Start by identifying your AirPods model, then clean only the speaker and microphone meshes Apple specifies for it. Use the model-specific method and let the AirPods dry for at least two hours when Apple calls for that wait. If sound remains muffled, check audio balance, fit and noise-control settings before arranging service.
Identify your AirPods before cleaning
Apple’s cleaning instructions differ by model and generation, so check which AirPods you have before choosing a procedure. The instructions for AirPods 3, 4 and 5 identify specific mesh areas to clean; AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 require removing the ear tips first. AirPods Max have separate instructions. Use Apple’s model-specific AirPods cleaning guidance rather than applying one model’s steps to another.
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For the detailed mesh procedures below, Apple specifies either the Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit or micellar water containing PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, distilled water, a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush, two small cups and a paper towel. Follow the instructions for your exact model and clean only the indicated areas.
Clean AirPods 3, 4 and 5 mesh areas
- Hold the AirPod so the mesh you are cleaning faces upward. Brush that mesh gently in circles for about 15 seconds.
- Turn the AirPod over and blot it against a paper towel. Repeat the micellar-water brushing and blotting steps twice more on that mesh.
- Rinse the toothbrush with distilled water, then repeat the brushing and blotting process with distilled water.
- Leave the AirPods to dry completely for at least two hours before using them or putting them in the charging case.
Repeat the procedure for each mesh area Apple indicates. Do not scrub other parts of the AirPods as though they were mesh.
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Wipe the body and clean the case safely
If an AirPod body has been exposed to a substance that could stain or damage it, Apple says to wipe it with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water, then dry it with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Wait at least two hours before use or placing it in the case.
Wipe the charging case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Keep liquid out of the charging ports. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to remove debris from a port; do not insert anything into it.
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Clean AirPods Pro and removable ear tips
For AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, remove the ear tips before cleaning the indicated mesh areas. Apple’s mesh procedure uses micellar water followed by distilled water, with complete drying for at least two hours. Do not clean areas Apple does not identify.
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To clean a removable ear tip, pull it off, rinse it with water without soap or household cleaners, and wipe it with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure it is completely dry before reattaching it. Keep liquid out of the charging ports.
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Apple describes an additional rinse procedure specifically for AirPods Pro 3. It is not a general rinse instruction for other AirPods models; follow the AirPods Pro cleaning instructions for your generation.
Follow these safety rules
- Do not run AirPods or AirPods Pro under water.
- Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials on the AirPods.
- Keep liquids out of charging ports, and do not put tools or other objects inside them.
- Do not assume a cleaning or rinsing step for one generation applies to another.
If one AirPod is quieter or silent
For a quieter AirPod
- Check the affected AirPod’s microphone and speaker meshes for debris. If you find any, clean them using the instructions for your model.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Balance. Confirm the slider is centered.
Apple’s troubleshooting for a left or right AirPod that is not working includes these checks.
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For an AirPod that produces no sound
- Confirm the charging case has charge, then put both AirPods in it for 30 seconds.
- Check the charge status, connect the AirPods to your device, and test the affected AirPod.
- If it still does not work, reset the AirPods using the instructions for your model.
Check AirPods Pro fit and noise cancellation
A proper ear-tip seal supports sound quality and noise cancellation. AirPods Pro 1 and 2 provide the Ear Tip Fit Test; AirPods Pro 3 provides the Acoustic Seal Test.
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- Wear the AirPods Pro and connect them to an iPhone or iPad.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the info button beside your AirPods.
- Choose Ear Tip Fit Test or Acoustic Seal Test, as applicable, and follow the on-screen prompts.
If Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) sounds wrong, check that your device software and AirPods firmware are current, make sure the external microphones are not blocked, and confirm ANC is enabled. If you do not want Adaptive Audio, check that it is not enabled. Loss of bass or more background sound with ANC on can be a reason to clean the AirPods. Apple’s ANC troubleshooting guidance also recommends resetting if the problem persists; service may be needed if resetting does not resolve it.
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When cleaning does not fix muffled sound
Muffling can have different causes, and cleaning is not a guaranteed repair. If the model-specific cleaning steps and relevant sound checks do not resolve the issue, Apple advises getting service. Use the AirPods Support page to find support options; Apple also provides a replacement path for damaged or missing AirPods.
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