Use Your AirPods Noise Control Features

If you’re using the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max you have access to a feature called Noise Control that lets you switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. The second-generation AirPods Pro also offer a third “Adaptive” mode that automatically blends the two.

With Active Noise Cancellation, your AirPods’ microphones will detect and cancel out any unwanted external sounds so you can focus on your music. 

Transparency mode does the opposite. When it’s on, your AirPods will let external sounds in so you can be aware of your surroundings. There are a couple of ways to use these controls, but if you want to do it with your iPhone, here’s how:

1. Open Control Center. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. If your iPhone has Touch ID, swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
2. With your AirPods connected and in your ears, press and hold the volume slider.
3. Tap Noise Control in the bottom left corner.
4. Select Transparency, Noise Cancellation, or Off.

With the default settings, you can toggle between these modes using the AirPods’ controls. The AirPods Max have a noise control button located near the Digital Crown, while the AirPods Pro require you to long-press the stem of either earbud.

You can also customize these controls to behave differently. We’ll explain how to do this in the next section.