AirPods Pro picking up background noise on call

So. It appears that our issue that we have all been suffering has moved from unknown to a known issue. Engineers are apparently looking for a fix. Also apparently, if anyone has found a work around that actually works long term that would be interested in knowing about it. I will be having a weekly update call with the agent, so let me know if you have something. Please no theories that are not backed up with solid proof of working as I don’t have time to test and disprove.

I’m not certain but it almost seems like it’s a phone software issue. I have this same issue with my AirPod Pro’s as does my girlfriend. And also with a standard Apple physical headset. Both units will pick up and amplify the background noise more than the person speaking.

I have/ had the same issue only a month after purchasing the Airpods, so I contacted Apple CS via phone, which was actually helpful.

TL;DR: It was only one of the Airpods that produced the issue, we figured out which one it was, changed the mic setting to the other as an ad-hoc solution and I will have them repaired/ exchanged as a long term solution.

If your Airpods are connected, go to settings-->bluetooth and click in the little (i) next to them. Under "microphone" you have the options "Automatically Switch Airpods" or to have the mic always on the left or the right one.

Go on a phone call with someone as a test call and go out to a noisy environment (train station, busy street, kindergarten...). Speak with them as e.g. cars pass and let them give you feedback on how well they could hear you and the ambient noise while you go through the different options (especially left and right).

For me, this lead to me knowing that only my right airpod produced the issue. I will bring it in to a certified retailer of Apple, they will conduct a "sound check" on it to confirm the issue and then repair or replace them.

Hope it works for you!

Hi there kreece_design,

It sounds like background noises are louder than expected for the person on the other end of the line when using your AirPods during phone calls. We're glad you're here, and we can help. Let's start by checking to see which noise-control mode you have selected, and adjust your settings from there to see if that makes a difference.

"AirPods Pro have three noise-control modes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off. You can switch between them, depending on how much of your surroundings you want to hear." Check out the link below to learn how to adjust these settings:

AirPods Pro Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode

Next, let's be sure you've tried the steps in our support article here:

If Active Noise Cancellation isn't working as expected on your AirPods Pro

We hope this helps. Cheers!

My business partner has been saying my typing on the keyboard and mouse clicking is insanely loud as well when I'm wearing my AirPod Pro's. What gives? This didn't appear to be an issue when I bought them 6 months ago, only within the past few months.

I have the exact same problem This is absolutely ridiculous. And please do not give the template response of checking ANC settings because it has nothing to do with this. Simple clicks sounds like bangs. You need to acknowledge this issue and fix it.

I got mine replaced a week ago from apple center. And it seems to amplify less background noise for now. The support tech said it is a hardware issue since the mic is farther away from the mouth. I dont seem to understand that such a brand can compromise on this issue for a long time, and no refund policy either. If hardware is an issue and cannot be replaced, why not go for a full refund policy or stop selling?

Same issue here - background sounds drown out my voice and everyone I talk to complains if there is any background sound. Really really disappointing that Apple can’t sort this out. Very frustrating

I bought a pair of AirPod Pro 5 days ago to use on calls while walking and anyone I have been talking to was complaining. I did a few tests with recording myself and was shocked to hear the recorded audio. It picks so many backgrounds noises it's impossible to hear anything else.

The whole purpose of paying £250 for this product was its noise cancellation. It does exactly the opposite - noise amplification if anything. Tried different settings but nothing changes. I am obviously highly disappointed, will return them and am surprised that after one year of this thread, no one from apple has bothered to give an official reply.

I just recorded my AirPods Pro vs the wired headphones that come with the phone and put the two sound files in a shared folder:

Take a listen and you can clearly hear the difference. It's astonishing how much louder the background noise is on the AirPods Pro! And yes, I did test both the left and right headphones as well as both together and they sound identical.

The background sounds on the corded headphones is actually pleasant it's so quiet, but the AirPods are incredibly obnoxious.

[Link Edited by Moderator]

Not true!

Richard.SA wrote:

I had the same problem, this did not happen with my previous AirPods, only the newer AirPod Pros.

I have found that if I reset my AirPods Pro it fixed the problem.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463

Not true!

Same issue here, I was unaware how my AirPodsPro are uncomfortable for the caller on other end, until I bought one for my wife and she called me... Dear Lord! this was just.. I was hearing entire shopping mall, her footsteps, cart wheel squeaking, the immersion was real! Just like I would be just next to her + sound amplification. Im sure Apple didn't want that kind of "immersion" in this product.

Unfortunately all fixes presented didn't resolved that issue. What is left is calling ppl using FaceTime audio, with voice isolation mode on, altho this is not the solution nor proper workaround.

I did send the report thru Feedback - AirPods - Apple

I hope they will fix this nonsense and I encourage all here to do the same.

Along with everyone else, I find that my Airpod Pro microphones pick up my mechanical keyboard 'clacking' and almost amplify them through the microphone. I even purchased dampeners for my keyboard and installed them on every key to quiet them and my co-workers still complain my keyboard is too loud. Specific setting changes for the Airpods Pro do not make a difference.

Here is what I am seeing on my Macbook Pro -> Sound -> Input > Airpods Pro setting. If I set the input level to a certain setting, within a few minutes of typing, the input level auto-adjusts the sensitivity to be VERY sensitive. I can set it back to what I would like, but over time, it auto-adjusts. Its almost as if the system/microphone, etc is trying to pick up the background noise intentionally. If I remember, there used to be a checkbox as a part of this control panel that allowed you to select an option to not pick up the background noise. Now it seems that the system does the opposite.

Don't know if that helps anyone in their testing.

What fix?