How Do You Change Earbuds on Airpods Pro: A Simple Guide

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So, you’ve got yourself a pair of AirPods Pro, and you’re loving the sound quality and noise cancellation. But wait – those little silicone tips that nestle in your ears? They’re not a one-size-fits-all deal, and they’re definitely not indestructible. Maybe you’ve lost one, maybe you want a different fit, or perhaps they’re just getting a bit worn out. Whatever the reason, knowing how to change the earbuds on your AirPods Pro is a crucial skill for any owner.

Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process, and I’m here to walk you through it. I’ll cover everything from the different sizes available to the best way to attach and detach them. You’ll be back to enjoying your music in no time. Let’s get started!

Understanding Airpods Pro Earbuds

Before we get to the actual changing process, it’s helpful to understand the earbuds themselves. AirPods Pro come with a set of silicone ear tips, and these are essential for both sound quality and noise cancellation. They create a seal in your ear canal, which is what allows the AirPods Pro to work their magic. Without a proper seal, you’ll lose bass, and the noise cancellation won’t be as effective.

AirPods Pro originally shipped with three sizes of ear tips: small, medium, and large. Apple has since added an extra-small size to cater to a wider range of ear shapes and sizes. This is a significant improvement, as a proper fit is crucial for comfort and performance. The ear tips are designed to be easily removable and replaceable.

Why Change Your Earbuds?

There are several reasons why you might need to change your AirPods Pro earbuds:

Fit: The most common reason. The default size might not fit your ears perfectly, leading to discomfort or poor sound quality.
Loss: It’s easy to lose a single ear tip, especially if you’re active.
Damage: Over time, the silicone can tear or wear down.
Hygiene: Regularly changing the ear tips can improve hygiene.
Upgrading: You might want to upgrade to third-party ear tips for a different feel or improved noise isolation.

Identifying Your Ear Tip Size

Before you start swapping out ear tips, it’s a good idea to identify which size fits you best. Apple provides an ear tip fit test within the AirPods Pro settings. This test uses the microphones in the AirPods Pro to assess the seal in your ears and recommend the best size for you.

Here’s how to run the ear tip fit test:

Make sure your AirPods Pro are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
Go to Settings.
Tap on Bluetooth.
Find your AirPods Pro in the list of devices and tap the ‘i’ icon next to them.
Tap ‘Ear Tip Fit Test’.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to put the AirPods Pro in your ears and listen to some music while the test runs.
The test will tell you whether you have a good fit and, if not, recommend a different size.

Even if the test recommends a size, it’s still a good idea to try out different sizes to see what feels most comfortable. The fit test is a good starting point, but individual preferences vary.

Types of Ear Tips

While the original AirPods Pro ear tips are perfectly good, there are many aftermarket options available. These can offer different materials, improved comfort, or even better noise isolation. Here are some popular options:

Silicone: The standard material. Silicone ear tips are durable, easy to clean, and offer a good seal.
Memory Foam: Memory foam ear tips expand to fill your ear canal, creating a highly effective seal. They’re often more comfortable for extended use but may need to be replaced more frequently.
Foam: Similar to memory foam, but often less expensive. They provide a good seal and can be very comfortable.
Third-party options: Many companies offer ear tips with unique designs, materials, or features.

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Airpods Pro Earbuds

Now, let’s get to the main event: changing the earbuds. The process is simple, but it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging your AirPods Pro or the ear tips.

Grip the Ear Tip: Hold the AirPod Pro by its stem. Gently grip the base of the silicone ear tip.
Twist and Pull: Using a gentle twisting motion, pull the ear tip away from the AirPod Pro. The ear tip should detach easily. Avoid pulling straight out without twisting, as this can damage the AirPod Pro or the ear tip.
Prepare the New Ear Tip: Take your new ear tip and align it with the AirPod Pro. Make sure you have the correct size and that the ear tip is oriented correctly.
Align and Push: Place the new ear tip on the AirPod Pro and align it. The ear tip should have a small opening that fits onto the nozzle of the AirPod Pro.
Snap Into Place: Firmly, but gently, push the ear tip onto the AirPod Pro until you hear a click. This indicates that the ear tip is securely attached.
Repeat: Repeat the process for the other AirPod Pro.
Test the Fit: Put the AirPods Pro in your ears and run the ear tip fit test in the settings to ensure a good seal.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to make the process smoother:

Be Gentle: Don’t force anything. If the ear tip doesn’t come off easily, try twisting it more.
Clean Your AirPods Pro: Before attaching new ear tips, give your AirPods Pro a quick clean with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove any debris and ensure a good fit.
Store Ear Tips Safely: When you’re not using your AirPods Pro, store the extra ear tips in a safe place.
Check for Damage: Inspect the ear tips regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
Consider Third-Party Options: If you’re not satisfied with the original ear tips, explore third-party options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though the process is simple, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Ear Tip Won’t Come Off: If the ear tip is stuck, try twisting it more firmly while pulling. If it still won’t budge, it might be damaged. In this case, use a small, non-sharp tool (like a toothpick) to gently pry it off, being careful not to damage the AirPod Pro itself.
Ear Tip Won’t Stay On: If the ear tip keeps falling off, make sure it’s properly aligned and firmly pushed onto the AirPod Pro. If it still doesn’t stay on, the ear tip might be damaged or the wrong size.
Poor Sound Quality: If you’re experiencing poor sound quality, the ear tips might not be creating a good seal. Try a different size or re-seat the ear tips. Also, make sure your AirPods Pro and ear tips are clean.
Discomfort: If the AirPods Pro are uncomfortable, try a different size ear tip. You might also want to try memory foam ear tips, which often conform better to the shape of your ear.

Cleaning Your Airpods Pro and Ear Tips

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your AirPods Pro and ear tips. Here’s how to do it:

AirPods Pro: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the AirPods Pro. Avoid getting moisture in the openings. You can use a cotton swab to clean the mesh grilles.
Ear Tips: Remove the ear tips from the AirPods Pro. Rinse them with water and gently rub them with a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely before reattaching them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Choosing the Right Size

Finding the right size ear tips is crucial for both comfort and sound quality. Here’s how to choose the right size:

Start with the Fit Test: Use the ear tip fit test in the AirPods Pro settings to get a recommendation.
Try Different Sizes: Don’t just rely on the fit test. Try all the different sizes to see which one feels most comfortable and provides the best seal.
Consider Your Ear Shape: If your ears are small, you might need the extra-small size. If your ears are large, you might need the large size.
Pay Attention to Comfort: The ear tips should fit snugly but not feel overly tight. If they’re uncomfortable, try a different size.
Listen for Sound Quality: The ear tips should create a good seal, which will improve the bass response and noise cancellation. If the sound quality is poor, try a different size.

Where to Buy Replacement Ear Tips

If you need replacement ear tips, you have several options:

Apple Store: You can purchase replacement ear tips directly from the Apple Store.
Online Retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers sell replacement ear tips for AirPods Pro.
Third-Party Brands: Many third-party brands offer ear tips in various materials and sizes.

Comparing Ear Tip Materials

Here’s a table comparing the different ear tip materials:

Material	Pros	Cons
Silicone	Durable, easy to clean, good seal	May not be as comfortable for extended use
Memory Foam	Very comfortable, excellent seal	May need to be replaced more frequently
Foam	Good seal, often less expensive than memory foam	Can wear down quickly

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Using Multiple Sizes: Some people find that they need different sizes for each ear. This is perfectly normal. Experiment to find what works best.
Cleaning with Isopropyl Alcohol: For stubborn grime, you can use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean your AirPods Pro and ear tips. Be very careful not to get any liquid inside the AirPods Pro. Allow the alcohol to dry completely before using.
Custom Ear Tips: If you want the ultimate fit and comfort, you can get custom-molded ear tips. These are typically made by audiologists and provide a perfect fit for your ears.

Final Verdict

Changing the earbuds on your AirPods Pro is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your listening experience. By understanding the different ear tip sizes, materials, and the simple removal and attachment steps, you can ensure a comfortable fit and optimal sound quality. Whether you’re dealing with a lost ear tip, seeking a better fit, or simply wanting to keep your AirPods Pro in top condition, knowing how to change the earbuds is a valuable skill. Remember to be gentle, take your time, and enjoy your music!

Regularly cleaning your AirPods Pro and ear tips is also essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. With a little care and attention, your AirPods Pro will continue to provide you with excellent audio quality and noise cancellation for a long time. So go ahead, experiment with different sizes and materials, and find the perfect fit for your ears.

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