AirPod Pro ear tips wear out and need replacing
The silicone ear tips on AirPod Pro earbuds degrade over time from sweat, earwax, and regular use. Apple sells replacement tip sets in three sizes — small, medium, and large — and the process to swap them takes less than a minute. You do not need tools or special knowledge; the tips pull off and snap back on by hand.
Apple includes one set of medium tips pre-installed on new AirPod Pro. If you lose a tip, use the wrong size, or notice sound quality dropping, you can buy a replacement set from Apple or authorized retailers. The tips are not expensive, and having the right size matters for both comfort and noise cancellation performance.
Key Takeaways
- AirPod Pro ear tips come in three sizes — small, medium, and large — and you should use whichever size fits your ear canal snugly without falling out.
- To remove old tips, pinch the seam where the tip meets the speaker and pull straight out; to install new ones, align the tip with the speaker stem and push until it clicks.
- Replacement tip sets are sold by Apple and authorized retailers, and you can buy them individually or as a pack of three.
- If sound is muffled or noise cancellation is weak after replacing tips, you may have the wrong size or an incomplete seal in your ear.
How to remove the old ear tips
Hold the AirPod Pro in one hand with the speaker facing you. Use your other hand to pinch the seam where the silicone tip meets the white plastic speaker housing. Pull straight out with steady pressure — the tip should come free without much force. Repeat for the other earbud.
If a tip is stuck, do not twist or bend it. Instead, pinch the seam more firmly and pull at a slight angle. The tips are designed to come off easily, so if you meet real resistance, you may be pinching the wrong spot. Once both old tips are off, set them aside or discard them.
How to put on new ear tips
Take a new tip from the replacement set and hold it up to the speaker. The tip has a small stem that slides over the speaker nozzle. Align the tip so the stem points straight at the nozzle, then push the tip onto the speaker with gentle, steady pressure until you hear or feel a click. The tip should sit flush against the speaker housing with no gap.
Repeat for the other earbud, making sure both tips are the same size. Once both are installed, place the AirPod Pro in your ears and check the fit. The tip should sit snugly in your ear canal without falling out when you move your head. If it feels loose or uncomfortable, try the next size up or down.
Choosing the right size for your ears
AirPod Pro tips come in small, medium, and large. Medium is the default size that comes with new AirPod Pro, but it does not fit everyone. To find your size, try each one and notice which feels most secure and comfortable when you move your head side to side or open your mouth wide.
The right size should create a seal in your ear canal — you may notice a slight pressure or a change in how your own voice sounds when the seal is good. If a tip falls out easily or feels like it is sitting on the outside of your ear, try the next size up. If it feels too tight or causes discomfort after a few minutes, try the next size down.
You do not have to use the same size in both ears. Some people find that one ear needs a small tip and the other needs a medium. Buy a replacement set and experiment until you find what works.
Where to buy replacement ear tips
Apple sells AirPod Pro ear tip replacement sets through apple.com, Apple retail stores, and authorized retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. A single set of three tips (one small, one medium, one large) costs around $4 to $5. You can also buy individual tips if you only need one size, though the full set is usually the better value.
Make sure you are buying tips for AirPod Pro specifically — Apple also makes AirPods Max, and those tips are not compatible. Check the product listing to confirm it says "AirPod Pro" or "AirPod Pro (2nd generation)" depending on which model you own.
Signs your ear tips need replacing
Silicone tips degrade over time and lose their seal. If you notice the sound is muffled, bass is weak, or noise cancellation is not working as well as it used to, worn-out tips are often the cause. You may also see visible cracks, discoloration, or a sticky feel on the silicone.
Another sign is that the tip no longer stays in your ear during normal activity. If it falls out when you chew or move your head, the silicone has likely lost its grip. Replacing the tips usually restores both comfort and sound quality.
Caring for your replacement tips
To extend the life of new tips, clean them regularly with a dry cloth. Earwax and sweat break down silicone faster, so wiping the tips after each use helps. You can also rinse them under warm water and dry them completely before putting them back on the speaker.
Store your AirPod Pro in the charging case when you are not wearing them. The case protects the tips from dust and damage. If you have spare tips, keep them in a clean, dry place — silicone can degrade if exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party ear tips instead of Apple's?
Yes, many third-party manufacturers make silicone tips that fit AirPod Pro. They are usually cheaper than Apple's official tips. However, third-party tips may not seal as well or last as long, and some users report that noise cancellation works less effectively with non-Apple tips. Test a set if you want to save money, but keep the original tips as a backup.
What if I lose one ear tip and only have one left?
You can still use the AirPod Pro with one tip, but the fit and sound will be uneven. Buy a replacement set so both earbuds have matching tips. If you only need one tip, some retailers sell individual tips rather than full sets, though this is less common than buying a three-pack.
Do I need to turn off my AirPod Pro before changing the tips?
No, you can change the tips while the AirPod Pro are powered on. The tips are purely mechanical and do not have any electronic connection to the speaker. However, it is easier to work with them if they are out of the charging case and sitting in your hand.
Why does noise cancellation feel weaker after I put on new tips?
Noise cancellation depends on a good seal in your ear canal. If you chose the wrong size, the seal is incomplete and noise cancellation will not work well. Try the next size up or down. If the seal feels tight and comfortable but noise cancellation is still weak, the tips may not be fully seated on the speaker — remove them and reinstall, making sure you hear the click.
How often should I replace my ear tips?
This depends on how much you use your AirPod Pro and how well you care for them. Most people find that tips last three to six months before they start to degrade noticeably. If you use your AirPod Pro daily or exercise in them regularly, you may need to replace tips more often. Keep a spare set on hand so you can swap them out as soon as the old ones wear out.