Airpods pro 3 chirp/high pitch noise

Hi,


I just got the AirPods Pro 3 and whenever I put them in my ears/adjust them or just listen to music, I hear a high pitched sound/chirp in my left ear.


I tried all the troubleshooting possibilities such as resetting, changing from ANC/transparency/adaptive/off, cleaned them, tried different tip sizes, etc.


I even tried putting the right airpod in my left ear and it still happens in the left, so I’m guessing it’s an issue with my ear canal but I was still thinking if getting a replacement could help or if I could tone down the feedback that causes this.


I also had a few tries in the accesibility tab to tone down the transparency amplification but that didn’t work either.


My normal airpods 3 didnt have this issue at all so I guess it’s related to feedback from ANC/transparency. Does anyone else have this issue? The only temporary fix I found is placing the tip 0.1mm away from the airpod, right before it snaps into place and that makes it better


Thanks

AirPods Pro 3

Posted on Sep 25, 2025 6:16 AM

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Posted on Apr 26, 2026 12:51 PM

For those, who experiences whistles when exercising the issue is sweat.

I was able to track down the issue today.


It started to whistle in my left ear after almost of 2 hours of cycling. It happened in a few minutes before I came home.

So, took the AirPod and checked it on the sun where I noticed a tiniest droplet of sweat sitting on the tips' grill.

Immediately I went to my microscope and checked the AirPod thoroughly.


The sweat stuck inside the openings of the grill. It is practically invisible to a naked eye.


I removed the tip, cleaned it up with isopropyl alcohol.

Then I wiped off the airpod assembly using paper tower.

The AirPod left watermarks on the paper towel.

I put the the parts together. And the whistle was gone like nothing happened.


When I was doing all of this my second AirPod remained my in my right ear and I haven't had any troubles.


I don't know why this issue has never surfaced in my old AirPods (gen1).

I assume ANC was less sensitive and tolerated sweat inside the AirTip.


My recommendation to Apple is to do some tests in the lab and address this issue through firmware update.

I think this scenario is easy to reproduce by dropping a water inside the AirPod.


After all the real issue is chirping/whistling and many people would trade off ANC for whistle-free experience. Those whistles are incredibly loud and can scare people which can lead to accidents, therefore lawsuits.


I hardly see any reasonable hardware solution there. Maybe some hydrophobic coverage on the grill but will not protect from slow buildup or water condensation since AirPods are always a little bit cooler that the body.


After all, this issue needs to be addressed because people will sweat, get under rain, have air was build up etc.

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78 replies

Nov 15, 2025 1:28 PM in response to Unforgiven21

So the saga of chirping AirPods Pro 3 continues. Apple have released a firmware update version 8B25. And dare I say it but the update appears to have eliminated the chirp. As previously mentioned diligently test ALL tip sizes and remember to regularly “screw” the AP3s back in your ears. I use my AP3s as hearing aids and wear them all day. Very happy … now with the new firmware.

Mar 10, 2026 2:13 AM in response to GlenNZ1

Thanks for sharing what worked for you. The fact that aftermarket tips can resolve the behaviour for some users aligns with what I've been documenting: the issue stems from an ANC feedback loop. If a different tip geometry interrupts that, it points to a hardware issue, not a fit preference.


My original comment was a reply to a suggestion about rotating the ear tip, which moderation has since removed, so it stands a bit out of context on its own. I wasn't recommending rotation as a fix either.


My pair has been sitting unused for more than two months. They were defective from first use, purchased from an Apple Premium Reseller, and the support process has been a frustrating process with no resolution. Standard diagnostics pass because they verify component function, not ANC system behaviour under real sealed-ear conditions - which is precisely where the feedback loop occurs. This is consistent with what multiple users in this thread have reported: remote tests return no fault and they are sent home with no resolution. My own experience follows the same pattern exactly. The first remote diagnostic returned no fault, despite symptoms being present from first use. A second diagnostic conducted at the reseller did identify a hardware fault, though the findings were neither shared with me nor documented in my case file.


Because these devices operate directly in the ear canal, repeated pressure or oscillation events aren't just a comfort issue -- they could affect hearing over time.


The broader concern is that users are independently discovering workarounds for behaviour that shouldn't exist in a product at this price point, while the manufacturer hasn't formally acknowledged the pattern.


I have a detailed technical report on the specific ANC feedback dynamics involved and am currently seeking a proper resolution for a unit that was defective from first use, through Apple's escalation channels.

Dec 29, 2025 6:42 AM in response to Unforgiven21

I am experiencing the same with my left AirPod. Whistling would happen when inserting or removing it, but I could usually adjust it enough to get it to stop, but in the last few days it has become much worse and happens near constantly. If it's not fully squealing with feedback, I get wind noise that creates a wah-wah effect on the audio. Even after cleaning and swapping ear tips (I can never seem to find a size that feels right for my left ear, but the large size produced a good seal and good hearing test results according to my iPhone). I guess I'll be making an appointment with the Genius Bar to look at getting a replacement.

Mar 10, 2026 12:53 PM in response to immo

Hi immo. sounds like a similar experience I had from the beginning, here in New Zealand we so not have official Apple outlet, so we have to go back through 3rd party resellers with any technical issues - this makes the entire process more complicated. I received one replacement pair direct through Apple originally, but subsequent to that they have told me the only way they would replace, or refund is if they could see a faulty diagnostic report. However, by the time they run the diagnostics the symptoms are gone. For me the feedback loop issue would only occur when riding my bike - without exception about 2 hours into every bike ride.


After I finished my bike ride the symptoms would gradually reduce over about the next 3-4 hours. I also had a scheduled call with senior Apple technician directly after one of my rides and he took diagnostics from my phone remotely while they were still symptomatic. However, apparently that diagnostic report did not show any issues either, so his conclusion was that there is no fix and I should try to get a refund.


I did not notice the feedback loop under any other conditions - and I use then for extended periods every day.


I have completed multiple 5-6hr bike rides with the aftermarket tips since then and still no issues, but I completely agree with you. Apple need to acknowledge there is an issue and provide a solution, so I am glad you are still trying to get an answer out of them.


Nov 8, 2025 3:39 AM in response to Unforgiven21

The problem has returned in my pair.


Swapped out with another pair and they are also having the problem so it seems to be a pretty common issue with these AirPods.


only happens when noise cancelling mode is turned on. On my first pair I got the high-pitched squealing sound like when you put a microphone too close to the speaker on the second pair it is a much lower but constant squeal in the background whenever noise cancellation mode Is on and specifically if there is a lot of background noise of the microphones are trying to listen to to cancel out.


Hopefully this is something that can be fixed with a firmware update and doesn’t require an equipment replacement.




Oct 28, 2025 3:27 PM in response to Unforgiven21

I'm having the exact same problem. The left ear bud emits a high pitched feedback sound that makes it unusable when noise cancellation is enabled. It's the worst on airplanes. I've tried every ear tip size but it still happens. It has nothing to do with the ear tip fit because the feedback even happens when I'm holding it in my hands.


I went to the Apple Store and exchanged the left bud for a new one. The problem went away for a while but has now returned, possibly coinciding with a firmware update to the latest version (8A358). Unfortunately I didn't check the firmware of the bud when I initially received it.


I'm quite disappointed. I wish I could return them but my return window has passed. I hope that this can be fixed in a firmware update.

Dec 11, 2025 7:23 PM in response to Double Canoe

Today I have been using my APP3 for about 6 hours in a variety of environments. I have been using Firmware 8B30 and in general this firmware is a big improvement over 8B25a. I should add the Headphone Accommodations is on and I am using the Hearing Aid feature.


However,


In a quiet environment walking along the street no chirps. For two hours I was in a noisy environment with people singing for over two hours and no chirps.


Now back home and listening to a Youtube video I get frequent chirping. Settings are unchanged. Perhaps (very subjective) the chirping is shorter induration and a bit quieter.


Bottom line is that 8B30 does not fix the chirping issue. Off to the Genius Bar on Tuesday next.

Feb 6, 2026 7:09 AM in response to Unforgiven21

I have been having the same issue with my APP3 that I purchased on 9/28/25, "upgrading" from the OG Pros (shocker, not an upgrade at this point). At first it was very faint and I thought it had to do with the seal on my ear with that tip, I tried all the other sizes and it did not fix. Now cut to January/February the feedback is so loud I cant even use the Airpod. I even tried the foam expandable tips for better seal to no avail. Left Airpod is perfectly fine so for now I am only using that one. If genius bar can't fix I will just ask for a refund and purchase an OG pair of pros again. Appointment on Monday 2/9, will update after.

Airpods pro 3 chirp/high pitch noise

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