AirPods Pro is transmitting a crackling sound.

Update: I called the Apple support phone number and spoke to a customer service agent. Went through a series of questions and tests: verify firmware upgrade, Bluetooth connection, etc.

I had one AirPod replaced in May. Then the other acted up in exactly the same way. Just got the second one replaced.

They send you the new one and a prepaid box to send the defective one back. Now both my AirPod work just fine.

I had to submit a much toned-down version of a bug report due to length restrictions:

"There is a thread showing this issue here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251198486

Right AirPods are suddenly giving off a clicking or crackling noise. I've been through 3 sets all with unique S/N and they all have the exact issue and 3 Apple reps told me that they've seen this issue.

I believe it is Firmware related -- not iOS related as it also happens on Windows/other BT devices.

I've had 3 DIFFERENT units do the same thing ONLY on the Rt AirPod so I believe there is a firmware issue.

1st set - clicking noise on Rt AirPod -- Swapped out.

2nd set: New Rt AirPod had crackling noise.

Asked for new set of both Lt and Rt.

3rd set: New Lt and Rt AirPods. Rt AirPod affected.

All F/W 2B588. Only occurs in ANC/Transparency. Moving face, talking, walking, movement is the trigger."

Bug reports can be sent here: https://www.apple.com/feedback/airpods.html

My right one has the same issue.

I have had 3 DIFFERENT units do the same exact thing ONLY on the right one so I believe there is a firmware issue.

This occurs both on iPhone (iOS 13.3.1) AND on Windows. It is not iOS-related

Timeline:

About a week and a half ago, I was watching a YouTube video when I started to notice a clicking/crackling noise from my Right AirPod. It would do this anytime my face moved, if I spoke, or if I gently tapped the AirPod, my ear, or the area around my ear. The Left AirPods was entirely unaffected. This clicking noise was so annoying that I had the Right AirPod swapped out. But, instead of this clicking sound (which was quite loud), I noticed a slight cracking sound and the Apple Rep told me ahead of time that they were well aware of this issue and many have complained of this and that swapping it out "may still result in the same issue" -- of course I still asked them to swap it...

I took those pairs home for a day but the crackling was annoying me so I brought them back the next day and requested that both the LEFT AND RIGHT be swapped in case there is some kind of issue with the left causing an issue with the right (unlikely but I have AppleCare+ and am entitled to as many replacements as necessary to have a bug-free product).

I got the THIRD pair back today and the Right AirPod STILL has a slight crackling noise when the above-mentioned actions occur. I have verified that they were all unique models by checking the S/Ns and this issue occurs ONLY in Right AirPods while on Noise Canceling or Transparency mode. It manifested itself the same way in both the "clicking"-type sound and the "crackling", "static" "echo"-like sound. I am going to make another master thread of this and also submit a bug report.

There are three main bugs that have NOT been fixed (two with AirPods Pro that just got updated today with NO fixes):

2D15 has WORSENED this bug for me! Clicking is louder when I am taking a call and speaking and my face/mouth are moving.

1) ANC-issue since 2B588 firmware (released Nov. 2019) that remained in 2C54 and new 2D15 (released 5/5/2020): https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250887615?answerId=252591015022

2) Clicking sound on AirPods Pro that has been around for months also not fixed today with 2D15 (got worse for me).

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251050158?answerId=252591252022 (our thread)

3) iOS devices running 13.4.1 are having major battery drain issues since updating. There is no known fix as of today. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251265543?answerId=252584580022

Another thread with same issue here:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251050158

I have the same issue I am also updated to lastest firmware I got a replacement on the way in post

I just started to have this problem as well. It started a little under 2 weeks ago. I have tried to reset and pair again. All attempts have turned up to not work. My model # is A2084 Firmware version 2B588 Hardware version 1.0.0. I have tried to update but I cant seem to get it to update. If there are any solutions I would greatly appreciate it

I have exactly the same problem - strange crackling and clicking noises. All the attempted fixes from Apple do not work. Great product except for this irritating issue. Apple, how about some action on this? I'm not the only one with this problem.

I'm having exactly the same issue:

• Crackling sound in RIGHT AirPod Pro
• Only happens during transparency or noise cancelation mode

Already made sure iPhone firmware is up to date and unpaired the AirPods from all my devices and then paired again to the upd-to-date iPhone.

Problem remains.

Same issue here. I've just notice it today, it is more evident when in contact with my hand. What's even worse, this is affecting bass sound, only on my RIGHT AirPod Pro. Extremely disappointed if this is merely a firmware issue. They are practically unusable in this state. However, if this is NOT a firmware issue, they should be massively replacing defective badges. BTW, I bought this just 2 months ago. Disappointed to say the least. Should have kept my regular AirPods.

I have the exact same problem and it started to happen 3 months after the original purchase. Let me say that I've tried absolutely everything that I found on Internet and none worked. This issue is pretty annoying and being completely honest, I feel scammed after paying $371,77 for a product that I hate to use because of this crackling sound.

So I’m having the same issue. It started at the end of June. It’s only in my Right EarPod CLICK CLICK CLICK like a Clock whenever it’s in Noise Canceling or Transparency mode. As long as both are in the Middle Off Mode they both sound fine. So I know it’s not blown out or anything. I really like these and they are almost brand new. I’ve tried the disconnecting fix but it doesn’t work. I’m not doing anything different. Help.

So I’m having the same issue. It started at the end of June. It’s only in my Right EarPod whenever it’s in Noise Canceling or Transparency mode. As long as both are in the Middle Off Mode they both sound fine. So I know it’s not blown out or anything. I really like these and they are almost brand new. I’ve tried the disconnecting fix but it doesn’t work. I’m not doing anything different. Help.

Hello jap_gill3232,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you're having trouble with your AirPods Pro. I'd be happy to share information that may help.

First, use the steps here to reset your AirPods and pair them again: Reset your AirPods.

Then, test your AirPods again after reviewing the information here: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.

Finally, disable Wi-Fi under Settings > Wi-Fi and test the issue again.

Take care.