The AirPods Pro has become a popular choice among Apple users since its release in 2019. These wireless earbuds are ideal for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on the go. With its active noise cancellation feature, it blocks out ambient noise and provides a more immersive listening experience. However, like any other technology, these AirPods may experience occasional technical issues which can be frustrating.
Your AirPods could be outdated, or they could simply just be dirty. One of the first things to do when your AirPods are having problems is to check the device’s audio settings. There are various reasons why the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature is not working on one side of the AirPods.
This article will examine the technical aspects of Apple’s Active Noise Cancellation feature and explore potential causes for the feature only working in one ear. The article will also provide troubleshooting steps to fix the issue.
What Is Active Noise Cancelling?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is a feature created by Apple that is used to block out external sounds while using AirPods Pro. These Airpods come with built-in microphones that detect sounds coming from outside. The AirPods then generate sound waves that cancel out the external sounds, eliminating them before they can be heard.
ANC works by using outward-facing microphones to detect external sounds and then uses anti-noise to cancel out those sounds before they reach the ear. Additionally, an inward-facing microphone is used to listen for unwanted internal sounds, which are also countered with anti-noise. As a result, ANC allows you to listen to audio without being distracted by background noise.
Some AirPods users have reported problems with the Active Noise Cancellation feature, such as it only works in one ear. This can be caused by various reasons, but there are solutions that can help fix the issue.
Why Is Active Noise Cancelling Not Working In One Ear?
One of the common issues that AirPods Pro users experience is when one of the AirPods, either left or right, does not function properly. Below are some of the reasons why the Active Noise Cancelling feature is not working in one ear:
- The Active Noise Cancelling feature is disabled
- The firmware of the AirPods pro may be outdated
- Dirt has accumulated at the top mesh part of the AirPods
- The left or right AirPod does not fit correctly in the ear
What Are The Solutions?
If you’re having trouble with one of your AirPods Pro’s noise cancellation, there are a few things you can try before sending them in for repair. Here are five common solutions:
Toggling the switch
Sometimes, a software glitch can cause issues with the noise cancellation feature. Give it a try by toggling the switch back and forth a few times until it stays in the on position.
Here are the steps to turn on/off the ANC feature:
- Make sure your AirPods Pro are in your ears and connected to your device.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and tap on the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro.
- Tap on “Noise Cancellation” to turn on “Active Noise Cancellation” or Tap “Off” to turn it off.
Reset Your AirPods Pro
The simplest thing to do when experiencing issues with your AirPods is to reset. On your iPhone or iPad, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” and tap on the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro. Next, click on “Forget This Device” and then place your AirPods in its case. After 30 seconds, press and hold the button until a yellow light starts flashing, when the light turns white, the reset is complete.
Make sure AirPods Firmware is Up to dates
Firmware updates usually happen automatically. To check your AirPods Pro firmware version, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the ‘i’ button next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version. Compare it with the latest version you find on Apple’s website, under the section “Latest firmware versions”. If your AirPods’ firmware is not the most recent version, simply place them in their charging case and keep them in close proximity to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This will allow the firmware updates to be delivered automatically.
Clean Your AirPods Pro
Dirt tends to build up on the mesh of the AirPods, so it is advisable to clean your AirPods after a few uses. To clean them, gently wipe off any dust or debris using a cotton swab or a soft cloth.
Adjust AirPods Pro To Fit Your Ear
You must ensure that your AirPods Pro fits correctly to get the best sound quality. These AirPods must fit comfortably in your ears so that the Active Noise Cancelling feature can function correctly. AirPods have different size tips for all sorts of ear sizes. Click here to learn more about AirPods Pro ear tips and the fit test.
Why Is Active Noise Cancelling Still Not Working?
If you tried all the options above and your AirPods Pro still doesn’t seem to be functioning correctly, it could be that the AirPods are defective. These faulty AirPods need to be sent to Apple Service Repair. Check more information about Apple AirPods Replacement, Repair, & Service.
