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AirPod Pro Ear Tip Fit test not working...Not the only one

TheSynchronizer

TheSynchronizer

macrumors 6502
Dec 2, 2014
443
729
Macine Toc said:
I have tried this tape "fix". No more APP Bluetooth connexion ! OOOOPS !!
Click to expand...
Maybe you’ve covered the ear detection sensor, or your tape is different or various other reasons.

I can only vouch for what has worked for me personally, not guaranteeing that it will work for anyone else, but I’ve not had the issue occur for a month now.

I hope you manage to fix your issue.
 
SaSaSushi

SaSaSushi

macrumors 601
Aug 8, 2007
4,156
554
Takamatsu, Japan
The front vents are there for a reason and I'm quite sure blocking them with tape is not a good idea.

APP use a pressure equalization system. The vents allow air to pass between the outside of the earbuds and the ear canal.
 
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Ralfi

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
Macine Toc said:
Thanks.
Tried another kind of tape => OK. :)
I am going to check now if the "tape tip" is fixing the issue.
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t recommend blocking ANY of the vents. They all serve an important purpose!

& using transparent tape doesn’t mean ‘Transparency’ mode will still work as intended ?
 
TheSynchronizer

TheSynchronizer

macrumors 6502
Dec 2, 2014
443
729
SaSaSushi said:
The front vents are there for a reason and I'm quite sure blocking them with tape is not a good idea.

APP use a pressure equalization system. The vents allow air to pass between the outside of the earbuds and the ear canal.
Click to expand...

You’re right. Which is why fortunately i’ve not sealed the vent in any way:) air still can pass through it as the tape is not air tight. I have simply covered it to prevent material buildup in the mesh.

Again, no one here has to take my advice. Just wanted to share what works for me and what has solved my issue. I used to take the airpod pros to get replaced every week for the same issue, and i’ve now had more than a month with not a single issue at all and it is blissful.

regards:)
 
T

TD912

macrumors newbie
Nov 22, 2008
21
4
Ah, glad I found this thread. Maybe this explains what I'm suffering from. It wasn't the same as Rattlegate, but I saw somebody link to it from here. It's not just a placebo fit test issue, there's a real sound quality impact from this. I had my APPs replaced twice already, and I compared my "clogged" pair to a brand new pair.

For me, the clogged/faulty set has an internal rumbling sound when you move your head around, like it can't cancel out internal body noise very well. It also has worse bass and of course always fails the fit test. The new set had none of these issues until I wore them for a bit. Then they started to act just like the old faulty set.

It's definitely a hardware design flaw. I try to keep my ears clean and I've been babying my APPs but they still developed this issue. They should be able to withstand normal earwax/grime from a normal human's ears under normal use. A speck of dust or dirt shouldn't be able to consistently degrade a device like this.
 
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Macine Toc

macrumors newbie
Apr 27, 2020
17
2
I agree with you TD912. It is a hardware design flaw. THIS could be related.
I had my APP replaced twice. This replacement is useless. Same issue again and again.

NOW WHAT CAN WE DO ? EBAY, Apple refund…
 
BarrettF77

BarrettF77

macrumors 6502a
May 24, 2015
931
1,292
I'm likely going to sell my Pros off and just swear off Apple headphones going forward. The reliability of Apple products is becoming increasingly questionable TBH.
 
TheSynchronizer

TheSynchronizer

macrumors 6502
Dec 2, 2014
443
729
IMO getting past the design issue which i’ve managed to fix for myself, these are hands down the best headphones i’ve ever used when talking the blend of features, sound, size, ease of use, reliability. Really pleased with my purchase despite my initial issues

Looking forward to airpods pro 2 though where fixing their design flaw hopefully wont be necessary
 
S

shaddix

macrumors newbie
Sep 24, 2012
19
5
TheSynchronizer said:
You’re right. Which is why fortunately i’ve not sealed the vent in any way:) air still can pass through it as the tape is not air tight. I have simply covered it to prevent material buildup in the mesh.

Again, no one here has to take my advice. Just wanted to share what works for me and what has solved my issue. I used to take the airpod pros to get replaced every week for the same issue, and i’ve now had more than a month with not a single issue at all and it is blissful.

regards:)
Click to expand...

Maybe put the tape on your ear rather than on the airpod? That way no oil can get to the vent and you also aren't impeding the ability of the mic to pick up sounds sourced from the person wearing them.
 
michaelant

michaelant

macrumors 6502
Apr 8, 2006
323
299
Looks like people are still posting here so I'm going to throw this out. Check this, a cleaner device you can buy that looks like it will do the job well. I have one on the way.

carepodd.com

CarePodd Cleaning Device For AirPods

CarePodd is the worlds 1st and only electronic AirPods and Earphone cleaning device. CarePodd’s patented technology cleans & disinfects your AirPods safely and effectively.
carepodd.com carepodd.com

The problem, though, is that it doesn't look like it (currently) cleans the top mesh with the microphone that is the root of these NC issues. I've contacted them a couple different ways to let them know how many people have this problem, so I have hope.

Now to finally get Apple to replace my rumbly AirPods Pro with crap noise cancelling - which were fantastic when I first got them. Reading posts, looks like it might be easier than I thought.
 
T

TD912

macrumors newbie
Nov 22, 2008
21
4
Bit of an update. I got some 3M Scotch removable mounting putty which appears to be the same thing as the Blu Tack and Loctite stuff. Broke off a small piece and kneaded it a little, and smooshed it over the interior mesh. Put it back it my ears, still got a noticeable rumbling noise and lower bass. Fit test failed.

Repeated the cleaning a couple more times, put back in ears, instantly noticed the rumbling noise was reduced to a minimum and bass was improved. Went to fit test and it passed.

So yeah, the putty/tack fix is a great workaround. Just wish it didn't need any workaround to begin with.
 
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evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
I’d like to share my story and hope to help others. My AirPods recently started developing this issue, fit test failing, weak bass and anc response. For a while sucking through the vents worked great but it become so clogged that didn’t work no matter how hard I tried.

I tried lots of solutions, water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and it did nothing to help. Then I tried to clean with a soft toothbrush and it actually made it worse (don’t do this).

So I started looking for a blu tack like thing where I live and found something called “multi tack” from Pritt brand. And worked easily!!

Just take a small amount and make a little ball, then press firmly against the mesh then pull it quickly. After a few tries the test passed and it’s amazing how much better they sound when they are clean.

In my opinion I believe Apple developed a mesh so efficient in blocking outside stuff that it’s just natural that they become blocked eventually and I don’t know if there’s a better solution while maintaining the benefits of this vent. I think they should develop a oficial cleaning product like those tack things or some chemical that can destroy whatever this is.
 
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evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
itsmilo said:
Got mine replaced today and the test worked instantly. Just as my previous ones did in the beginning. Let’s see for how long ...
Click to expand...
I was replaced by this recall program? Their wording sound like they fixed something on manufacturing. Let us know if they maintain quality over the next few days.
 
Squuiid

Squuiid

macrumors 68000
Oct 31, 2006
1,877
1,713
Just went into an Apple Store and they plugged my case with pods in to a MBA, did “diagnostics” and replaced both of them, no questions asked.

Ear Fit test on the replacements worked perfectly first time.
Noise Cancellation is sooooo much better than it had been. Night and day.

Folks, don’t hesitate to do this if your AirPods don’t pass the Ear Fit test. Take them in to Apple.
Don’t kid yourself, they definitely have a hardware issue.
 
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Cmdr

macrumors newbie
Nov 20, 2019
9
17
Squuiid said:
Just went into an Apple Store and they plugged my case with pods in to a MBA, did “diagnostics” and replaced both of them, no questions asked.

Ear Fit test on the replacements worked perfectly first time.
Noise Cancellation is sooooo much better than it had been. Night and day.

Folks, don’t hesitate to do this if your AirPods don’t pass the Ear Fit test. Take them in to Apple.
Don’t kid yourself, they definitely have a hardware issue.
Click to expand...
A fresh pair always sounded better. The question is if you received new stock, October 2020 and later and if they stay this way. As an engineer I have my doubts that other than a complete redesign can fix the issue.

I wouldn’t mind to be surprised though. What’s the hardware revision of your new APP? What’s the 4th and 5th letter / number of your respective left and right serial numbers?
 
Squuiid

Squuiid

macrumors 68000
Oct 31, 2006
1,877
1,713
Cmdr said:
A fresh pair always sounded better. The question is if you received new stock, October 2020 and later and if they stay this way. As an engineer I have my doubts that other than a complete redesign can fix the issue.

I wouldn’t mind to be surprised though. What’s the hardware revision of your new APP? What’s the 4th and 5th letter / number of your respective left and right serial numbers?
Click to expand...
I argued this point with the Apple 'genius' that if it wasn't manufactured in October that I'd just be back here again with the same issue, as have countless others. He said, just come back and we'll give you another set. :mad:

Borderline. Could be new design, might not be:

L: DH - 2nd half 2020 - week 14
R: DG - 2nd half 2020 - week 13

We need iFixit to do a tear down comparison.
 
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evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
So, looks like the new models have a recessed grill, have anyone here tested if it fixes the problems or just delay them?
 
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