty expires.

Apr 28, 2020 9:24 AM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

Yup this is an issue that is present in both 25C4 and 2B588 (along with the ANC issue which is famous now: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250887615)


I've gone through about 3 different sets of AirPods which all have this problem. Firmware issue.


2D3 isn't publicly released so everyone is stuck on 2B588 (official current firmware) or 2C54 (pulled/removed F/W that you can't downgrade from)...


Have to wait for whatever the next firmware version is which will either be 2D3 or (likely) a higher number 2DXX.

Apr 29, 2020 1:05 AM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

Noticed the same problem with my right APP about a week ago. Called Apple yesterday and being replaced under Warranty (no AppleCare). Currently out for delivery today (very quick service) so hoping it is hardware & not software when it arrives. Note you have to pay £85 deposit which they refund when they receive the old item back.

Apr 29, 2020 1:25 AM in response to TinoUK

Hey Tino,


I just want you to be aware that the Apple reps that replaced mine multiple times told me to "be prepared to experience the same or similar issue even with the new sets" as they told me it is a very common and known problem.


My first swap out (because of this issue -- many other issues required swap outs) was REALLY loud and annoying with the clicking sound. It was unbearably loud and super obvious (I had my friends try it and they also immediately heard it). The next set after that had a more toned down version which is more of a quiet tap or static sound... Replaced twice more and the one I have now is similar to those others with a very tiny tapping/static sound in the Right AirPod only... Every time they were replaced, the Right AirPod ONLY had this issue... So it is firmware but hopefully your new Right AirPod will have the issue less noticeable than it currently is (or not at all -- and if that is the case, PLEASE let me know!)


But this glitch doesn't manifest as soon as you pair the AirPods. It can take 15 minutes or hours before it actually starts to show up... Which also seems like it's a glitch with ANC/Transparency in the current F/W version.


But I'm sure it can be patched out with a new F/W (if we ever get one) and hope that your new pair will not be as "annoying" but just try to prepare yourself that this is an ongoing issue and that I was advised that even a swap out is likely not going to fix it and this was proved to me three times (although the first one was much more annoying than any of the subsequent ones)... And one of the other swap outs also had a battery drain issue so I decided to swap it once more for the current one that I have... It's not worth it to keep swapping it out to see the same issue come up again when there is sadly still no firmware update.

May 8, 2020 12:53 AM in response to Ethan_Nuuu

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.

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AirPods Pro clicking sound.

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