How To Use Noise Cancellation Airpods

 There are multiple devices that support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and it is important to understand the correct process for your specific device

Noise cancellation can significantly improve the overall audio experience with Airpods. However, there are a few steps involved, which not many people are aware of. This prevents users from realizing the full potential of their noise cancellation Airpods. Let's get more details for better understanding.

How to use noise cancellation Airpods

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is available with mainly AirPods Pro (1st, 2nd, or later generations), AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Max. Let's first take a look at the physical controls available on AirPods to activate noise cancellation.

Physical controls for noise cancellation on Airpods - In the case of AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 (ANC), you need to start with pressing and holding the force sensor (the flat stem) on the Airpods. When you do this correctly, you should hear a chime. This will indicate that the mode has changed. There are four available modes, including Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, Off and Adaptive Audio.

Noise Cancellation mode blocks out external sounds. In Transparency mode, you can hear surrounding sounds including your own voice. In Off mode, the noise cancellation is switched off. Adaptive Audio mode is relatively new, where the system automatically adjusts between ANC and Transparency based on your environment. Do remember that you need to wear both Airpods to make the press and hold function work. For a single Airpod, you will have to use a different setting, as discussed later in this blog.

Adjusting noise cancellation Airpods from iPhone or iPad

You can also use your iPhone or iPad to select the modes on the Airpods. For this, you first need to connect the Airpods. Then, on your iPhone or iPad, you need to open the Control Center. On an iPhone with Face ID, you need to swipe down from the top-right corner. On an iPhone with a Home button, you need to swipe up from the bottom.

You then need to long press the volume slider. Next, you need to tap the Noise Control icon (or the ear icon). Then you can choose the desired mode - Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive or Off. You can also choose the mode you need via Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the "i" next to the Airpods > Noise Control.

Other options for using noise cancellation on Airpods

You can also make requests to Siri to select the desired mode. For example, you can simply say “Hey Siri, turn on Noise Cancellation” or “Turn on Transparency.” If you have an Apple Watch, it too can be used to select the desired mode. For this, you need to access the Control Center and tap the Noise Control icon. If you have a Mac, it can also be used to choose the desired mode. You need to click on the volume icon in the menu bar or use the Control Center.

Customization options

For an even more enhanced audio experience, there are various customization options you can use. These customizations can be accessed via Settings on your Apple device. You have options like turning Adaptive Audio On or Off. You can choose ‘Conversation Awareness', which automatically lowers the music and increases Transparency. This is triggered when you speak or someone talks to you.

In Transparency mode, there are customization options such as adjustments of tone, amplification and balance. You can customize to make Noise Cancellation work with only one Airpod. A new feature is Hearing Protection, which is designed to protect your ears in loud environments.

Tips for best noise cancellation performance

You need to use the right size ear tips to ensure a perfect fit. This is available with Airpods Pro. If the seal is not good, the noise cancellation performance will be poor. You can use noise cancellation, even when you are not listening to any audio. This can be used if you just need a peaceful environment.

It is important to understand areas where noise cancellation is most effective and when it is not that effective. For example, noise cancellation will work best for low-frequency constant sounds such as traffic, AC hum, airplane noise and engine sound. It will be less effective against unexpected high-pitched sounds such as sharp noises, voices and typing. It is also worth noting that noise cancellation can drain the battery faster.