Where to find noise cancellation and what it does

Noise cancellation is a feature built into most headphones, earbuds, and some phones and laptops that reduces background sound. It works by playing an inverted sound wave that cancels out incoming noise — so traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines become quieter. The exact steps to turn it on depend on what device you're using and what app controls it.

Some devices have a physical button on the hardware itself. Others require you to dig into settings or use a companion app. A few have both options. The feature is usually called "Noise Cancellation," "Active Noise Cancellation" (ANC), or sometimes "Transparency Mode" when you want to hear the world around you instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most wireless headphones and earbuds have a dedicated button or touch control on the device itself to toggle noise cancellation on and off.
  • If there's no physical button, check the companion app for your device — Apple, Sony, Bose, and others all use their own apps to manage the feature.
  • On phones and laptops, noise cancellation for microphones during calls is usually found in Settings under Sound or Audio, not in a dedicated app.
  • Battery drain increases when noise cancellation is on, so turning it off when you don't need it extends listening time.

Noise cancellation on wireless headphones and earbuds

Most wireless headphones have a button or touch area on the ear cup or earbud itself. Press and hold it for two to three seconds, or tap it once or twice depending on the model. The device will usually announce "Noise Cancellation On" or play a tone. Some models cycle through modes: Noise Cancellation, Transparency (lets outside sound in), and Off.

If you don't see a physical button, or if you want to adjust settings like how strong the cancellation is, open the companion app. Apple users open the Control Center and long-press the volume card, then tap the noise cancellation icon. Sony headphones use the Sony Headphones Connect app. Bose uses the Bose Music app. Sennheiser, JBL, and others each have their own — search your device's app store for the brand name plus "app" if you're unsure which one to download.

The app also shows you battery level and sometimes lets you customize how aggressive the noise cancellation is. Some apps let you create profiles for different environments — one setting for airplanes, another for offices.

Noise cancellation on iPhones and iPads

On iPhones and iPads, there are two separate noise cancellation features. The first is for your headphones or earbuds, which you control through the physical button on the device itself (see the section above). The second is for your microphone during calls and video meetings.

To turn on microphone noise cancellation during a call, open the Phone app and start a call. Tap the speaker icon at the bottom, then tap "Noise Cancellation" or "Microphone Mode." You'll see options like "Standard," "Voice Isolation" (which prioritizes your voice), or "Wide Spectrum" (which lets more ambient sound through). Choose the one you want and tap it. The setting stays active for that call only.

For FaceTime calls, the process is the same: during an active call, look for the microphone icon and tap it to see noise cancellation options.

Noise cancellation on Android phones

Android phones don't have a built-in system-wide noise cancellation feature like iPhones do, but many individual apps offer it. Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams all have microphone noise cancellation inside their apps. During a call or meeting, look for a microphone icon, tap it, and select "Noise Cancellation" or "Noise Suppression" from the menu.

Some Android phones from Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus include a "Call Quality" or "Noise Reduction" toggle in the Phone app settings. Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and look for "Call Quality" or "Audio." The exact name and location varies by manufacturer.

For your headphones or earbuds, use the physical button on the device or open the companion app, just as you would on any other platform.

Noise cancellation on Windows laptops and desktops

Windows doesn't have a system-wide noise cancellation toggle, but Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and Skype all have it built into their apps. During a call, look for the microphone icon, click it, and select "Mute Background Noise," "Noise Suppression," or "Noise Cancellation" depending on which app you're using.

If you're using wireless headphones or earbuds, check the companion app. Many brands offer Windows versions of their apps — search the Microsoft Store or the manufacturer's website. Some gaming headsets also include noise cancellation software that installs separately.

For your system microphone (the one built into your laptop), open Settings, go to System, then Sound. Scroll down to "Advanced" and look for "Noise Suppression" or "Noise Cancellation." Not all Windows versions or devices have this option.

Noise cancellation on Mac computers

On Mac, microphone noise cancellation during calls is built into FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, and other video apps. During a call, look for the microphone icon and click it to see noise cancellation options. The exact menu varies by app, but the feature is usually there.

For your headphones or earbuds, use the physical button on the device itself, or open the companion app if the manufacturer offers one for Mac. Many do — check the App Store or the brand's website.

If you're using an external microphone, some apps let you enable noise cancellation in their audio settings. Open the app's preferences or settings, find the audio or microphone section, and look for a noise cancellation checkbox.

Troubleshooting noise cancellation that won't turn on

If noise cancellation isn't working, first check that your device is charged. Noise cancellation uses battery power, and many devices disable it when the battery is very low. Charge your headphones or phone for at least 30 minutes and try again.

Next, make sure you're pressing the button correctly. Some devices require a long press (three to five seconds), while others need a double-tap or a single tap. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your exact model. If you've lost the manual, search "[brand name] [model number] noise cancellation button" online.

If you're using an app to control it, make sure the app is up to date. Open your device's app store, search for the app, and install any pending updates. Then close and reopen the app. If noise cancellation still doesn't work, try restarting your device — this fixes many connectivity issues between the app and the hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does noise cancellation drain the battery faster?

Yes. Noise cancellation requires the device to constantly process sound and generate counter-waves, which uses more power than passive listening. Wireless headphones typically lose 20 to 30 percent more battery life when noise cancellation is on. If you're not in a noisy environment, turning it off extends your listening time.

Can I use noise cancellation and transparency mode at the same time?

No. Transparency mode (also called "ambient mode") lets outside sound in so you can hear conversations or traffic. Noise cancellation blocks that sound. Most devices let you toggle between the two, but not run both at once. Some newer models offer a hybrid mode that reduces noise while still letting some sound through.

Why does noise cancellation sound weird or make my ears feel full?

Noise cancellation works by creating an inverted sound wave, which can feel strange the first few times you use it — some people describe it as a pressure in their ears. This usually goes away after a few minutes as your brain adjusts. If it persists or causes discomfort, try lowering the cancellation strength in the companion app, or switch to transparency mode instead.

Do I need noise cancellation to work on video calls?

No, but it helps. Noise cancellation on your microphone makes your voice clearer to the other person by filtering out background sound. The other person still hears you without it, but they may also hear your keyboard, traffic, or office noise. It's optional — turn it on if the other person complains about background noise, or if you're in a loud environment.

Can I use noise cancellation with one earbud in?

Usually yes, but it depends on the model. Most earbuds keep noise cancellation active as long as at least one is in your ear. Some models disable it if you remove one earbud. Check your device's manual or test it yourself — remove one earbud and see if the feature stays on.