AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have three noise-control modes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Off. You can switch between them to choose how much of your surroundings you want to hear. With Active Noise Cancellation, an outward-facing microphone or microphones detect external sounds, which your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max then counter with anti-noise, cancelling 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.
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 Mode either AirPod to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. You can customise which modes to switch between (Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Off) in Settings.
To use Active Noise Cancellation with one AirPod only, use your iPhone or iPad to go to Settings > Accessibility 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.
On iOS or iPadOS device
Open Control Centre on your iOS or iPadOS device.
While wearing your AirPods Max or both AirPods, touch and hold the volume slider until you see the additional controls.
Tap the Noise Cancellation icon in the bottom left-hand corner.
Tap Noise Cancellation, Transparency or Off.
You can also switch between noise-control modes in Settings:
You can also switch between noise-control modes in Settings:
On your iOS or iPadOS device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Tap the Info button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
Tap Noise Cancellation, Transparency or Off.
On Apple Watch
When you're listening to audio through your watch, tap the AirPlay icon.
2. Tap Noise Cancellation, Transparency or Off.
Set up from a Mac
With your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max connected to your Mac, click the volume control in the menu bar on your Mac.
Choose your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, then choose Noise Cancellation, Transparency or Off.
