
AirPods Pro are Apple's wireless headphones with active noise cancellation and a tight in-ear fit. While the noise cancellation feature may reduce the temptation to play music loudly, some users have reported issues with sound leakage, where people sitting nearby can hear the audio being played. This can be a cause for concern, especially in quiet spaces. There are a few suggested methods to test and address the issue, including resetting the AirPods, deep cleaning, and using replacement tips for a better seal.
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What You'll Learn

Sound leakage at low volumes
Some users have reported sound leakage issues with their AirPods Pro, even at low volumes. One user on the Apple Community support forum noted that their AirPods Pro leaked sound so much that they could be heard from across rooms, even when the volume was low. Another user on the same forum thread reported a similar issue, stating that their AirPods Pro were leaking sound and the volume was very low. They tried cleaning the AirPods, but it didn't resolve the issue.
On the other hand, some users have suggested that the AirPods Pro do not leak sound as much as the earlier generations of AirPods. One user on the MacRumors forum mentioned that they conducted an experiment where they played the same part of a song at the same volume with AirPods Pro and Gen 2 AirPods, and found that the sound leakage from the AirPods Pro was significantly less.
It's important to note that the shape of your ears can also impact sound leakage. One user on Quora suggested that standard-shaped ears will not leak sound, but if your ear holes are unusually shaped (e.g., triangular or square), there may be more sound leakage.
Some users have found ways to mitigate sound leakage issues. One user on the iFixit forum suggested using isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip to clean their AirPods, which helped fix the issue. Another user on the same forum mentioned that they had to get their AirPods replaced due to sound leakage issues.
If you are experiencing sound leakage issues with your AirPods Pro, it may be worth trying some troubleshooting steps such as cleaning the AirPods, checking for debris, or reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.
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How to test for sound leakage
There are several ways to test for sound leakage from AirPods. One way is to record yourself wearing them while listening to something and then listen to the recording afterwards. This can be done, for example, on Snapchat. Another way is to simply ask someone else to listen out while you are wearing them and provide feedback on any sound leakage.
Some users have reported sound leakage issues with their AirPods, even at low volumes. However, others have found that there is no inherent leakage issue with the AirPods Pro, and that the tips make a good seal, blocking out sound leakage effectively.
If you are experiencing sound leakage issues, one suggestion is to reset your AirPods as this can sometimes help with sound issues. To do this, first put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. If your AirPods appear as connected, tap the "More Info" button, then "Forget This Device", and confirm. If your AirPods don't appear, move on to the next step. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white. Finally, reconnect your AirPods by placing them close to your iPhone or iPad.
It may also be worth trying different replacement tips that can create a better seal. You can also walk into any Apple store and try the AirPods out for yourself.
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Sound leakage in public spaces
Sound leakage from earphones in public spaces can be an issue for some users, especially when it comes to AirPods. While some people might not be bothered by it, others may find it annoying or embarrassing.
There have been reports of sound leakage with AirPods, particularly with the second generation model. One user on the Apple Community forum mentions that their AirPods 2 leak sound, where people sitting nearby can hear the audio being played if they focus on it. This issue becomes more noticeable in quiet spaces, such as when travelling on public transport or in a "quiet car" as one user experienced.
The same user also mentions that with noise cancellation, the volume of the music can be reduced by half while still being audible to the listener. This not only helps protect the listener's ear health but also reduces the likelihood of sound leakage.
To test for sound leakage, a suggestion is to record yourself wearing the AirPods while playing audio and then listen back to the recording. This can help identify if the sound is leaking and to what extent.
Some users have tried resetting their AirPods as instructed on the Apple Support website, but the sound leakage issue persists. In some cases, the problem has been mitigated by using alternative ear tips that create a better seal, although these can be hard to find.
Overall, while AirPods offer convenience and portability, sound leakage can be a concern for some users, especially in public spaces where others may be disturbed by the escaping sound.
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Resetting AirPods to fix sound leakage
Resetting your AirPods may help to fix sound leakage issues. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Go to the Apple Support website and follow the instructions to reset your AirPods.
- If resetting does not fix the sound leakage, try unpairing and repairing your AirPods.
- You can also try using replacement tips that create a better seal. These may be harder to find in some countries.
- If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact Apple directly for further assistance or to request a replacement pair.
It is important to note that some sound leakage may still occur even after resetting your AirPods. This could be due to the design of the AirPods or other factors such as the volume level and the environment in which they are being used. To minimise sound leakage, ensure that your AirPods are fitted properly and securely in your ears. You can also try to lower the volume and be aware of your surroundings, especially in public spaces.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that sound leakage can be a concern for privacy and can disturb others around you. If you are experiencing significant sound leakage, it may be worth considering alternative options, such as different earbud designs that provide a better seal and minimise sound leakage, even at high volumes.
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Tighter in-ear fit to prevent sound leakage
AirPods Pro users have reported experiencing sound leakage, where people sitting nearby can hear the audio playing through the AirPods. This can be particularly noticeable when the volume is high.
To prevent sound leakage, a tighter in-ear fit is crucial. The AirPods Pro, with their silicone tips, are designed to provide a secure and comfortable seal in the ear canal. This seal is essential for blocking external noise and preventing sound from escaping.
- Choose the right ear tip size: AirPods Pro come with three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large). Ensure you select the correct size for your ears. A proper fit ensures the ear tips seal your ear canal effectively.
- Adjust the ear tips: Make sure the ear tips are properly seated in your ears. Gently twist and adjust them until you feel a snug and comfortable fit.
- Try different ear tip styles: If you find the standard silicone ear tips ineffective, consider trying alternative styles, such as memory foam or hybrid ear tips. These can provide a more customized and secure fit, improving noise isolation and sound leakage prevention.
- Experiment with third-party ear tips: If you're still experiencing sound leakage, explore third-party ear tip options designed specifically for AirPods Pro. These may offer unique features, such as enhanced noise isolation or a more secure fit, further reducing sound leakage.
- Keep your AirPods Pro clean: Regularly clean the ear tips and your AirPods Pro according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wax or debris buildup can interfere with the seal, reducing noise isolation and potentially causing sound leakage.
By ensuring a tight in-ear fit, you can minimize sound leakage from your AirPods Pro, enhancing your listening experience and maintaining privacy when enjoying your audio content.
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Frequently asked questions
AirPods Pro have been known to leak sound, although some users have reported no sound leakage.
You can test for sound leakage by recording yourself wearing the AirPods Pro while listening to something and then listening back to the recording. Alternatively, you can set the volume to your normal listening level, take an AirPod out, and cover the tip with your fingertip to create a seal.
It is not clear why some AirPods Pro leak sound. Some users have suggested that it could be due to the microphones on the AirPods Pro.
You can try resetting your AirPods Pro or cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip. You can also try creating a better seal by using replacement tips or adjusting the fit of the AirPods Pro in your ears.
Yes, other models of AirPods, such as the 2nd generation, have also been reported to leak sound.



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