How to Fix Muffled Airpods

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Apple AirPods are convenient and portable, but they tend to get muffled easily. The most common reason for this is dirt or earwax building up in the speakers, so knowing how to clean your AirPods properly is a must. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best way to clean your AirPods as well as how to troubleshoot other common causes, such as a bad Bluetooth connection.

1

Clean your AirPods .

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-1.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To get them clean, wipe them down with a dry, lint-free cloth. Choose a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cleaning wipe, so you don’t scratch up your AirPods. You can also remove the ear tips, if your AirPods have them, and rinse them in plain water. However, don’t use any soap. Wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth when you’re done, then reattach them to your AirPods after they’re completely dry. [1]
    • If your AirPods have been exposed to any damaging substances, such as hair care products or detergent, wipe them with a cloth very lightly dampened with plain water. Be careful not to get any moisture in the speaker ports or any other openings, and let them dry completely before using them again.
    • For a deeper clean, use a 70% alcohol wipe to clean the outer surface of your AirPods, but take care to keep it away from the speaker mesh. You can also use a bleach-free disinfectant wipe, such as Clorox or Lysol wipes.
    2. Advertisement
2

Deep-clean the speaker ports.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-2.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To get the speakers clean, gently wipe the speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab. If you have AirPods Pro or another model with ear tips, pop those off, first. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush, such as a child’s toothbrush, to clean out any remaining stubborn wax or dirt. [2]
    • While you’re at it, you can also use the same technique to clean the microphone ports on the backs of the AirPods.
    • If you’re having trouble getting any gunk or wax out, soften a piece of mounting putty and gently touch it to the dirty surface. The wax will cling to the putty and lift it away from the speaker.
    • Another option is to gently pick out any earwax clinging to the inner edges of the ports with the point of a wooden toothpick. However, be very careful not to scratch or puncture the speaker mesh.
3

Wipe down the charger case.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-3.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It may also help them charge more reliably. Wipe the case with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth, or lightly dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol to get off stubborn grime. If you use alcohol, be very careful not to get any in the charging ports, and let the case dry completely before charging your AirPods. [3]
    • If there’s any debris in the Lighting connector, use a dry soft-bristle brush to remove it.
    2. Advertisement
4

Suck on your AirPod’s speaker grills.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-4.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As gross as it sounds, gently sucking on the large front speaker port on your AirPods may help draw out blockages inside the speaker mesh. Place the tip of the AirPod between your lips and gently breathe in through your mouth. [4] If regular cleaning methods aren’t cutting it, you may want to try this hack as a last resort.
    • Keep in mind that sucking on your AirPods could potentially damage them, especially if you get any saliva inside the speaker port or use too much suction. Use this method with caution. [5]
    • To keep things as hygienic as possible, clean your AirPods both before and after sucking on them.
    • If your AirPods have ear tips, remove those first.
5

Check your Bluetooth connection.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-5.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your AirPods sound staticky or if you notice the sound cutting in and out, your Bluetooth connection may be the problem. It may help to move closer to your device, move to a less crowded area (especially if you’re around a lot of other Bluetooth users), or turn off wi-fi on your device, since wi-fi signals can also interfere with Bluetooth audio. [6]
    • You’re also less likely to experience static or stuttering while listening to content stored on your device as opposed to streaming audio.
    • If you’ve tried everything and your connection still seems unstable, try unpairing your AirPods from your phone, computer, or other device. Restart the device, then re-pair it with the AirPods.
    • It may also help to turn your device’s Bluetooth connection off and back on again.
    2. Advertisement
6

Reset your AirPods.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-6.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do it, put your AirPods in their charger case with the lid closed. After 30 seconds, open the lid again. Unpair your AirPods from any devices they’re currently connected to, then hold the setup button on the back of the charger case for about 15 seconds. Watch for the status light to flash orange or amber, then white. When you’re done, reconnect the AirPods to your Bluetooth device. [7]
7

Update your phone, tablet, or computer.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-7.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes outdated software or firmware on your device can create connection issues and mess up your sound quality. [9] Make sure your operating system, apps, and drivers are up-to-date, then try your AirPods again. [10]
    2. Advertisement
8

Get professional service if all else fails.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-8.jpg\/aid13057247-v4-728px-Fix-Muffled-Airpods-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They may also replace your AirPods with a new set if they aren’t able to find or repair the cause of the poor sound quality. Take your AirPods to your local Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support to discuss other options. [11]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If just one of your AirPods sounds quiet or muffled, check the audio balance settings on the connected device. On Apple devices, you can do this by going into the Settings menu, then opening Accessibility and selecting Audio/Visual . From there, open Balance and check to see that the balance slider is set to the middle. [13]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Hard Reset an iPhone
      10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
      How to Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
      Turn Off Location Sharing on an iPhone Without Anyone Knowing
      How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC: 3 Simple Ways
      4 Ways to Find Your Lost iPhone When It’s Offline or Dead
      2 Ways to Get a Still Image from Video on iPhone or iPad
      6 Easy Steps to Reload Your Cash App Card at the Store
      How to Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another Phone
      How to Overlay Pictures on iPhone
      How to Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
      How to Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
      3 Easy Ways to Check Your WiFi GHz on an iPhone
      4 Simple Ways to Know if You’ve Been Blocked on Snapchat
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102672
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102672
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102672
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Jf4dgu8kjqs?t=28
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-airpods-earbuds/
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102530
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      8. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair/service
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108041
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209581

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Wipe them down with a dry, lint-free cloth.
      2. Use a 70% alcohol wipe to clean the outer surface.
      3. Wipe the speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab.
      4. Use a dry soft toothbrush to gently remove wax from the speaker mesh.
      5. Keep the charging case clean.
      6. Reset your AirPods.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 120,592 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement