AirPods Pro 2 making strange noises, distorted microphone, and uneven noise cancellation

Question

AirPods Pro 2 making strange noises, distorted microphone, and uneven noise cancellation

In June I bought a pair of AirPods Pro 2. During the first few days everything worked fine, but afterwards several issues started to appear.

Sometimes when someone calls me, one of the earbuds and occasionally both start making strange noises, almost like the signal is dropping or the audio is cutting out. It’s hard to describe, but the sound becomes unstable. Also, when I talk or send a voice message, the microphone sometimes records my voice in a distorted way.
Another issue I recently noticed is that when ANC or Transparency Mode is enabled, the right earbud is much more sensitive than the left one. For example, whenever I play on my gaming laptop (which has loud fans), the right earbud tries to cancel the background noise, but instead it creates a very annoying wave-like sound and it only happens in the right earbud.

I’ve cleaned them several times, but the problem still persists. Does anyone know what might be causing this?

Thanks in advance!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AirPods

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 15, 2025 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,581 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:25 PM in response to mateinastasee

Re: "AirPods Pro 2: In June I bought a pair of AirPods Pro 2. During the first few days everything worked fine,

but afterwards several issues started to appear."

You might want to try the ear-tip test in order to get the best fit

Choose your AirPods Pro ear tips - Apple Support

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Re: "Sometimes when someone calls me, one of the earbuds and occasionally both start making strange noises, almost like the signal is dropping or the audio is cutting out. It’s hard to describe, but the sound becomes

unstable."

Your headphones communicate using Bluetooth,

and a Bluetooth signal can be interfered with or weakened in some situations.

Wondering whether Apple Support's online article (link below( may help:

If the sound from your wireless headphones cuts out or is distorted - Apple Support

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Re: " ... when ANC or Transparency Mode is enabled, the right earbud is much more sensitive than the left one. For example, whenever I play on my gaming laptop (which has loud fans), the right earbud tries to cancel the

background noise, but instead it creates a very annoying wave-like sound and it only happens in the right earbud."

Trouble-shooting what to do:

If Active Noise Cancellation isn't working as expected on your AirPods - Apple Support

and

Apple support's online video may help with customizing the AirPods Pro settings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFInEgHWdYU

Also: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance, and make sure that the balance is set in the middle”

More info: If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support

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Re: "I’ve cleaned them several times, but the problem still persists".

That was a great idea! : If you haven't seen them already"

Tips for next time: How to clean your AirPods - Apple Support

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If needed:

Resource: AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

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More support:

AirPods Support Website: Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods....

AirPods Support - Official Apple Support

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