How to Replace Airpod Pro Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever feel like your AirPods Pro are slipping out, or that the sound quality just isn’t what it used to be? The culprit might be your ear tips. Over time, these little silicone pieces can wear down, lose their grip, and even harbor bacteria. Using the correct size and properly maintained ear tips is crucial for optimal noise cancellation, sound quality, and overall comfort. Don’t underestimate the impact these small parts have on your listening experience – a simple replacement can make a world of difference.

Swapping out your AirPods Pro ear tips is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your earbuds or the tips themselves. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Proper installation not only improves sound and noise cancellation but also helps prolong the life of your AirPods Pro by keeping them securely in your ears.

What size do I need and how do I know I installed them correctly?

How do I know which size AirPod Pro tip to use?

The best way to determine the correct AirPod Pro tip size is to try each of the included sizes (small, medium, and large) and listen for both sound quality and comfort. The correct size will create a snug seal in your ear canal, blocking out external noise and delivering optimal audio performance, especially bass. A good fit will also feel secure and comfortable, even during movement.

To accurately assess the fit, Apple includes an Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro, and then scroll down to Ear Tip Fit Test. This test plays audio and uses the internal microphones in your AirPods to analyze the seal. It will then tell you if the current tip size is a good fit, needs adjustment, or if you should try a different size. Beyond the Ear Tip Fit Test, pay attention to how the AirPods feel during everyday use. If they feel loose and fall out easily, especially during physical activity, try a smaller size. If you experience discomfort, pressure, or a feeling of being overly plugged, try a larger size. It’s also common to require different sizes for each ear, so don’t hesitate to mix and match to find the perfect fit for each side.

How often should I replace my AirPod Pro tips?

You should replace your AirPod Pro tips every 6-12 months, or more frequently if you notice they are damaged, dirty, or no longer provide a secure and comfortable fit, or if the noise cancellation performance degrades noticeably. Regular replacement ensures optimal audio quality, noise cancellation, hygiene, and comfort.

Over time, AirPod Pro tips can degrade due to earwax buildup, sweat, and general wear and tear. This degradation can lead to several issues. Earwax accumulation can harden and become difficult to clean, impacting the seal and reducing the effectiveness of noise cancellation and bass response. A loose or damaged tip can also compromise sound quality, allowing ambient noise to bleed in, and may even cause the AirPods to fall out more easily. Furthermore, using worn-out tips can harbor bacteria, potentially leading to ear infections or irritation. To extend the life of your AirPod Pro tips, clean them regularly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using water or harsh cleaning solutions. If you notice any cracks, tears, or significant discoloration, it’s time to replace them. Similarly, if you find that your AirPods are no longer staying securely in your ears or if the noise cancellation isn’t working as well as it used to, replacing the tips is a good first step to resolving the issue. Apple sells replacement tips directly, and many third-party options are also available, allowing you to choose the material and size that best suits your needs.

Can using the wrong size tips damage my AirPod Pros?

While using the wrong size ear tips is unlikely to cause immediate, catastrophic damage to your AirPods Pro themselves, it can negatively affect sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, and overall comfort, and potentially lead to long-term issues like ear irritation or the AirPods falling out and getting damaged.

Using tips that are too large can create excessive pressure in your ear canal, leading to discomfort, potential irritation, or even minor abrasions over extended use. Furthermore, oversized tips may not seat properly, preventing the AirPods Pro from achieving a secure and stable fit. Conversely, tips that are too small will fail to create a proper seal, resulting in a loss of bass response, diminished noise cancellation performance, and a loose fit that increases the risk of the AirPods falling out during activity. This can lead to accidental drops and subsequent physical damage. The optimal ear tip size is crucial for proper sound isolation, effective noise cancellation, and a secure, comfortable fit. Apple provides a few sizes of ear tips with the AirPods Pro. Experimenting with each size is essential to find the best fit for your ears. You can perform the Ear Tip Fit Test in your iPhone settings to help determine the correct size, which will play test tones and use the internal microphones to analyze the seal. Consider replacing the tips if they are damaged, torn, or show any signs of wear, as this can compromise their performance and comfort.

What’s the correct way to attach the new tip?

To correctly attach a new AirPods Pro tip, align the oval shape of the tip with the oval shape of the connector on the AirPod. Gently press the tip onto the connector until you hear or feel a distinct click, ensuring it’s securely fastened. A proper fit is crucial for optimal noise cancellation and sound quality.

After aligning the tip, apply even pressure around its base, near where it connects to the AirPod. The “click” sound or feeling confirms that the tip’s internal clips have properly engaged with the AirPod’s connector. Avoid forcing the tip on at an angle or using excessive force, as this could damage the connector or the tip itself. It’s also worth testing the fit after attachment. Try gently tugging on the tip to ensure it’s securely in place. If it feels loose or comes off easily, remove it and repeat the attachment process, paying close attention to alignment and applying consistent pressure. Experiment with the different sizes (small, medium, large) to find the best and most secure fit for your ear. The correct size will seal well in your ear canal, maximizing noise cancellation and bass response.

And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, you’ve got your AirPods Pro feeling comfy and sounding amazing again. Thanks for reading, and feel free to stop by again for more helpful tips and tricks!