Changing ear tips takes less than a minute and fixes most sound problems

AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone ear tips — small, medium, and large. If your AirPods Pro feel loose, fall out during exercise, or the sound seems muffled, the first thing to try is swapping to a different size. You remove the old tip by pinching the stem and twisting gently, then slide a new tip onto the speaker nozzle until it clicks into place. Most people find the right fit within one or two tries.

The ear tip size matters more than people expect. A loose fit means sound leaks out and outside noise leaks in, which makes the active noise cancellation work harder and drains the battery faster. A tip that is too tight can cause discomfort after an hour of wear. Finding your size usually solves both problems at once.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro ship with three ear tip sizes: small, medium, and large, and you can swap between them without tools.
  • A proper fit should feel snug but not tight, and the tip should not move when you tug gently on the stem.
  • If you lose an ear tip, Apple sells replacement sets of three for around $4 to $5 per set.
  • Cleaning your ear tips once a week with a dry cloth keeps them from collecting earwax and degrading the sound.

How to remove and install a new ear tip

Start with one AirPod in your hand. Pinch the stem between your thumb and index finger, then twist the silicone tip gently counterclockwise — think of it like unscrewing a bottle cap, but with much less force. The tip should come free after a quarter turn or so. If it feels stuck, you may be gripping too hard; ease up and try again.

Once the old tip is off, slide a new tip straight onto the speaker nozzle at the bottom of the AirPod. Push it on until you hear or feel a small click, which means it has seated properly. Repeat the same steps for the second AirPod. You do not need to do both at once — many people swap one side at a time to test the fit.

Finding your correct ear tip size

Start with the medium tips, since most people wear that size. Put both AirPods in and play music or a podcast at normal volume. Gently tug on the stem of each AirPod — if it moves or slides out, try the large size. If it feels uncomfortable or you hear a lot of outside noise, try the small size.

The right fit should feel secure enough that you can shake your head without the AirPod moving, but not so tight that your ear feels sore after 30 minutes. Once you find your size, stick with it; you do not need to switch between sizes unless your ears change or you lose a tip.

What to do if you lose or damage an ear tip

Apple sells replacement ear tip sets through their website and in Apple Stores. Each set includes one small, one medium, and one large tip. The cost is typically $4 to $5 per set, though prices vary by region. You can also find third-party replacement tips from brands like Comply and JBL, which offer foam alternatives that some people find more comfortable for long listening sessions.

If you lose just one tip and do not want to buy a full set, you can temporarily use a mismatched pair — for example, a medium tip on one side and a large on the other — until you replace it. This is not ideal for sound quality, but it works in a pinch.

Cleaning ear tips to keep them working well

Earwax buildup on the tips degrades sound quality and can make them feel sticky. Once a week, remove the tips and wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If they feel greasy, dampen the cloth slightly with water, wipe them down, and let them air dry completely before putting them back on the AirPod.

Do not use soap, alcohol, or cleaning solutions on the tips themselves — water alone is enough. Avoid submerging them or letting water get inside the speaker nozzle on the AirPod body. If you notice the tips are discolored or cracked after several months of use, that is a sign they are wearing out and a replacement set will improve both comfort and sound.

Why the fit matters for sound and battery life

A loose ear tip lets sound escape into the air instead of into your ear canal. Your AirPods Pro respond by turning up the volume and working harder to create the noise-cancelling effect, which drains the battery faster than it should. A proper fit means the active noise cancellation works as designed, which also means better battery life — often an extra hour or two per charge.

The fit also affects how well the touch controls work. If an AirPod is loose, tapping the stem to pause or skip a track may not register every time. Swapping to the right size usually fixes this too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party ear tips on AirPods Pro?

Yes. Brands like Comply, JBL, and Spigen make replacement tips that fit AirPods Pro. Many people prefer foam tips for comfort during long listening sessions. They install the same way as Apple tips — twist off the old one and slide the new one on until it clicks.

What if I can never find a comfortable size?

Try foam tips, which conform to your ear shape better than silicone. If those do not help, your ear canal may be an unusual size. Some people find that mixing sizes — a different size on each ear — works better than matching pairs.

Do I need to change ear tips if I share my AirPods with someone else?

You should, for hygiene reasons. Earwax and bacteria transfer between ears, so if someone else wears your AirPods regularly, swap to a fresh set of tips before they use them. This is especially important if either person has an ear infection.

Will changing ear tips void my warranty?

No. Changing ear tips is a normal part of using AirPods Pro and does not affect your warranty. Apple expects you to swap sizes and replace worn tips throughout the life of the product.