There’s nothing quite like the magic of slipping in your AirPods Pro, enabling Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and having the world melt away. That personal bubble of silence is the premium feature users love. But for a growing number of new AirPods Pro 3 owners, that silence is being rudely interrupted by an unwelcome guest: a persistent, distracting static or crackling sound.
Reports have been surfacing on forums like Reddit and Apple’s own support communities, creating a concerned chorus. Users describe a crackling or popping noise that appears primarily when ANC or Transparency Mode is active. For many, the issue is triggered by movement—turning your head, walking, or even chewing can set off a flurry of digital static that makes listening to music or podcasts a frustrating ordeal.
For a device that carries a premium price tag, this is more than a minor annoyance. “The noise cancellation is brilliant, but when I’m walking, the left AirPod starts crackling like a faulty speaker,” one user wrote on a tech forum. “It completely ruins the experience.” If you’re facing this issue, you’re in the right place.
Why is My AirPods Pro 3 Crackling? Potential Causes
While Apple hasn’t released an official statement on a widespread AirPods Pro 3 static problem, the issue often stems from one of three areas:
- Firmware Glitch: The most optimistic scenario is a software bug. AirPods receive automatic firmware updates, and it’s possible a recent update introduced the issue. If so, a future update could provide a fix.
- Hardware Defect: A more worrying possibility is a manufacturing flaw. The complex microphone and speaker systems that enable ANC are delicate. This issue is reminiscent of problems that affected some first-generation AirPods Pro units, which led to an official replacement program.
- Debris or Grime: The simplest explanation can sometimes be the correct one. The external microphone grilles can get clogged with earwax or debris, which may interfere with the noise-cancellation system and produce static-like sounds.
How to Fix the AirPods Pro 3 Static Problem: 4 Steps to Try
If you’re hearing that annoying crackle, don’t rush to the service centre just yet. Here are a few troubleshooting steps that can resolve the problem.
1. Clean Your AirPods Pro Thoroughly
First things first. Gently clean the black microphone and speaker meshes with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Use a soft-bristled brush to carefully clear any visible debris from the grilles. Avoid using water, cleaning solutions, or sharp objects.
2. Reset Your AirPods
The classic “turn it off and on again” solution works wonders for a reason. A full reset can clear software conflicts causing the static.
* Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds.
* Open the lid. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the ‘i’ icon next to your AirPods, and select “Forget This Device.”
* With the case lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.
* Re-pair the AirPods with your device and test them.
3. Check for Software and Firmware Updates
Ensure your connected device (like an iPhone or Mac) is running the latest OS version. To check your AirPods firmware, connect them to your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods, and look for the “Version” number. Firmware updates happen automatically when the AirPods are charging and near your iPhone, but ensuring your phone is updated can help trigger it.
4. Contact Apple Support
If none of these steps resolve the static problem, it’s time to contact the professionals. Your best bet is to book an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Service Provider. Be sure to have your proof of purchase handy. If this issue becomes widespread, Apple may launch a service program to address it.
