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AirPods - poor fit fixed!

Wanted to throw in my thanks to NewZealandMatt for the clever idea, even though in the end I went with the foams fix instead. I am one of those people with ears that are just slightly too big, so when I first put AirPods in they sound great but as soon as I move around at all or even smile, they slip just enough to make the bass fade out. Experimented with the tape in different spots and was a massive improvement, but found that it just delayed the eventual slippage instead of preventing it. It is possible that I just hadn't found the perfect tape placement, but I had also ordered these foam covers from Amazon and once they arrived I did what a reviewer on Amazon recommended and used a bent out paperclip and a lighter to make a little hole where the sensor is (I only needed to make one hole on each, the other sensor stays clear most of the time) and that has solved this for me. They now sound great, lots of bass all the time, and they still fit in the case. They even seem a bit more comfy in my ears.

At first I wasn't sure I would be keeping the AirPods as constantly readjusting them was annoying. Now I'm keeping them.

BeyondTheTech: Cutting the foams will make them fall apart. Heat melts the fibers together a bit I think, so they are still pretty stable where the hole is made. You should try it out since you already have some. Obviously do it while the foams are not on the AirPods. I put a pair on the pods and made a mark where the sensor is, then took those off and used them as a guide and made holes in several pairs so that I have some ready if I need to replace the ones I have on now.
 
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I know this post is over a year old...but just tried this and it seems pretty great. I just tried for a few minutes, but will test over my commute home so will update tomorrow.

I didn't bother with the hole puncher. I just cut with a scissor. Works just as well.

I don't quite understand the science, but it does work. How long can you last before having to replace the tape?
 
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eracki said:
I know this post is over a year old...but just tried this and it seems pretty great. I just tried for a few minutes, but will test over my commute home so will update tomorrow.

I didn't bother with the hole puncher. I just cut with a scissor. Works just as well.

I don't quite understand the science, but it does work. How long can you last before having to replace the tape?
Click to expand...

Update....so they definitely work. two 45 minute train rides and they didn't fall off. I feel like I tapped them in a few times but it wasn't because they were falling. I think I just was afraid of losing them that I wanted to make sure they were secure.

The only issue I have with this is that you always feel like they're there. It's hard to explain. I'd love for them to be so comfortable that you just forget you're wearing them. With the tape there, I don't think that's possible. but I'll keep wearing for a few days and see if I just need to get used to them. If not, maybe I need to try a different material, perhaps soft...if any exists. If not, I guess I'm stuck.

I've tried so many different wireless buds and these probably function the best. I think the JBLs or Bose have the best audio, but there's always a bit of a lag when watching video. These don't have that lag (and for what its worth, beats wireless in general don't have that issue either. I wonder if Apple made it a point to make sure Apple and Beats headphones work better than other brands on Apple devices...not exactly legal but I guess we'll never know.

At any rate, thanks for the tip. really great and such an easy fix
 
eracki said:
Update....so they definitely work. two 45 minute train rides and they didn't fall off. I feel like I tapped them in a few times but it wasn't because they were falling. I think I just was afraid of losing them that I wanted to make sure they were secure.

The only issue I have with this is that you always feel like they're there. It's hard to explain. I'd love for them to be so comfortable that you just forget you're wearing them. With the tape there, I don't think that's possible. but I'll keep wearing for a few days and see if I just need to get used to them. If not, maybe I need to try a different material, perhaps soft...if any exists. If not, I guess I'm stuck.

I've tried so many different wireless buds and these probably function the best. I think the JBLs or Bose have the best audio, but there's always a bit of a lag when watching video. These don't have that lag (and for what its worth, beats wireless in general don't have that issue either. I wonder if Apple made it a point to make sure Apple and Beats headphones work better than other brands on Apple devices...not exactly legal but I guess we'll never know.

At any rate, thanks for the tip. really great and such an easy fix
Click to expand...


Next time you replace them, give cutting a strip and wrapping it around the outside in a C a chance. It works really well too. I have airpods on all day at work (in shifts, when one dies, i switch to the other side) the way I have it works really well.
 
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NewZealandMatt said:
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 :)
Click to expand...
Sorry, those look ridiculous
[doublepost=1547083875][/doublepost]
apeaceofstrange said:
Thank you for suggesting this. I took it one step further and covered them for the most part. Definitely ads some nice grip on the ear.
9c0fba5b502a1d443105e819437651c9.jpg
Click to expand...
Oh my. Those look...hmmm...wow
 
I’m surprised no manufacturer has seen this and come up with an exact molded sticker with similar or even better material, especially if they can make it in white.
 
JT2002TJ said:
Next time you replace them, give cutting a strip and wrapping it around the outside in a C a chance. It works really well too. I have airpods on all day at work (in shifts, when one dies, i switch to the other side) the way I have it works really well.
Click to expand...
I’d love to see a photo of that, if you have a chance!
 
I just bought a pair of AirPods and went running. It was the most frustrating run I’ve ever been on. Constantly adjusting their position and the feeling that they were going to fall out was ever present. I saw this post and subsequently joined to chime in, OP you are an absolute champion.

I didn’t have the tape recommended so looked around the house. I found some of those nose pads that are used for glasses. They're extremely common place. I did find they were too thick so I sliced them horizontally, carefully, to reduce the thickness. I used OP’s positioning and also cut them into circles, without a hole punch, and they are now absolutely perfect. It does seem that the tape recommended would be more suitable fit due to the water proof properties. If you’re stuck and don’t have access to the necessary tools, give this a try. It works wonders.
 
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Nairda said:
I just bought a pair of AirPods and went running. It was the most frustrating run I’ve ever been on. Constantly adjusting their position and the feeling that they were going to fall out was ever present. I saw this post and subsequently joined to chime in, OP you are an absolute champion.
Click to expand...

Really happy it worked for you. Nice idea on the nose pads! :)
 
Nairda said:
I just bought a pair of AirPods and went running. It was the most frustrating run I’ve ever been on. Constantly adjusting their position and the feeling that they were going to fall out was ever present. I saw this post and subsequently joined to chime in, OP you are an absolute champion.

I didn’t have the tape recommended so looked around the house. I found some of those nose pads that are used for glasses. They're extremely common place. I did find they were too thick so I sliced them horizontally, carefully, to reduce the thickness. I used OP’s positioning and also cut them into circles, without a hole punch, and they are now absolutely perfect. It does seem that the tape recommended would be more suitable fit due to the water proof properties. If you’re stuck and don’t have access to the necessary tools, give this a try. It works wonders.
Click to expand...

I use the tape method for everyday wearing (commute in NYC) but when I go running I use these silicon covers (got them from Amazon). They don't fit in the case but if I'm going running, they're quite easy to just slip on. They are super secure and it's the best running experience I've ever had.

When I get home I take em off and put the airpods back in the case! Kinda nice to have the extra layer of protection between the airpods since I'll be sweating during the run.
 
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samselikoff said:
I use the tape method for everyday wearing (commute in NYC) but when I go running I use these silicon covers (got them from Amazon). They don't fit in the case but if I'm going running, they're quite easy to just slip on. They are super secure and it's the best running experience I've ever had.

When I get home I take em off and put the airpods back in the case! Kinda nice to have the extra layer of protection between the airpods since I'll be sweating during the run.
Click to expand...

I think this is the way to go to be honest. Thanks for the suggestion :)

I would prefer something that can stay on when they're in the case. I know it's a minor inconvenience putting them on and taking them off but I am guaranteed to lose them.
 
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The current rumor is that the next-gen AirPods will have a "grippy" finish to them. Maybe we can look forward to doing away with all of these hacks. :)
 
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I had almost given up on my airpods when I found this thread. They simply would not stay put in my big ears. Tried silicon tips off amazon and they did nothing.

This is a fantastic hack and is working well for me.

Wonder if there is a comparable white tape that will work as well?

Thank you!

NewZealandMatt said:
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 :)
Click to expand...
 
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