My AirPods Pro (1st generation) make crackling, buzzing or static sounds

I purchased my iPod pro in 2019 and the decrease finally arrived. At first it was sporadic so I did t mind but now it is completely static. The Genius Bar told me I have to about 90 dollars to get the one side fixed for a defective issue that they know about. I take great care of my iPod Pro and cannot believe they won’t fix their problem. Almost better going to a windows based system and switch everything over. At least they will stand by their defective products.

Same thing happened to me. The static, crackling sound started so I went to the diagnostic center. They identified and confirmed the static through their ‘test’, but they said it is not eligible for replacement for apple has a list of serial numbers and mine was not in it even though i purchased before October 2020. They offered for a replacement which costs like a brand new one. Based on many people’s experience here, it sounds like they have a script prepared for this kind of issue. I tried cleaning the airpods but the static issue did not go away. Wasted 250$ for this defective product.

Also, I’d be shocked if anyone bought these to use for anything other than Apple devices. Is ANYONE here not connecting them to an iPhone, iPad, Mac at least part of the time? There’s so many options for great headphones in this price range, nobody is an android user grabbing AirPods. Sorry. So, what’s worse is their disloyalty to their loyal multi-product consumer base. Yikes. Gonna have another look at that Samsung phone Marques was hocking on YouTube.

Also happens with 2nd generation AirPods. Same story. Same response from Apple.

Don’t feel bad, my AirPods have the same issue and made before April 2020, still refused to replace. This replace problem is just a scam

Having an issue with that as well - static in the right airpod. Mine were purchased in 2019. The static issue just started happening about a month ago. I tried everything I could find online to resolve it with no luck. Yesterday, I spent an hour online with support, where they had me also try everything I had already tried. Still no luck. So today I took it to Microcenter (at Apple's suggestion) because our Apple Store is inconvenient. The guy there told me they can only replace them for 3 years from purchase. It's a "known issue" but they can't do better than that?! He said I could pay to replace one pod at $89. Then he offered to run a diagnostic test on them to see if the left one was also having issues. Result: left one is having volume issues. I'm not happy about Apple not covering these regardless of the age. Looks like new airpods... :(

Same here ACH2024 looking for a class action suit to get going somewhere. I feel completely dismissed by Apple and I guess a suit is the only way they’ll respond. I’m going to find a lawyer that had the original suit and see if they want to continue with this issue of defects in AirPods Pro 1st gen made on or after 10 of 2020.

Hi Greggmig, It is what it is. Whether it is Apple or Samsung, they always find a way to f* us while we are not aware and then we need/forced to buy their new products. It is sad, but unless many of us unite, and fight for a single issue, we will not see a change. That being said, I too have an issue similar to yours. Mine is when I put my airpods on, or touch them while playback, they start a static noise and don't stop until I touch them, or move them etc for a couple repetitions and then, it stops. But generally it is not stopping until I remove them and put them back on.

Anyways, I tried finding a fix on my side, but it seems Apple knows this, and wants this. They update through a firmware version by your iphone, and suddenly your airpods don't work like they were advertised at first, when you bought it. Unfortunately we are the consumers, so we can't change that on a fly.

we need to re-think our choices and maybe get away from big brands that ''D'ont care'' about their consumers since they're making billions of their back whether they like it or not.

Keep your head up!

One possible workaround is that wipe the black oval mesh (the one pointing toward your ear when wearing, also touching the inside of your ear when wearing) clean.

I used a clean cotton shirt that has been slightly dipped in clean water and wiped that area in circular motion. This seems to have removed some dust build-up over mesh area, and now the crackling is gone.

I will need to monitor over the next few days and determine if this is indeed a fix or not.

Good luck to us. I know how frustrating this is as I was given the same speech at the store and over the phone.

I had previously wiped clean everything. But will try again, thanks for the reminder. Though i strongly think its a sensor, hardware combination issue purposefully created by them to F us into buying their newer model. This is going to be known and they will have to pay…

Same story, my airpod pro was made before Oct 2020, but they refused to fix it by free. They claimed my purchase days are 3 years ago. How can such product defect be related to my purchase date... Actually the airpod already has such issue 2 years ago but I don't know it's product defect at that time...

I have the same issue. Basically if I turn off ANC completely, the crackling will disappear, so I assume it has something to do with that. For 250 USD headphones, very disappointing, as it seems to be very common case. It really is a mess up on Apple's side, there should have been a recall for all for free. Not much I can do also about it, but it is the last time I bought a set of airpods. Also, in general, sound quality of the airpods pro is very average. There are enough alternatives that are better, by Bose, Sennheiser, Sony or Technics.

UPDATE * I have been able to find a fix for us all! If you go in control center while wearing your headphones, and activate noise cancellation, then click on OFF, it actually stays in a somewhat of a noise control and doesnt CRACKLED ANYMORE! Tested it for a while to make sure not typing bullsh*t here so. Let me know all if it works for you!

I'm on board with a class action. After the case of the updates slowing down older phones it is obvious Apple is aware of these issues and uses them as a way to increase sales. Great product but lousy service after the purchase.

I could see if the consumer was damaging the product but this is obviously issues they are aware of with manufacturing and just turn a blind eye to it.

Feel free to support my questions here, I have a same problem!

Airpods Pro sound isuess - Apple Community