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AirPods 3 High Pitched noise.

I just got the new AirPods 3 and a very high pitched ringing/rattling noise comes out of the right AirPod only when no sound is playing.

Is that normal?

Would this be a software bug or could it be hardware related?

I only have them connected to my iPhone 11 if that helps.

Thank You.

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 2:50 PM

Reply
Question marked as Apple recommended

Your description sounds rather like audio feedback, so it could be as simple as making sure the AirPod is correctly positioned in your ear, and the volume setting is not too high.


Follow Apple's advice in How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support to reset and reconnect your AirPods. If that doesn't solve the problem you might have a defective AirPod, contact Apple Support.

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 3:10 PM

138 replies

Oct 28, 2021 6:52 PM in response to Ahmiii_

Same issue here on the right earbud, just got them today. I noticed some high pitched noise on the original AirPods but nowhere near as loud as in the AirPods 3. It has a pattern like one of those automatic grass sprayers that moves back and forth, except the noise is high pitched. It’s only present when music or sound is not playing and gets rather annoying. Hoping apple will fix this. The only thing I don’t like is when you call them and nobody in support knows nor do they have models to test and agree to give you some validation for the issue as a consumer. But nevertheless I’ll talk with apple support if it doesn’t go away in a few days.

Question marked as Helpful

Oct 30, 2021 8:36 AM in response to Ahmiii_

+1. Like a jittery whine from both pods, feels like I’m getting a headache after a few minutes. Can confirm that going to settings > accessibility > AirPods > audio accessibility settings > background sounds > rain @ 0% volume stops the noise, however I don’t really see this as an acceptable solution. Likely be contacting apple in the coming days, hopefully can be fixed/replaced/firmware updated because I’m very happy with them otherwise.

Nov 5, 2021 4:17 AM in response to jack_glas

It’s tough to tell, but the issue looks fairly prevalent. Anecdotally most others who posted on Reddit and MacRumors have gotten replacements to have the same issue. Very few on such posts say they have no problems, however not everyone can hear high pitched noises so there’s that. For the record, I returned mine because I have AirPods Pro already and they just work, on top of the noise cancelling. I believe Apple engineering likely knows about this and is probably starting work on a software update. Previous versions of AirPods have had similar problems, so I think it’s just a waiting game, so decide on whether you want to wait or not. I did think AirPods 3 had the best sound profile yet though!

AirPods 3 High Pitched noise.

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