Have you ever had trouble hearing your favorite albums over the roar of a jet engine? Or missed important call details thanks to a noisy cafe? Modern noise canceling technology helps solve these problems by actively blocking ambient sound.
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max bring this feature to Apple‘s wireless earbuds, helping you focus in noisy environments. Here‘s an in-depth guide to mastering noise controls on supported AirPods models.
A Quick Primer: How Does Noise Cancelation Work?
Active noise cancelation (ANC) uses tiny microphones to detect external noise before it enters your ear canal. Advanced electronics then create an equal and opposite "anti-noise" signal to cancel out the ambient sounds.
This leaves just your music playing, not the distracting background chatter of a coffee shop or rumble of a commuter train. It‘s an audio experience you really need to try yourself to appreciate.
Apple uses custom silicon chips to analyze environmental noise over 200 times per second. The AirPods then negate unwanted sounds with precision you won‘t find in other earbuds.
You can also allow external noise in when desired using AirPods‘ transparency mode. This gives you situational awareness when crossing the road or having a quick chat.
Let‘s explore all your options to take control of noise canceling on AirPods.
Compare Noise Controls Across AirPods Models
Active noise cancelation comes standard on premium AirPods models:
| Model | Noise Canceling? | Transparency Mode? | Other Audio Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 1st Gen | No | No | None |
| AirPods 2nd Gen | No | No | "Hey Siri" Support |
| AirPods Pro | Yes | Yes | Adaptive EQ, Force Sensor |
| AirPods Max | Yes | Yes | Adaptive EQ, Physical Buttons |
Only AirPods Pro and Max allow you to actively reduce or amplify external sounds. So if noise adjustment is important to you, these are the models to choose.
On both Pro and Max you can seamlessly switch between blocking noise, hearing your environment, and simply enjoying your media without any processing.
Use the Force Sensor to Toggle Modes
Let‘s start with the most convenient way to change noise settings on the fly – the force sensor on your AirPods Pro earbuds.
Locate the flat indented button on each AirPod Pro stem. To cycle between modes:
- Press and hold the force sensor for 2 seconds until you hear a tone cue.
- Keep holding as your AirPods switch from noise canceling to transparency, then noise canceling off.
- Release your finger when you hear the confirmation tone for your desired mode.
It takes practice to master the timing. But with use this becomes second nature. Toggling settings is then as easy as pulling your iPhone flashlight on and off!
Custom silicon tips provide both comfort and excellent noise isolation to complement active cancelation. Having trouble hearing with ANC on? Try adjusting the fit of your AirPods Pro first.
Master this gesture to quickly toggle noise modes without touching your phone.
Manage Modes Through iPhone Settings
What if you loan your AirPods to a friend and want to guide them through sound adjustments? Or prefer manual controls to force sensor presses?
Managing noise cancelation through your iPhone Settings app provides more visible feedback.
To change modes on iOS:
- Open your iPhone Settings after pairing your AirPods.
- Choose Bluetooth from the main menu.
- Select your AirPods under My Devices.
- Tap Noise Control.
- Select from:
- Active Noise Cancelation
- Transparency
- Noise Cancelation Off
You‘ll see confirmation of the new mode both on-screen and with your AirPods‘ status light if watching closely.
Following these steps allows precise control without any ambiguity. Share access by handing your phone over too.
Utilize Noise Controls Through Control Center
Fidgeting with settings when you just want to briefly chat with your neighbor or order a coffee seems cumbersome. This is where Control Center shines.
Open Control Center with a swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone screen. Long press on the volume slider, then choose your noise mode:
Now you can rapidly toggle external sound filtering without leaving your app. This is perfect for transient situations like crossing roads where maximum awareness is key.
Control Center should be your first stop for quick ANC adjustments on the fly. Reserve extended settings access for initial setup and troubleshooting.
Understand Transparency Mode Technology
We‘ve covered active noise cancellation extensively. But what about letting outside sounds through?
Transparency Mode uses the same external microphones as noise cancellation to detect ambient audio. But rather than negating these sounds, your earbuds deliberately amplify background noises so you remain aware of your surroundings.
Faint chatter and traffic blend with your music for a smooth listening experience. Have a brief chat or order your drink without removing an earbud.
Apple perfected this ambient listening technology across nearly a decade of AirPods product testing. While not magic, the effect feels close – you forget you‘re wearing in-ear buds at all!
Examples of Noise Mode Usage
We‘ve explored the technological how behind noise controls. Now let‘s see them in action across real-world scenarios:
You enter a busy coffee shop listening to a new album. The background chatter makes it hard to discern details. Enable ANC to eliminate the noise and focus solely on your music.
You need to chat with a barista to customize your drink order. Activate transparency mode to effortlessly intermix external sounds from the shop with your audio.
Your phone rings with an important work call. Office noise could lead to miscommunication. Keep ANC on so you catch every word without distraction.
Crossing a road, you want to hear approaching cars and conversation snippets for safety. Transparency mode lets you blend external sound with your podcast.
About to catch some sleep on a long haul flight, you want rest without engine drone. Turn on noise cancellation so you only hear peaceful silence.
Heading outdoors into a quiet park, you no longer need noise filtering DSP. Switch off ANC and transparency to save battery life.
As you can see, various situations call for different settings. Get familiar alternating modes depending on ambient noise levels, safety requirements, and how much battery you have to spare.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions about these features:
Can I control noise modes on my Apple Watch?
Yes! Open the Now Playing glance on your watch when using AirPods. Tap the AirPlay icon, then select your desired noise control mode.
Do AirPods Max work the same way?
Operation is identical. AirPods Max lacks a force sensor, so rely on gestures via your paired iPhone or the physical buttons on the headphones. Hold for Siri works the same as on AirPods Pro.
What about my Mac?
You can also manage noise canceling levels from any paired Mac. Click the volume icon in the menu bar with your AirPods connected, then choose a sound setting.
How do I know which mode is active?
Watch for on-screen confirmation when toggling modes. You can also press the force sensor on AirPods Pro – options cycle sequentially from noise cancellation to transparency to off.
Can I select different modes for left/right AirPod?
At this time, noise canceling modes remain synchronized between sides. Both earbuds active the same settings simultaneously.
Can volume adjustments damage my hearing?
To prevent hearing damage, Apple AirPods limit maximum volume to safe levels recommended by health organizations. Just avoid blasting music for long periods!
Take Control of Your Listening
Noise canceling and transparency modes put you back in the driver‘s seat, letting you decide precisely what to hear. Block out the world for distraction-free music or let ambient sounds filter through – the choice is yours with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
We‘ve covered a wide range of controls to master. Use this guide as a reference while discovering what works for your personal lifestyle. With practice toggling active noise cancellation becomes second nature.
Soon you‘ll forget noisy disruptions while flying or working from bustling cafes. Avoid conversations in public when you want solitude or seamlessly blend them with your tracks when needed. It‘s technology so advanced it now feels like magic.
Give your ears super powers and take control with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max!
