Excessive Wind Noise in Right AirPod Only - New Device, Latest Firmware

Same here with the right airpod (with the 7b20 firmware). I replicated the same issue on my iPad as well to make sure it comes from the airpod (and it does).

Contacted Apple and they changed me both airpods.

I write this reply 2 days after picking the new ones, and today, again the same sound when activating the ANC but this time, the left airpod is the malfunctioning one.

Am I that unlucky or is this issue that common ?

Btw, if I can add some additional elements I noticed:

Even when I turn off everything (ANC, transparency,…), I noticed that the malfunctioning airpod’s volume fluctuates, sometimes the volume is increased (compared to the other side), sometimes the bass is boosted and I need to use the left/right audio balance in the settings (accessibility) to not get a headache…

Identical issue with right AirPod 4 since 7A304 firmware update. Not possible to use Transparency, Adaptive or Noise Cancellation controls because of excessive ‘white noise’. Appears to be a sound feedback problem.

D

Update….discussed with Apple tech support. Tried to troubleshoot problem on another iPhone to try and replicate the issue. Same problem recurred so the AirPods 4 issue is localised to earphone and not iPhone, iOS software or specific apps.

AirPods 4 now returned to Apple to identify root cause of problem. Should hear back in several days from them with diagnosis.

D.

Exactly the same issue and I bought them in January 2025 - just went back tot he store and they told me to wait 3-4 weeks for apple to fix the issue and advised me to do nothing... I want a fix sooner, this is a brand new and expensive product and I've immediately had issues with no resolution

Just bought the AirPods 4 ANC in Dec 2024, and it starts having the same problem after a few days.

I’ve replaced 2 times in weeks. When I got the same issue again, they agreed to replace a brand-new AirPods with firmware 7A304. No problem found I the first week when traveling. But I found that after updating to 7B20, the nightmare happens again.

I’m so disappointed. Hopes the next firmware could solve it.

upd for second chance:

The third replacement pair Apple gave me started making "wind noise" after just three weeks. I'm heading to the Apple Store again for the third time, and this time, I’m demanding a full refund because this AirPods 4 with noise cancellation is complete rubbish. I would not recommend anyone spend money and, more importantly, time dealing with this particular Apple product.

Updated AirPod 4 firmware to 7B19 with no improvement.

Hello,

i ran into the same issue i received my AirPods 4 as a gift. After 20 minutes, I had an excessive “wind noise”.

I went to the Apple store and they exchanged them on the spot and my problem was resolved.

I've had my right AirPod replaced and returned today with its original case and left AirPod. Just tested the AirPods 4 and they both appear to be working correctly now. There is no longer a white noise sound in the right AirPod when I select the Transparency, Adaptive or Noise Cancellation controls.

This indicates that it was a hardware fault with the right AirPod.

Hopefully, this issue won't occur again.

See report below.

D.

Update...disappointed with Apple Repair Team response. Contacted Apple Adviser because repair window is now outside of SLA. AirPods sent to Apple Oct 30th, still no update on status and now Nov 13th. Apple Repair would not give any information on the status of the AirPods to the Adviser - no diagnosis of problem, whether it was being fixed, and importantly when my AirPods would be returned to me. Only option given to me by the Repair team, if I wanted my AirPods returned, was to have the AirPods4 returned unrepaired, i.e., cancel the repair altogether - quite a surprising and arrogant way of dealing with a customer. I provided this response as part of my feedback to Apple.

Just waiting to see what happens....

See my Nov 18th response + other responses - suggest you raise issue with Apple and start the return process. Appears to be a hardware problem (see Apple Service note -> replaced the right AirPod).

Same problem started today for me out of nowhere. Got my pair as a Christmas gift, so it's been about two weeks. I noticed it on the bus an hour before I posted this when the music I was hearing ended. Didn't give it much thought at first, but then I got into the office and it became clearer due to the lack of excessive noise. It's just the right airpod. The left one works fine. I saw on Reddit that this issue fixed itself for someone. Not sure if I should send it in for repair seeing as some of you have had problems with that. Don't wanna have to wait months to get a new pair...

I’m having same issues. My AirPods 4 anc were replaced TWICE at Apple Store, and still I continue to have exact same issue with wind noise. Last time I went Genius Bar they once again said every thing is perfect according to their tests, but this time they can’t replace it and the only option is to file legal claim.

I reached out to the Apple support through the app, they were much more friendly and asked for a couple of days to research. We’ve set up a new call in a couple of days, and I’ll be

in direct contact with the advisor who is handling my problem.

Same issue here.

Send them back, I got new ones after a couple of days. They test them to make sure they do not work properly and give you new ones.