Left AirPod pulsates when ANC or Transparency is active

Hey guys, I recently bought the AirPods 5 Wireless charging case and one month later now I’m having a weird problem with the left AirPod. I noticed it a few days ago at the gym while on the treadmill, I swiped down next to my ear (the same way you would swipe down on the stem to adjust volume) because it was itching and I started feeling the AirPod pulsating, since then I’ve encountered this issue a lot, while laying on the sofa, walking and lowkey everywhere it just starts pulsating. I’m strongly positive it’s the ANC and Transparency system because when I turned it off from my phone the pulses stopped and vice versa but I don’t know what’s causing it. Every time this issue comes I change the position of the AirPod but it starts again after a few minutes, also it’s only the left AirPod when I tried ‘recreating’ the issue on the right one it just worked normally and nothing happened. I bought them from a reputable retailer who has 2 years warranty, should I just go to them and figure it out or is there anything else to know/try? Could this be fixed with a software update? I’ve always loved my AirPods and I can’t imagine spending a day let alone a whole week without them 😂 so I’m afraid to send them because of how long it will take and also the fact that I can’t prove the pulsating until it happens and it doesn’t happen all the time.

iPhone 14, iOS 27

Posted on Oct 23, 2026 4:10 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2026 8:12 AM

Hi there


Please try this


  • Clean the external mesh: Carefully clean the exterior microphones and speaker mesh on the left AirPod using a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab. Debris, sweat, or earwax can disrupt how the ANC mics sample ambient sound.
  • Factory Reset:
    1. Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
    2. Go to your iPhone’s Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to your AirPods, and select Forget This Device.
    3. With the case lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and then white.
    4. Reconnect them to your device. 
  • Check the Fit and Ear Tips: Try adjusting the rotation of the stem slightly in your ear or switching the ear tip size, as a compromised acoustic seal can trick the ANC system into feedback loops.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 1, 2026 8:12 AM in response to Lionangel08

Hi there


Please try this


  • Clean the external mesh: Carefully clean the exterior microphones and speaker mesh on the left AirPod using a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab. Debris, sweat, or earwax can disrupt how the ANC mics sample ambient sound.
  • Factory Reset:
    1. Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
    2. Go to your iPhone’s Settings > Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to your AirPods, and select Forget This Device.
    3. With the case lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and then white.
    4. Reconnect them to your device. 
  • Check the Fit and Ear Tips: Try adjusting the rotation of the stem slightly in your ear or switching the ear tip size, as a compromised acoustic seal can trick the ANC system into feedback loops.


Left AirPod pulsates when ANC or Transparency is active

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