How to Turn Noise Canceling On and Off on AirPods

Sometimes you want to put your AirPods in and mute the world around you. Then, there are times when you really want to talk on the phone, but you need to be aware of what’s happening around you. So, how do your turn noise cancellation on and off on AirPods?

You can turn on and off Noise Cancellation if you have the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max models. The feature, also known as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), detects environmental sounds and makes them quieter. Of course, you can turn this off if you want to listen to your music and hear your surroundings!

We’ll show you several ways to turn on and off Noise Cancellation on your AirPods Pro and AirPods Max!

How to Turn Noise Cancelling On and Off on AirPods

By design, you won’t hear ambient noises while listening to your favorite songs or during a conference call. So, the company created a way to let you control whether you want to hear outside noises or block them.

If you want to hear the sounds around you while wearing your AirPods, you can enable Transparency Mode. This mode activates an external microphone and lets you hear other sounds! However, if you want to hear only the audio on your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, enable the Active Noise Cancellation function.

Of course, beware that Active Noise Cancellation only works when your AirPods fit properly. So, you may need to adjust them a bit if you hear external sounds with Active Noise Control enabled.

Turn On and Off Noise Cancellation on the AirPod the Easy Way

If you upgraded from one of the older AirPod versions to the Pro, you probably noticed a new addition to the AirPods. Unlike the standard 1st and 2nd Generation AirPods, the AirPods Pro has a Force Sensor on the AirPod!

The best way to toggle between sound modes if you use the feature often is to long-press the Force Sensor button. Your AirPods will give you a little chime to confirm it is now in Transparency Mode, Active Noise Cancellation Mode, or off.

Steps to Turn On and Off Noise Cancelling on the iPhone

Perhaps someone else is using your AirPods and you want to grab their attention, or you want to know about changing the modes on your iPhone. Fortunately, it only takes a few steps to turn on and off noise cancellation on your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max from your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Settings

You’ve probably noticed there aren’t a lot of buttons on your AirPods. That’s because, in terms of Apple logic, the AirPods are companion devices. They need an Apple device to control any settings, change their name, or do nearly anything else.

Wear your AirPods and ensure that your iPhone connects to them. Then, open your iPhone’s Settings app.

Step 2: Tap Bluetooth

You can do many things for your AirPods in an iPhone’s Settings. But to turn off and on noise cancellation, tap on Bluetooth.

The next menu will show you a list of all your paired Bluetooth devices. Some will allow you to make changes, and others won’t. Remember, you won’t see the Settings options unless you’re wearing your AirPods and they have enough battery life to complete the changes.

Step 3: Tap on Your AirPods in the List

Now that you see the list of your paired Bluetooth devices, tap on your AirPods.

Helpful hint: If you aren’t sure which AirPods are the ones you’re working with, you can change their name. Giving your AirPods a custom name makes it easier to find in Find My iPhone and when pairing or changing settings.

Step 4: Tap on the Noise Cancellation Option

As long as you’re wearing your AirPods and you have a newer model, such as the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max, you’ll see the Noise Cancellation Option.

If you don’t see the option, you don’t have one of the higher-end AirPod models, they don’t have any battery life, or you aren’t wearing them.

How to Turn Noise Cancelling On and Off on AirPods in the Control Center

Going to your iPhone’s Settings and then Bluetooth, and then toggling the noise cancellation switch to change your AirPod’s sound controls can hinder your progress in more important matters during the day!

Fortunately, you can select the Noise Cancellation options in your iPhone’s Control Center and access the function like your phone’s flashlight or Airplane mode. For the times you want to change the sound modes on your AirPods quickly, follow these steps!

Step 1: Pull Down from the Top Right Part of the Screen

If you’re familiar with Apple’s Control Center, this part will be easy for you. But, if you aren’t, grab the top right corner of your unlocked iPhone screen and pull your finger down.

The Control Center will open with any number of icons (because you can customize it by following the Settings > Control Center path).

Step 2: Long-Press Volume Icon

The Noise Cancellation feature doesn’t have its own icon in your Control Center. Instead, it’s hidden in the volume controls. Typically located on the left side (next to screen brightness and under your music), long-press the Volume icon.

Helpful hint: This only works if you’re wearing your AirPods and they’re charged. Oh, and of course, only certain model AirPods have sound options.

Step 3: Tap the Noise Cancellation Option

As long as your AirPods are in your ears and charged, you will see the Noise Control button under the volume slider. Tap the option until it turns off or on.

Helpful hint: There are three noise controls: Transparency, Active Noise Cancellation, and off.

Here is a brief, step-by-step video for further reference:

Can You Hear Me Now?

It seems Apple gives us a little more control over our favorite devices with each new release! The AirPods are phenomenal wireless headphones that connect to our favorite Apple gear automatically. While the lower-end models give us noise cancellation, we can’t turn it on or off. But the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max do!

So, don’t forget, there are many ways to turn off and on noise cancellation on your AirPods Pro and AirPods Max! If you’re walking down a busy road or shopping in a store, it may be best to use Transparency Mode. But use Active Noise Cancellation when you’re at home or in the office to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ivan_Shenets/Shutterstock.com.