Noise canceling works differently depending on which AirPods you own

Not all AirPods have noise canceling. The feature is built into AirPods Pro (both the original and second generation) and AirPods Max. If you have standard AirPods, AirPods Fit, or older AirPods 2, noise canceling is not available on your model — you can skip to the FAQ section to confirm which version you have.

If you do have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, turning on noise canceling takes about 10 seconds and works the same way on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. The setting stays on until you turn it off, so you only need to do this once per device.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have noise canceling; standard AirPods do not.
  • You turn on noise canceling through Control Center on iPhone or iPad, or through Settings on Mac and Apple Watch.
  • Once you turn it on, it stays on across all your Apple devices that share the same iCloud account.
  • If noise canceling is not showing up in Control Center, your AirPods may need a firmware update, which happens automatically when they charge near your iPhone.

Turning on noise canceling from Control Center on iPhone or iPad

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier). Look for the audio or volume card — it shows a speaker icon and the name of your connected AirPods.

Press and hold that card to expand it. You will see three buttons: Noise Canceling, Transparency, and Off. Tap Noise Canceling. The button will highlight, and you will hear a brief tone in your AirPods confirming the change. That is it — noise canceling is now on.

If you do not see the audio card in Control Center, swipe left or right within Control Center to find it, or add it manually by going to Settings > Control Center and tapping the green plus sign next to Audio.

Turning on noise canceling from Mac

Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar (it looks like three horizontal lines). Scroll down to find the Sound section, which shows your connected AirPods.

Click the sound card to open a menu with three options: Noise Canceling, Transparency, and Off. Select Noise Canceling. The setting takes effect immediately, and you will hear a tone confirming the change.

Turning on noise canceling from Apple Watch

Swipe up from the bottom of your watch face to open Control Center. Look for the audio card showing your AirPods name. Tap it to reveal the three mode options: Noise Canceling, Transparency, and Off.

Tap Noise Canceling to activate it. Your watch will show a checkmark next to the selected mode, and your AirPods will emit a confirmation tone.

What to do if noise canceling does not appear as an option

If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max but do not see Noise Canceling in Control Center or Settings, your AirPods likely need a firmware update. Apple releases updates automatically — you do not download them yourself. To trigger an update, place your AirPods in their charging case, close the case, and leave them near your iPhone or iPad while it is unlocked and plugged in. Updates usually complete within a few minutes.

If you have already waited and the option still does not appear, restart your iPhone or iPad by powering it off and back on, then check Control Center again. If Noise Canceling still does not show up after a restart and a firmware update, contact Apple Support, as there may be a hardware issue with your AirPods.

Understanding the three listening modes

Your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max can switch between three modes: Noise Canceling blocks outside sound using active noise cancellation technology, Transparency lets outside sound in so you can hear your surroundings, and Off disables both features and uses only the passive sound isolation from the fit of the AirPods themselves.

You can switch between these modes at any time using the same Control Center menu. Many people use Noise Canceling on flights or in busy offices, Transparency when walking or cycling, and Off when they want to hear everything around them. The mode you choose stays active until you change it, even if you take your AirPods out and put them back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my AirPods have noise canceling?

Check your AirPods model by going to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, tapping the info icon next to your AirPods name, and looking at the model listed. Only AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) and AirPods Max have noise canceling. Standard AirPods, AirPods Fit, and AirPods 2 do not.

Does noise canceling drain the battery faster?

Yes, using noise canceling reduces battery life by roughly 20 to 30 percent compared to using your AirPods with the feature off. If battery life is a concern, switch to Transparency or Off mode when you do not need active noise canceling.

Can I use noise canceling on non-Apple devices?

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max work with Android phones and other non-Apple devices, but you cannot control noise canceling from those devices. You can only switch modes using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. Once a mode is set, it stays active on the non-Apple device until you change it using an Apple device.

Why does noise canceling sound like a low hum or pressure in my ears?

Active noise canceling works by playing sound waves that cancel out incoming noise, which some people perceive as a slight pressure or hum. This is normal and usually fades as you get used to it. If the sensation is uncomfortable, try Transparency mode instead, or contact Apple Support if the hum is unusually loud.