The AirPods Pro, AirPods 4th generation and AirPods Max are equipped with active noise cancellation, also called noise canceling. Thanks to this feature, you can hear all the details in the music without being disturbed by ambient noise. You can also use this mode while watching a movie or series.
With active noise cancellation, an outward-facing microphone detects external noise and the AirPods counteract this with anti-noise. This means they suppress external sounds before you can hear them.
Explanation: active noise cancellation
The noise canceling is not only made possible by the ear tips that close the ear canal or the ear cups that cover the entire ear. The microphone on the outside also picks up ambient noise. Before you can hear that, the AirPods block it with anti-noise. In addition, an inward-facing microphone inside your ear listens for unwanted internal sounds, which are then filtered by the AirPods.
Noise reduction is a concept that may not be completely translated from English. Not only noise is neutralized, but actually all ambient noise. Think of an airplane, noisy workplace, busy train carriage, etc. All disturbing sounds are captured by the microphones on the outside and suppressed with anti-noise.
The ear tips and auricle ensure that certain environmental sounds cannot reach the ear canal, this is called passive noise cancellation. Thanks to software and microphones, the AirPods can continuously monitor ambient noise and suppress it with counter noise. So this is an active way of noise cancelling.
Because noise cancellation blocks out all external noise as much as possible, Apple has also come up with an alternative, transparency mode. The AirPods allow ambient noise to pass through. The microphones on the inside and outside of AirPods Pro and Max then counteract the sound-insulating effect of the silicone ear tips and cups.
Enable active noise cancellation
Below we explain how you can enable active noise cancellation on your AirPods. It is good to know that the AirPods 4th generation are available in two versions, with or without noise reduction.
AirPods Max
When you use the AirPods Max to listen to music or audio, you can press the large button next to the Digital Crown. You can then immediately switch between noise reduction and transparency mode. You will hear a sound to indicate that a change is in progress.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro are equipped with a pressure sensor that is located in the rod of the Pods. Press and hold to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode. You will then hear a clicking sound to indicate the mode is being switched.
AirPods 4th generation
The AirPods 4th generation with active noise cancellation are equipped with a pressure sensor located in the rod of the Pods. Press and hold to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode. You will then hear a clicking sound to indicate the mode is being switched.
Manage noise cancellation via software
Not only can you manage the active noise cancellation via the AirPods themselves, but also via the software. Connect the AirPods to the device and follow the steps below.
- iPhone or iPad: Open control panel â–¸ press and hold volume button â–¸ noise control
- iPhone or iPad: Settings â–¸ Bluetooth â–¸ next to AirPods â–¸ Noise Control
- Apple Watch: Open ‘Current’ app â–¸ tap the AirPlay icon (triangle with waves) â–¸ noise control
- Mac: Click on the volume icon in the menu bar or control panel â–¸ noise cancellation