So there appears to be a widespread issue with the AirPods Pro: they seem to eventually develop a rattling noise when Noise Cancellation or Transparency is in use. It is believed to be a hardware problem at this stage and fairly widespread.
Apologies for the use of yet another "-gate", but no one seems to have a consistant name for this issue: terms like "rattling", "crackling", "clicking", "staticy", "clacking", "rumbling", and "crinkling" are just some of the phrases I've seen used. I'm hoping to draw some attention to the issue, both so people experiencing it know they're not alone or doing something wrong, but also to put some pressure on Apple to acknowledge the problem and properly resolve it (instead of people getting replacements that go on to develop the same problem).
The Problem
After some time people are noticing that when their AirPods Pros (APP) are in Noise Cancellation or Transparency modes, they'll hear a rattling noise. It doesn't occur when the APP are in Off mode.
This occurs whenever something causes the APP earbud to move or vibrate. I've personally experienced this when walking (with a rattle noise with each footstep), when tapping the affected earbud with my finger, when clearing my throat, when playing music with a lot of bass, or when turning my head or nodding. Others have reported it also occurring when even playing music without much bass, when there are external sounds, or when talking.
It's often described like it sounds like something has come loose inside the APP earbud. Many people seem to think it's actually a problem with the external microphone: it appears to be picking up tiny vibrations as sound, and then attempting to "cancel" (in Noise Cancellation mode) or amplify (in Transparency mode) these sounds (which don't actually exist), causing the APP to play the rattling-style noise. Whether this is the actual cause or not I don't know.
For most people it only affects a single earbud initially.
Apple's Response
Apple are currently replacing affected earbuds under warranty. However, there are widespread reports of the replacements eventually developing the same fault (and indeed I can personally confirm this).
There are reports of the process being pretty painful initially, with Apple reps taking users through hours of troubleshooting steps on the phone before eventually offering a replacement. However most recent reports have Apple now offering replacements fairly quickly, which makes me think they know it is an issue internally.
I would like to see Apple acknowledge the issue, and resolve it so those receiving replacements don't end up having the same issue weeks or months later. Many people have expressed concern about what they're going to do when their warranty period runs out.
Firmware
There have been reports of certain firmware versions causing Noise Cancellation degration and other issues. However this issue is seperate from those: it has been confirmed happening with both the 2C54 firmware (which Apple pulled) and the 2B588 firmware (what new and replacement APPs are coming with).
Solutions
There are no current solutions except to obtain a replacement from Apple. Which sadly appears to be a temporary with all the reports of replacement APP earbuds eventually developing the same issue.
There have been some reports of sucking on the APP earbuds, wiping down the grills with cleaner, or using blutac to remove wax/dust helping, but please don't try these. You'll likely damage the APP further, and potentially violate the warranty allowing Apple to refuse replacement.
Please don't think that you've in some way used your APP "wrong": this issue seems widespread and it is still affecting those that treat their APP perfectly.
How Widespread ts This?
It seems this is very widespread. Just a quick internet search turns up tons of people having the same issue. Sadly, most people think it is specific to them, that they've done something wrong, or they're waiting for a firmware update to see if that fixes it.
To illustrate the issues, I'm including some comments and their sources below. I've only selected comments describing the issue: you'll find many more folks chiming in with "me too!" style comments in the links for these.
"I feel strongly that the Airpods Pro are the worst item I have ever purchased. I have have both buds break repeatedly. My left bud just started rattling again after having been replaced for that problem ~4 months ago."
Source
"Yeah, this needs to blow up. I got my replacement one month ago, now the replaced Airpod Pro (left side) has the exact same issue again. I only had them for two months, so their reliability seems absolutely poor."
Source
"It was a rattle with one of the microphones, every small movement made it sound like a maraca (only in ANC and Trans mode)."
Source
"So I take super good care of my AirPods they only ever went from case to ears, never ever anywhere else. However, the left air suddenly began to have issues, the fit test no longer shows them as fitting. Random audio artifacts, crackling and sounds when on transparency or noise cancelation. [...] I was just sitting here minding my business, called out to someone and my right airpod buzzed like my broken left one used to... this is ridiculous."
Source
"I’ve had my right AirPod replaced three times! Just like OP, I’ve been really careful with my airpods. I’ve never dropped them or damaged them."
Source
"I’ve gotten mine replaced about once a month for three months. Worried since the first time it happened that this is just an unfixable hardware design flaw."
Source
"If your AirPods Pro have crackling or popping sounds when ANC or Transparency mode are on, you aren’t alone. There have been like 6 posts regarding this issue on this sub in the last day alone."
Source
"I’ve had 4 hardware replacements because of the rattling sound. I’ve never hated an Apple product before. But this is just ****ing embarrassing. Hot garbage."
Source
"Right now in both noise cancelling mode and transparency mode (but not OFF mode), every time I move, even doing something as slight as moving my jaw, my left airpod makes this ‘rattling’ sound"
Source
"I returned my first pair of pros because of that, got my second and shortly into having them they started doing the same thing. Sitting on the bus or eating with them in is unbearable."
Source
"My AirPods Pro have a crackling sound when I clear my throat, and even when I am, chewing gum. This is ridiculous, a $249 AirPods that are really annoying. I see that other people are having the same issue."
Source
"my right AirPod developed a clicking sound whenever ANC/Transparency mode was active. Whenever the AirPod is touched slightly by moving my head or touching it, you can hear a clicking/rattling sound. When both modes are off, the sound is not present. [...] Today my left AirPod has also started producing this clicking/rattling sound whenever touched."
Source
"I swear to god I don’t know what the hell is wrong with my airpods pro. It was clicking, sounded like a Geiger counter. It clicked whenever I moved my jaw, tilted my head, if wind blew past it, and when I talked. I got it replaced and now it’s doing it again! It’s only when they are noise cancelling or I’m transparency, so I just turned that off."
Source
"I've had 3 pairs do this exact same thing, I've given up on the Pros and went back to my Gen2's."
Source
"I’ve got the AirPods pro since day one and I’ve been loving them since. But by January they started to make a vibration like noise that occurs with transparency or ANC modes on. Especially when I’m playing something loud. It happens also when I walk or move my jaw without playing anything. I’ve replaced them 4 times and the problem still coming back."
Source
"I’m facing an issue with my right AirPods Pro. It’s like an interference noise when I walk, when there is wind or when a supercar passes by (today was one Ferrari, a M5 and a Lamborghini). So I contacting Apple Support and I’m getting them replaced, as the issue is now appearing on the left one."
Source
"I've had 3 pairs. All of them have developed crackling and popping issues, especially when talking (Phone especially), and when in ANC or transparency mode. Once it happened in the left earbud. Got it replaced. Then it developed in the right. Got it replaced. Eventually developed in both."
Source
"Moving with my pros in causes a clicking/rattle sound/sensation. The movement can be as simple as chewing, if I move my head in any way the left ear clicks. It doesn't seem to be an audio issue, but a hardware issue."
Source
"my right AirPod Pro began to develop a strange phenomenon where, when in ANC, it would produce a crackling noise when I moved, touched the AirPod, or when the volume was turned up anywhere past 50%"
Source
"I had was the crackling noise in the right AirPod Pro about 1 month ago. My first thought was that there was something physically loose in the AirPod Pro and I went ahead and contacted Apple Support as the stores were now closed. They sent me my first replacement for the right Pro. [...] Fast forward to Monday (4/13). I put my AirPods Pro in at the grocery store and sure enough, the LEFT one now has the clicking/crackling."
Source
"When I clear my throat/burp while listening to music, my right earbud crackles...but only with ANC/Transparency mode turned ON."
Source
"I had that exact same issue on my right airpod; not only coughing/burping but just with ANC or Transparency mode on; took them to Apple and they decided to replace it; they don't have any in stock so I'll have to wait for them to get them and then 'I'll get it replaced."
Source
"Had the exact same issue with left unit, also got a buzz with any kind of bass transient."
Source
"Had similar issues first with the left then the right. I believed it was the os update. Called support once and they kept me going w/ the same three or four questions and two reps for 1.5 hours."
Source
"the right Airpod Pro was having a rattling noise when volume was to high and while moving around, I tried changing the fit but it didn't work. The left one was fine, no problems at all."
Source
"Mine rattles with head movement and crackles with talking, but goes away when in “Off.”"
Source
"Anyone experience a rattling sound when walking or turning your head with them in? Only happens on the left one, and can only hear it with music off."
Source
"I had the sane problem develop and the left AirPod replaced in January. The replacement AirPod started showing the same symptoms."
Source
"I had a clicking type of sound in my right AirPod when I moved. I only heard it when on noice canceling or transparency mode, not when the mode was set to Off. I chatted with Apple support today via iMessage and they are mailing me a replacement."
Source
"I had my left AirPod replaced due to cracking and popping noises in it."
Source
"I contacted Apple over the weekend to get a replacement for my left AirPod Pro that was starting to experience the rattling noise when in transparency or NC mode. "
Source
"Received replacement for left and works great but now the right is rattling. I believe the right has been rattling but not as bad and was masked a bit by how bad the left was rattling. Getting the right replaced now."
Source
"Made an account here to chime in, purchased AirPods Pro (2B588) this year and the right pair has a rattling sound which is apparent (on NC) on a bumpy ride (public transport)."
Source
"Yup I'm chatting with Apple Support right now about this issue, my right AirPod Pro starting doing it about two weeks ago, haven't had time to research it until today.
But I was already familiar with this problem as my friend had to get one of his replaced too for the same thing."
Source
"For me just touching the left Airpod causes a squeaky noise only when sound cancellation or transparency is on. I can't run with either option as it squeaks with each step... it is so irritating."
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"Recently my left headphone (only) has been buzzing at certain moments (mostly when windy and/or playing reasonably loudly) when I have either ANC or Transparency on. It doesn't happen at all when I just turn to 'off' but obviously the sound quality isn't as good as on the other types."
Source
"Airpod Pro Owners: Have you had a clicking or static noise in your AirPods and gotten them replaced? I’m calling Apple for my 4th replacement today since I got them launch day."
Source
"Yes. Received a replacement today. Clicking noise started 2 months after purchase on the right airpod. Got a new left and right."
Source
"I've just arranged my second replacement for this issue. The first pair were on 2C54, but the replacement pair (which still developed the fault) are on 2B588. Sadly it seems like a hardware fault, not a firmware issue."
Source
"Same issues here, got my left one replaced, now my right one has the same crackling issues. Just called in to get another replacement. It's nice that Apple support is responsive and the replacements are free, but for $250, this is unacceptable."
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"I hear popping and a solid, very consistent thumping coming from my right airpod every time I walk. Anyone else? Replaced my airpods 2 times for this issue, and it always comes back"
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"I have a weird noise (like static )when i talk with my right airpod and it’s in transparency mode.Furthemore when I walk or when I move my head I listen a weird noise too."
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"For the past few days or so, my airpods pro kept on buzzing when i use transparency/anc mode (more so when im using transparency. The issue only occured when i spoke or move my jaw. Weirdly, when i use the ‘off’ mode, it doesn’t seem to occur."
Source
"I keep hearing a static on it whenever I’m on a call or even if I move around slightly during regular use. It sounds almost like there’s a rattling or moving piece of the speaker in my ear. The right AirPod works just fine."
Source
"Guys this is not a firmware issue. I've had this issue 4 times now. Apple has confirmed each time that it was indeed a hardware issue. Something with a mic rattling lose or something. Waiting for a firmware update is not going to fix it. Call/chat with Apple and they will mail you a replacement."
Source
"This. I had my left pod replaced over this issue a few months ago, and now my right one is doing the same."
Source
"Same. I got my airpods replaced 3 times due to rattling right unit and the rattling reappears after a month or so. I hardly believe replacing a unit would solve the issue unless they release a different hardware version or firmware. Disappointing quality for product costs over $300 indeed."
Source
"So I have had the AirPod Pros since the day they came out and they have been working perfectly until about a week ago. There is a rattling noise in my left AirPod that gets significantly worse the louder the volume is."
Source
"I have had the same issue in my right bud for a while, tried cleaning it but it didn’t help. Basically whenever I slightly touch it, it produces this rattling sound - if I’m just sat without moving it’s fine but it’s impossible to use them with a hoodie on. It’s like the mic is picking up too much sound and messes with NC/transparency."
Source
"Rattling in AirPod Pros when external microphone in use (I.e. Noise Cancelling, Transparency) [...] About a month ago, I began to hear a rattling in my left AirPod. At first I just attributed it to my AirPod being loose in my ear, but I found that if you turn off noise cancelling and transparency, the noise becomes much much fainter, to the point that you can only hear it if you are in a very quiet area."
Source
"Recently, my right airpod began to experience issues. First, it was the annoying ticking sound, which randomly went away. Then last week, the right airpod decided to take a turn for the worst. Talking, coughing, sneezing, etc. would produce this horrible sound in the airpod, like it was rattling inside. Keep in mind, this issue only happened in ANC and transparency mode. It continued to get worse. Any music with bass would cause the airpod to sound like it was rattling. It got to the point where I could hear a very faint rattle when ANC and transparency modes were turned off. Music became unbearable."
Source
"I'm recently experiencing a very annoying issue with the left in-ear headphone, it is a buzzing-like noise and I hear it especially when I talk and I call. I also hear it if I lightly tap on it, or when I try to adjust it in my ear, on the contrary on the right one it doesn't occur. [...] It occurs both on noise cancelling or Transparency mode."
Source
"I’ve only had my AirPods Pro for a bit over a month and my right AirPod has a rattling noise which originally was just when I coughed or cleared my throat and now it’s litterally every slight move it rattles."
Source
"Yes, I am experiencing the same issue too, it originally started with my right Airpod, I got that replaced with their DIY service but now recently it has started with my left one too. Songs with heavy bass or when running, it seems to very noticeable, One thing I’ve noticed, I don’t know if it’s the same with everyone else but when the AirPods are on the “OFF” position it’s not noticeable at all"
Source
There are many, many more reports out there, but I can't keep copy-pasting forever! Hopefully the above is enough to convince folks that this issue is common among APP owners.
Anyway, if you've experienced the issue please do let us know how you got on seeking a replacement, and whether issues developed with the replacement as well. At the very least hopefully this post gives some folks more information that they're not alone, and something to point Apple support reps to if they're being difficult offering a replacement!
