AirPods Pro picking up background noise on call

Hello matrixneo,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

Let's follow the steps below to help with the background noise you're hearing when on calls with your AirPods.

"What are Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode?

With Active Noise Cancellation, an outward-facing microphone or microphones detect external sounds, which your AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) or AirPods Max then counter with anti-noise, canceling the external sounds before you hear them. An inward-facing microphone listens inside your ear for unwanted internal sounds, which your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max also counter with anti-noise.

Transparency mode lets outside sound in, so you can hear what's going on around you. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode work best when your AirPods Pro fit well.

If you have AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, you can also use Adaptive Transparency to reduce loud sounds around you. While you're wearing your AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and they're connected to your iPhone or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your AirPods], then turn on Adaptive Transparency.

Switch between noise-control modes

You can switch between noise-control modes right from your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, or you can use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. When you switch between modes, you hear a chime.

When you use iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, or macOS to switch between noise-control modes, you see Active Noise Cancellation available as Noise Cancellation.

Switch between noise-control modes on your AirPods Max

When you're wearing your AirPods Max, press the noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. You can customize which modes to switch between (Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off) in Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Switch between noise-control modes on your AirPods Pro

Press and hold the force sensor on the stem of an AirPod until you hear a chime.

When you're wearing both AirPods, press and hold the force sensor on either AirPod to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. You can customize which modes to switch between (Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off) in Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

To use Active Noise Cancellation with one AirPod only, use your iPhone or iPad to go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods, and turn on Noise Cancellation with One AirPod. Then press and hold the force sensor to switch between Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off."

For more troubleshooting steps check out this article: AirPods Pro and AirPods Max Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!

Hi matrixneo, 

Do you typically use your AirPods with an iPhone when making phone calls? If so, you may be able to enable a setting that will filter out background sounds. The following article provides information on enabling that setting: Change FaceTime audio settings on iPhone - Apple Support

All the best! 

Hello matrixneo,

Let's use the steps below to make sure that your AirPods Pro are running the latest 5B58 firmware version:

To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button  next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.

You can also find those steps in this resource: About firmware updates for AirPods Using the latest firmware can help to further isolate potential software conflicts.

If the firmware is all up to date, do you also hear unexpected background noise if you use the Voice Memos app to record a short memo, and then play it back? How about if you record a video using the Camera app?

Also, have you had the opportunity to test your AirPods Pro with any other devices? If so, did that behavior still persist with another device?

Let us know, and we'll keep moving forward based on your results.

Hi matrixneo,

Based on the troubleshooting steps you have taken so far; we recommend reaching out to Apple Support so they can look into this in more detail. You can do that here: Contact Apple Support

Kindest regards.