The basic steps to change your AirPods Pro tips
AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone ear tips — small, medium, and large — and you can swap them out in about 30 seconds. Gently twist each tip counterclockwise until it comes free from the speaker mesh, then twist a new size clockwise until it clicks into place. The medium tips come pre-installed, so most people start by trying those first, then move to small or large if the fit feels loose or uncomfortable.
You do not need to remove the AirPods from your ears to change the tips, though many people find it easier to do so. The tips are held on by a simple friction fit — they will not fall off during normal use, but they come off easily by hand when you want to change them.
Key Takeaways
- Each AirPod Pro tip twists off counterclockwise and a new one twists on clockwise until you hear or feel a click.
- The medium size is pre-installed, but small and large are included in the box so you can find the size that seals best in your ear.
- A proper seal matters for both sound quality and noise cancellation — if music sounds thin or ANC feels weak, you may have the wrong size.
- You can wash the tips with warm soapy water and let them air dry, and you should replace them every few months if they become sticky or cracked.
Why the right tip size matters
The silicone tip creates a seal in your ear canal, and that seal is what lets the AirPods Pro deliver bass and activate noise cancellation. If the seal is loose, the bass will sound thin and the noise cancellation will barely work. If the seal is too tight, your ears may feel sore after wearing them for an hour or two.
You can test the seal by putting the AirPods in and playing music with bass — a song with a strong kick drum works well. If you hear the bass clearly and feel it in your ear, the seal is good. If the bass sounds distant or hollow, try the next size up or down. Many people assume they need the size that feels tightest, but the best size is the one that seals without pressure.
Cleaning and replacing your tips over time
The silicone tips collect earwax and dust, especially if you wear your AirPods during exercise or in dusty environments. You can clean them by twisting them off and rinsing them under warm running water with a tiny drop of dish soap, then letting them air dry completely before putting them back on. Do this every week or two if you wear your AirPods daily.
After three to six months of regular use, the silicone becomes sticky or develops small cracks, and that is when you should replace them. Apple sells replacement tip sets in packs of three sizes for around $4 to $5 per pack. You can also buy third-party silicone tips from brands like Comply or Dekoni, which offer different materials — foam tips, for example, conform more closely to your ear and may feel more comfortable for long listening sessions.
What to do if a tip gets stuck or lost
If a tip twists off and gets lost, you can order a replacement set from Apple or use a third-party option while you wait. In the meantime, you can wear the AirPod with the other size tips, though the sound will be unbalanced and the seal will be worse on the side with the missing tip.
If a tip gets stuck and will not twist off, do not force it — you risk damaging the speaker mesh. Instead, soak the AirPod in warm water for a few minutes to soften the silicone, then try again with a gentle twisting motion. If it still will not budge, let it dry completely and try once more the next day. The silicone will eventually loosen.
Third-party tips and when they make sense
Foam ear tips like Comply or Dekoni conform to your ear shape more closely than silicone and often feel more comfortable during long listening sessions. They also tend to isolate sound better, which can make noise cancellation feel more effective. The trade-off is that foam tips wear out faster — usually in two to three months — and cost more per replacement, around $15 to $20 per set.
If you wear your AirPods for more than four hours a day or have sensitive ears, foam tips may be worth trying. If you wear them for an hour or two a day, the standard silicone tips will likely last long enough that the cost difference does not matter. Some people keep both on hand — silicone for everyday use and foam for long flights or work days.
Troubleshooting fit and comfort issues
If you have tried all three sizes and none of them feel right, the issue may not be the tip size. Check that you are inserting the AirPod straight into your ear canal, not at an angle — the tip should go in gently and seal without you having to push hard. If you feel pain or soreness after 20 or 30 minutes, the seal is probably too tight, and you should try the next size down.
Some people have ear canals that are unusually shaped or have one ear that is noticeably larger than the other. In that case, you can use different tip sizes in each ear — small in one and medium in the other, for example. There is no rule that says both AirPods have to match, and many people do this without any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPods Pro tips on regular AirPods?
No. AirPods Pro tips are designed specifically for the Pro model and will not fit regular AirPods, AirPods 2, or AirPods Max. Each model has its own tip design.
Do I need to clean the speaker mesh when I change the tips?
Not every time, but you should check it occasionally. If you see earwax buildup on the mesh, use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe it away. Do not use water or cleaning solution on the mesh itself.
What if one ear feels uncomfortable but the other is fine?
Try using a different tip size in the uncomfortable ear while keeping the other the same. You can also try reinserting the AirPod at a slightly different angle — sometimes a small adjustment makes a big difference in comfort.
How do I know if my tips are worn out?
Worn tips become sticky, lose their shape, or develop small cracks. If you notice the seal feels loose even though the size was right before, or if the silicone feels tacky when you touch it, that is a sign to replace them.