Why Do My AirPods Make a High-Pitched Noise?
AirPods are one of the most popular gadgets on the market. They are small, rear-mounted wireless headphones that let you listen to music and phone calls without taking the headphones off.
But some people have complained that the AirPods make a high-pitched noise.
If you’ve noticed a high-pitched noise coming from your AirPods, you’re not alone!
Many users have reported this issue and it can be annoying. In this blog, we’ll talk about what could be causing the noise and what to do about it.
Why Do My AirPods Make a High-Pitched Noise?
There are a few potential reasons why your AirPods might be making a high-pitched noise. The most common cause is interference from other wireless devices in the area.
This can be anything from a nearby Bluetooth speaker to a smartphone or laptop.
Another possible cause is that the AirPods are not properly connected to your device. If this is the case, try repairing them with your device and see if that helps.
The high-pitched noise can also be caused by a faulty battery or speaker in the AirPods. If this is the case, you might want to consider replacing them.
Finally, the noise could also be coming from dust and dirt that has built up inside your AirPods. This can happen if you don’t clean them regularly.
To get rid of the noise, try using a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol to carefully clean your AirPods.
Steps To Resolve It
1. Check Your Ear Seal or Turn Off Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The ear seal of your AirPods plays a crucial role in the audio quality. If the seal is not good enough, it might lead to feedback noise or a high-pitched sound.
Hence, ensure that your AirPods properly fit in your ear. If the issue persists, try turning off the Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
These features are designed to enhance your audio experience, but they can sometimes cause unusual noises due to software glitches or excessive ambient noise.
To turn them off, navigate through: Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Noise Control, and select ‘Off’. Restart your AirPods and check if the high-pitched noise is still present.
2. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
Another possible solution to the problem of a high-pitched noise in your AirPods is to disable the Automatic Ear Detection feature.
This feature turns the audio on and off depending on whether you are wearing your AirPods. While it generally improves user experience, it can sometimes cause glitches, including high-pitched sounds. To disable Automatic Ear Detection, follow these steps: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Automatic Ear Detection, then toggle it off.
After disabling it, check your AirPods to see if the high-pitched noise has been resolved. If not, try the next troubleshooting method.
3. Reset Your AirPods
If the above methods fail, resetting your AirPods might solve the problem. Resetting clears all the settings, potentially eliminating any software glitches causing the high-pitched noise. Here’s how to do it: First, make sure your AirPods are in their charging case.
Then, open the lid and locate the small, round button on the back of the case. Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds until the LED indicator flashes amber and white.
Once you’ve reset your AirPods, reconnect them to your device. If you’re still experiencing the high-pitched noise after this, you may need to contact Apple Support or consider a replacement.
4. Check Other Bluetooth Connections
Interference from other Bluetooth devices can sometimes cause a high-pitched noise in your AirPods. If you are in a location with multiple Bluetooth devices connected, try to isolate your AirPods.
Disconnect other Bluetooth devices one by one, and check if the high-pitched noise stops. To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then select the device you want to disconnect and choose ‘Forget This Device’. Repeat the process for each Bluetooth device.
After disconnecting all other Bluetooth devices, check if the high-pitched noise from your AirPods has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.
5. Examine Your Device’s Sound System or Bluetooth
The issue of a high-pitched noise could also be due to your device’s sound system or Bluetooth. If your device’s audio output settings are incorrect or if there is a problem with Bluetooth, it could result in unwanted sounds through your AirPods.
To check this, go through your device’s sound settings and ensure everything is correctly set up. If you’re unsure, resetting your device’s sound settings to default often helps. As for Bluetooth, make sure it is updated to the latest version.
Some devices allow you to reset Bluetooth settings specifically, which can also be worth trying. After examining and making any necessary changes to your device’s sound system or Bluetooth, recheck your AirPods to see if the high-pitched noise has been resolved. If the noise persists, you may need to seek further assistance.
6. Inspect for Physical Damage or Misalignment
Sometimes, the high-pitched noise from your AirPods may be due to physical damage or misalignment of internal components.
This could be the result of a fall, impact, or frequent rough handling. Carefully inspect your AirPods for any visible signs of damage.
Pay attention to the mesh speaker grilles which can be easily deformed, leading to audio distortions. If you notice any physical damage, or if your AirPods have suffered a serious fall recently, it would be best to take them to an Apple service center for professional assessment and repair.
Misalignment may not be visually detectable, but if other troubleshooting methods fail and your AirPods are still under warranty, consider seeking help from Apple Support. It’s essential to take note that any attempt to open your AirPods may void your warranty.
7. Get Help From Apple Support
If none of the above troubleshooting methods resolve the issue, it’s time to get help from Apple Support.
Visit the official Apple Support website or contact them directly through the Apple Support app. Provide them with detailed information about the high-pitched noise problem, what steps you’ve already taken to try to fix it, and any observations that might be helpful.
They will guide you through their troubleshooting process, which may involve additional steps not covered here. If it’s determined that your AirPods need to be serviced, you can send them in for repair or replacement, depending on your warranty status.
Always remember, dealing with electronic devices requires patience and the right knowledge to avoid further complications.
Pros and Cons
Tips for using AirPods
- Make sure your AirPods are placed properly in the ear.
- Use a stable and secure connection like WiFi or LTE to stream music.
- Don’t leave your AirPods in the case for too long, as this can reduce battery life.
- Try not to expose your AirPods to water or extreme temperatures.
- Clean your AirPods regularly with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to get rid of dust, debris, and other potential causes of noise.
- Try not to drop your AirPods as this can damage them.
- Regularly update your device software to take advantage of bug fixes and performance improvements.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep your AirPods in good condition and enjoy all the features they have to offer.
If you’re still having trouble with your AirPods making a high-pitched noise, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a high-pitched noise in your AirPods can be a bothersome issue, but there are several troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve it.
These range from adjusting the settings on your device, resetting your AirPods, checking other Bluetooth connections, examining your device’s sound system, inspecting for physical damage, to ultimately seeking help from Apple Support. Remember, if you’re not comfortable performing any of these steps, it’s always best to seek professional assistance.
Lastly, ensure you handle your AirPods with care to avoid physical damage, which could potentially cause such problems.
FAQs
AirPods may make a high-pitched noise due to a variety of reasons. It could be due to interference from other electronic devices, low battery, or software issues.
You can try resetting your AirPods, cleaning them with a soft, dry cloth, and making sure they are charged properly. If the issue persists, contact Apple support or take them to an authorized repair center.
While the high-pitched noise itself may not cause hearing damage, it could be a sign of a problem with your AirPods that could lead to hearing damage if left unchecked. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Yes, it’s possible that the high-pitched noise is a sign of a defect in your AirPods. If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the noise persists, contact Apple support or take them to an authorized repair center.
If your AirPods are still under warranty and the high-pitched noise is due to a manufacturing defect, Apple will likely replace them for you. However, if the issue is due to accidental damage or misuse, you may need to pay for the repair or replacement.