PSA: Enabling “Off” Mode on AirPods Pro 2 has changed in iOS 18.1 and Above

[Lounge vibes 05]

For anyone who was confused like me…
By default starting an iOS 18.1, the four different NOISE CONTROL modes has shrunk down to three.
The “off” mode which turns all noise cancellation and transparency completely off has been hidden away.
The explanation appears to be that “Hearing Protection” is not an option in “off” mode, because all of the external microphones are disabled.
However, I enjoy the “off” mode, especially when laying down and I don’t want to hear the external microphones picking up the AirPod against material.

To get it back, open settings, tap on your AirPods at the top, and scroll all the way down to the bottom.
It is the very last option, “Off Listening Mode”. Flip that switch on and it becomes an option once again.
However, be aware that none of the hearing protection or hearing aid features are available in “off” mode.

Hope someone finds this useful.

 

[russell_314]

I wish there was a way to let me choose off with one AirPod in. Right now my only choice is transparency. With one AirPod out I can still hear in the other ear, but transparency makes it harder to hear what’s playing on the AirPod in a noisy environment.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I wish there was a way to let me choose off with one AirPod in. Right now my only choice is transparency. With one AirPod out I can still hear in the other ear, but transparency makes it harder to hear what’s playing on the AirPod in a noisy environment.

There is.
Make sure the setting for my original post is turned on, the one all the way at the bottom of AirPods settings.
Then head on over to Settings>Accessibility>AirPods, and choose “Noise Cancellation with One AirPod”.
If this feature is flipped off, with one AirPod in you should be able to toggle between transparency and off.
Also make sure that “Off” is selected as an option under “PRESS AND HOLD AIRPODS”.

 

[golfnut1982]

For anyone who was confused like me…
By default starting an iOS 18.1, the four different NOISE CONTROL modes has shrunk down to three.
The “off” mode which turns all noise cancellation and transparency completely off has been hidden away.
The explanation appears to be that “Hearing Protection” is not an option in “off” mode, because all of the external microphones are disabled.
However, I enjoy the “off” mode, especially when laying down and I don’t want to hear the external microphones picking up the AirPod against material.

To get it back, open settings, tap on your AirPods at the top, and scroll all the way down to the bottom.
It is the very last option, “Off Listening Mode”. Flip that switch on and it becomes an option once again.
However, be aware that none of the hearing protection or hearing aid features are available in “off” mode.

Hope someone finds this useful.

Nice find! Also make sure you enable the option when you are cycling through....

 

[PAOP75]

The option is there with new update 18.2 you just need scroll down till you find "Off Listening Mode" then activate then you go back to the top is listed there for use ....

 

[waw74]

The option is there with new update 18.2 you just need scroll down till you find "Off Listening Mode" then activate then you go back to the top is listed there for use ....

that's what they said

To get it back, open settings, tap on your AirPods at the top, and scroll all the way down to the bottom.
It is the very last option, “Off Listening Mode”. Flip that switch on and it becomes an option once again.

the option has been there since 18.0, not just 18.2 When they removed it from automatically showing they added the option.