AirPods · Display & Sound
Switch between Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offer Active Noise Cancellation to block outside sound, Transparency mode to let it in, and — on newer models — Adaptive Audio, which blends the two automatically based on your environment.
How to open Noise Control (ANC & Transparency)
- Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the info (i) button next to your AirPods.
- Tap Noise Control and toggle which modes (Off, Transparency, Adaptive, Noise Cancellation) appear in the cycle.
What you should know
- Cycle modes by press-and-holding the stem (AirPods Pro) or the Noise Control button (AirPods Max), or by long-pressing the volume slider in Control Center.
- Adaptive Audio (AirPods Pro 2nd generation and later) continuously adjusts how much outside noise comes through instead of being a fixed on/off mode.
- Available modes and their order can be customized under Settings → Bluetooth → [your AirPods] → Noise Control.
Why it matters
Picking the wrong default mode for your environment is the single biggest reason people think their AirPods Pro "aren't that great" at noise cancellation — Transparency mode intentionally lets ambient sound through and is easy to leave on by mistake.
Best practices
- Ensure a snug, sealed ear tip fit — loose-fitting tips dramatically reduce how effective Active Noise Cancellation feels.
- Run the in-ear fit test under Settings → Bluetooth → [your AirPods] → Ear Tip Fit Test after switching tip sizes.
Common problems and fixes
- Noise Cancellation doesn't seem to do much
- Try a different ear tip size and run the Ear Tip Fit Test — an imperfect seal is the most common cause of weak-feeling ANC.
- Can't find Adaptive Audio as an option
- Confirm you have AirPods Pro (2nd generation) or later and that firmware is up to date; older Pro models don't support Adaptive Audio.
Tips and tricks
- Setting Transparency as the mode used automatically during phone calls (under Noise Control settings) makes it easier to hear your own voice and surroundings mid-call.
Frequently asked questions
Do regular AirPods have noise cancellation?
No — Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode are exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
Related settings
- Spatial Audio & Head TrackingSpatial Audio simulates a surround-sound field for supported movies, shows, and music, and dynamic head tracking keeps that sound field anchored to the screen even as you turn your head.
- Customize Press & Squeeze ControlsDepending on the model, AirPods use a double-tap, a stem squeeze, or a light tap to control playback, calls, Siri, and noise control — and every one of those actions can be reassigned to a different function.