Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Hi guys

Posting this in case anyone's having the same issue and wants a simple fix.

Love my AirPods. Maybe I just have freakish cavernous ears though, because the left one kept on falling out (and the right one could be precarious at times too).

I tried everything. Foam covers (okay but not super comfortable), silicone covers (too slippery and made it worse). Didn't want to go with Earhooks etc because I still wanted to be able to pop the AirPods back in the case without having to remove anything first.

Then it occurred to me that actually what they needed was enough grip in a couple of places to stop them falling out. What I tried then has worked a treat, and now you'd need a crowbar to pry these things out of my lugs. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't fall out anymore.

What you'll need:

- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape

https://www.nexcare.com/3M/en_US/ne...roof-Tape?N=4326+3294529207+3294631805&rt=rud

- A hole punch.

The Nexcare tape is soft and spongy. Punch out a couple of little dots with the hole punch and experiment with placement on the AirPods. To get them to stick properly just hold them down for a minute or so and the adhesive will warm up. Placement might be different for each ear. I was able to fix my fit with just two dots per AirPod. And they're completely invisible when I'm wearing them.

You'll end up with something that looks like this:

View attachment 721461

Hope this helps someone out! Enjoy :)
Brilliant and elegant solution that should have been designed into the product to begin with. I’ve applied this hack and it’s been bulletproof. Typically by the end of the day my ears tend to get a bit oily and the AirPods refuse to stay in place. This hack absolutely fixes that problem for me!!!!
 
Didn't work for me unfortunately, airpods still slid out of my ears as soon as I start walking. the problem is that my ear canal is really small and the airpods are too big so it doesn't go in properly. If Apple decides to make sport version with interchangeable tips or make the second version this style (highly doubtful) I will have to pass on Airpods.
 
Didn't work for me unfortunately, airpods still slid out of my ears as soon as I start walking. the problem is that my ear canal is really small and the airpods are too big so it doesn't go in properly. If Apple decides to make sport version with interchangeable tips or make the second version this style (highly doubtful) I will have to pass on Airpods.
Amazon has this tips you’re looking for. But only bad thing is you’ll have to keep taking them on and off.
 
Amazon has this tips you’re looking for. But only bad thing is you’ll have to keep taking them on and off.

Yeah I know about those and the hooks... No way I'm going to be taking it on and off every time I take the pods out of the case, that would be way too inconvenient.
 
  • Like
Reactions: whitlecj
Hi guys

Posting this in case anyone's having the same issue and wants a simple fix.

Love my AirPods. Maybe I just have freakish cavernous ears though, because the left one kept on falling out (and the right one could be precarious at times too).

I tried everything. Foam covers (okay but not super comfortable), silicone covers (too slippery and made it worse). Didn't want to go with Earhooks etc because I still wanted to be able to pop the AirPods back in the case without having to remove anything first.

Then it occurred to me that actually what they needed was enough grip in a couple of places to stop them falling out. What I tried then has worked a treat, and now you'd need a crowbar to pry these things out of my lugs. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't fall out anymore.

What you'll need:

- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape

https://www.nexcare.com/3M/en_US/ne...roof-Tape?N=4326+3294529207+3294631805&rt=rud

- A hole punch.

The Nexcare tape is soft and spongy. Punch out a couple of little dots with the hole punch and experiment with placement on the AirPods. To get them to stick properly just hold them down for a minute or so and the adhesive will warm up. Placement might be different for each ear. I was able to fix my fit with just two dots per AirPod. And they're completely invisible when I'm wearing them.

You'll end up with something that looks like this:

View attachment 721461

Hope this helps someone out! Enjoy :)

Thanks!! My lady is indebted to you.
Unfortunately, they are just another Apple product that needs to be cheated in order to function.
[doublepost=1516815047][/doublepost]
9c0fba5b502a1d443105e819437651c9.jpg

Eww.
But if it works for you, it works for you!
 
I used foam covers, the ones that has a hole right through. I never had probs with the fit but find the foam creates a better seal which improves the bass.

Still fit fine in the case and shuts no problem.

I set mine up the exact same way as OP with the same brand tape and while I do notice there is a bit more grip, I start to feel them loosen after a short time and within 20 mins of minimal moving around / head movement, my airpods will eventually slip to the point where they are hanging in the crevice area right above your earlobes. Tilting my head when they are like this makes them fall out completely.

I have ordered these exact foam covers as a last ditch attempt but I fear they wont arrive before my return period ends, plus looking at your foam covers, they don't like they would be invisible like the waterproof tape method.
 
Anyone in the UK with the tape and a hole punch want to post me a few to try? :)
 
I tried the foam covers and tape dots and nothing worked for my ears. I gave them to my son and am using my Soundsports. The Bose do not stay in well when running but are fine when walking.

I just want a pair to stay in while running. I may have to look at the hook style buds.
 
I tried the foam covers and tape dots and nothing worked for my ears. I gave them to my son and am using my Soundsports. The Bose do not stay in well when running but are fine when walking.

I just want a pair to stay in while running. I may have to look at the hook style buds.

For me, earpods stay in my ears better than Airpods even with the tape dots. I am pretty sure I will be returning them. Maybe in the future if the price is right I might give them another shot with foam covers. I guess we have unlucky ears.
 
I set mine up the exact same way as OP with the same brand tape and while I do notice there is a bit more grip, I start to feel them loosen after a short time and within 20 mins of minimal moving around / head movement, my airpods will eventually slip to the point where they are hanging in the crevice area right above your earlobes. Tilting my head when they are like this makes them fall out completely.

I have ordered these exact foam covers as a last ditch attempt but I fear they wont arrive before my return period ends, plus looking at your foam covers, they don't like they would be invisible like the waterproof tape method.

It took me over a week of fussing with how to place the dots to finally make them fit well. I have now succeeded in running with them and doing sit-ups as well. (Just as a measure, the standard wired EarPods would fall out of my ears just walking or sitting on a bus...) I advise playing with those dots more. Here's my final config (until I play around with it more).
Thanks OP!
 

Attachments

  • 90TITdrOSIySmIKMTN%cRg.jpg
    90TITdrOSIySmIKMTN%cRg.jpg
    1.5 MB · Views: 3,436
It took me over a week of fussing with how to place the dots to finally make them fit well. I have now succeeded in running with them and doing sit-ups as well. (Just as a measure, the standard wired EarPods would fall out of my ears just walking or sitting on a bus...) I advise playing with those dots more. Here's my final config (until I play around with it more).
Thanks OP!
No matter what I tried I couldn't get them to stay in so I returned yesterday. I'll test my earpods with the donut shaped foam covers I ordered when they arrive before purchasing Airpods for a 3rd time.
 
I signed up To thank OP for this great idea! I tried the dots similar to the first pic, then started moving them around to get a better fit. Realized I don’t need them to be dot shaped. Then realized just how asymmetrical my ears must be. Point being, don’t be afraid to experiment to get a good hold.

Thanks again!!!
 

Attachments

  • 627981C0-2107-4302-A1A5-EB3D5E760DF2.jpeg
    627981C0-2107-4302-A1A5-EB3D5E760DF2.jpeg
    888.5 KB · Views: 1,488
You, sir, deserve a commission from Apple. I bought these today because of your post.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3461.jpg
    IMG_3461.jpg
    1.9 MB · Views: 2,534
  • Like
Reactions: DeepIn2U
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I’m in the UK and bought this thinking it was the same as the tape recommended on this thread. It didn’t work. Do you think it’s worth buying the tape recommended here and give it another go? Is it much different to what I bought, here?

TapeOlogy Premium Kinesiology Tape for Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Pregnancy & Plantar fasciitis, Latex Free and Water-Resistant. Designed For Injury Recov https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAWBFQ6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I’m in the UK and bought this thinking it was the same as the tape recommended on this thread. It didn’t work. Do you think it’s worth buying the tape recommended here and give it another go? Is it much different to what I bought, here?

TapeOlogy Premium Kinesiology Tape for Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Pregnancy & Plantar fasciitis, Latex Free and Water-Resistant. Designed For Injury Recov https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAWBFQ6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Get the nexcare tape from the OP, it's cushioned, waterproof and it says on the packaging that it sticks to the skin when wet.

I tried it and while it was a big improvement, it didn't work enough for me to feel confident walking around with them outside. I also tried the white foam donuts on my earpods after I sent the airpods back.

I thought the foam would definitely work, but it doesn't grip at all, in fact they fall out even easier than having nothing at all on the earpods. I can't tell if my ears are too big or too small for them or I just don't have the ear cartilage other people have that holds them in place.

I've bought and returned Airpods twice now due to not being able to find a solution to keep them secure, I figure $170 is a lot of money for headphones that fall out. I guess i'll just have to wait on the next gen :(
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
  • Like
Reactions: AVBeatMan
Hi guys

Posting this in case anyone's having the same issue and wants a simple fix.

Love my AirPods. Maybe I just have freakish cavernous ears though, because the left one kept on falling out (and the right one could be precarious at times too).

I tried everything. Foam covers (okay but not super comfortable), silicone covers (too slippery and made it worse). Didn't want to go with Earhooks etc because I still wanted to be able to pop the AirPods back in the case without having to remove anything first.

Then it occurred to me that actually what they needed was enough grip in a couple of places to stop them falling out. What I tried then has worked a treat, and now you'd need a crowbar to pry these things out of my lugs. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't fall out anymore.

What you'll need:

- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape

https://www.nexcare.com/3M/en_US/ne...roof-Tape?N=4326+3294529207+3294631805&rt=rud

- A hole punch.

The Nexcare tape is soft and spongy. Punch out a couple of little dots with the hole punch and experiment with placement on the AirPods. To get them to stick properly just hold them down for a minute or so and the adhesive will warm up. Placement might be different for each ear. I was able to fix my fit with just two dots per AirPod. And they're completely invisible when I'm wearing them.

You'll end up with something that looks like this:

View attachment 721461

Hope this helps someone out! Enjoy :)
[doublepost=1519166825][/doublepost]Outstanding! I was HATING mine until i tried your fix. Nicely done!
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeepIn2U
Wonder if the grip tape they make for tennis racquet would work. I know they make it in white.
 
Last edited:
Hi guys

Posting this in case anyone's having the same issue and wants a simple fix.

Love my AirPods. Maybe I just have freakish cavernous ears though, because the left one kept on falling out (and the right one could be precarious at times too).

I tried everything. Foam covers (okay but not super comfortable), silicone covers (too slippery and made it worse). Didn't want to go with Earhooks etc because I still wanted to be able to pop the AirPods back in the case without having to remove anything first.

Then it occurred to me that actually what they needed was enough grip in a couple of places to stop them falling out. What I tried then has worked a treat, and now you'd need a crowbar to pry these things out of my lugs. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't fall out anymore.

What you'll need:

- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape

https://www.nexcare.com/3M/en_US/ne...roof-Tape?N=4326+3294529207+3294631805&rt=rud

- A hole punch.

The Nexcare tape is soft and spongy. Punch out a couple of little dots with the hole punch and experiment with placement on the AirPods. To get them to stick properly just hold them down for a minute or so and the adhesive will warm up. Placement might be different for each ear. I was able to fix my fit with just two dots per AirPod. And they're completely invisible when I'm wearing them.

You'll end up with something that looks like this:

View attachment 721461

Hope this helps someone out! Enjoy :)
[doublepost=1519241331][/doublepost]will the AirPods still charge in the charger without removing the tape?
 
  • Like
Reactions: arkitect
Hi guys

Posting this in case anyone's having the same issue and wants a simple fix.

Love my AirPods. Maybe I just have freakish cavernous ears though, because the left one kept on falling out (and the right one could be precarious at times too).

I tried everything. Foam covers (okay but not super comfortable), silicone covers (too slippery and made it worse). Didn't want to go with Earhooks etc because I still wanted to be able to pop the AirPods back in the case without having to remove anything first.

Then it occurred to me that actually what they needed was enough grip in a couple of places to stop them falling out. What I tried then has worked a treat, and now you'd need a crowbar to pry these things out of my lugs. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't fall out anymore.

What you'll need:

- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape

https://www.nexcare.com/3M/en_US/ne...roof-Tape?N=4326+3294529207+3294631805&rt=rud

- A hole punch.

The Nexcare tape is soft and spongy. Punch out a couple of little dots with the hole punch and experiment with placement on the AirPods. To get them to stick properly just hold them down for a minute or so and the adhesive will warm up. Placement might be different for each ear. I was able to fix my fit with just two dots per AirPod. And they're completely invisible when I'm wearing them.

You'll end up with something that looks like this:

View attachment 721461

Hope this helps someone out! Enjoy :)

Thank you so much for this, it made the fit on my AirPods so much better.

When they’re in my ears I absolutely love them, but I wasn’t able to keep them there for more than a few minutes before this hack.

I wasn’t able to find the Nexcare stuff in Ireland though. I had to replicate with some bandaids and I suspect the waterproof tape would improve it even further.

Anyone managed to find the real deal shipping from Europe or can someone suggest a decent alternative?


Thank you again!!!
 
Thank you so much for this simple but genius fix!

I have never been able to use Apples earphones but I really wanted to have the AirPods so I bought them and tried the silicon tip trick. It worked but I wasn’t that happy with it.

I couldn’t get hold of the Nexcare waterproof tape here in Sweden so I tried with Compeed that I had home and it worked like very well. So far at least... :)

Compeed - https://www.compeed.co.uk/compeed-footcare/blister-medium-plasters

DC87E06D-0E21-482A-8EBF-E79B7B8679A3.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: timh
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.