Why and when to change your AirPod Pro tips

AirPod Pro ear tips wear out. The silicone gets compressed, cracks, or collects earwax and debris that cleaning won't fully remove. When that happens, the seal degrades — you lose bass response, noise cancellation stops working as well, and they may feel loose or uncomfortable. Apple includes three sizes (small, medium, large) in the box, so most people can find a fit that works. But if your current size no longer seals properly, or if you've been using the same tips for months, swapping them takes about 30 seconds and costs nothing if you have spares.

You should also change tips if you switch between sizes. Some people's ears change slightly with swelling or inflammation, or you might discover after a few weeks that a different size actually fits better than what you started with. There's no penalty for experimenting — just swap and test the fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinch the tip where it meets the speaker mesh and pull straight out; the tip slides off without twisting or forcing.
  • Line up the new tip's stem with the speaker opening and press down until you hear or feel a click.
  • Test the fit by inserting the AirPod into your ear and checking that it doesn't move when you tug gently on the tip.
  • Apple sells replacement tip sets in packs of four (one of each size) if your originals are lost or too worn to use.

How to remove the old tips

Hold the AirPod in one hand with the speaker facing you. Use your other hand to pinch the silicone tip where it meets the mesh speaker cover — not the stem, but the wider part of the tip itself. Pull straight outward with steady pressure. The tip will slide off without resistance; you should not need to twist, rock, or force it.

If a tip feels stuck, you may be pinching too low on the stem instead of the tip itself. Release and try again higher up, where the silicone is thicker. Stuck tips usually come free with a gentle, steady pull rather than a hard yank.

How to attach new tips

Take a fresh tip and look at its stem — the narrow plastic part that inserts into the AirPod. Line this stem up with the speaker opening on the AirPod. The opening is a small hole in the mesh, and the stem should point directly at it. Press the tip down onto the AirPod with steady downward pressure until you feel or hear a soft click. That click means the tip is seated correctly and locked in place.

Do not twist the tip as you press it on. Straight pressure is all you need. If you don't hear a click after pressing, lift the tip off and try again — it may not be aligned properly with the speaker opening.

Testing the fit after you change tips

Insert the AirPod into your ear as you normally would. Gently tug on the tip itself — not the stem, but the outer silicone part. A properly fitted tip should not move or slide. If it shifts or comes loose with light pressure, the tip is not sealed correctly. Remove it and try again, making sure the stem is fully seated and the click is audible.

You can also run the Fit Test in the AirPods settings on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings, then Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods Pro, and select Ear Tip Fit Test. This test plays a tone and measures how well the seal is working. If the test fails, try a different size or reseat the current tip.

What to do with old or damaged tips

If a tip is still intact but just compressed or dirty, you can clean it with a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth with a tiny amount of soap. Let it air dry completely before reattaching. Many people keep old tips in a drawer as backups in case a new one gets lost or damaged.

If a tip is cracked, torn, or has pieces missing, it won't seal properly and should not be used. Throw it away. Apple sells replacement tip sets through their website and in Apple Stores — you get four tips (small, medium, large, and an extra) for a small fee. You can also find third-party replacement tips from other manufacturers, though the fit and seal quality vary.

Choosing the right size for your ears

AirPod Pro come with three sizes: small, medium, and large. Medium is the default size most people start with. If medium tips feel loose or don't seal, try small. If they feel too tight or uncomfortable, try large. The right size should sit snugly in your ear without pressure or pain, and should not move when you tug gently on it.

Size preferences can shift over time or between ears — some people use medium in one ear and small in the other. There's no "correct" size; the correct size is whichever one seals and feels comfortable for you. If you've lost one of the original sizes, replacement sets include all three, so you can experiment without buying multiple packs.

Troubleshooting common problems

Tips keep falling off during the day: The tip is not fully seated. Remove it, inspect the stem for debris or damage, and press it back on with firm downward pressure until you hear the click. If it still falls off, try a different size — the current one may not seal in your ear shape.

Noise cancellation stopped working after changing tips: A poor seal breaks noise cancellation. Run the Fit Test to confirm the seal is good. If the test fails, reseat the tip or try a different size. Noise cancellation requires an airtight seal, so even a slightly loose tip will degrade it noticeably.

One tip is damaged but you don't have a spare: You can use the AirPods with one tip missing or damaged, but the seal will be broken and sound quality will suffer. Order a replacement set from Apple or use a third-party option while you wait. In the meantime, use the damaged AirPod for calls or media where the seal matters less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPod Pro without ear tips?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Without a tip, there's no seal, so bass disappears, noise cancellation doesn't work, and sound leaks into the room. The AirPod will also sit loosely in your ear and may fall out. Use them only as a temporary workaround until you can attach a proper tip.

Do I need to buy replacement tips or can I reuse the old ones?

You can reuse old tips if they're still intact and seal properly. Clean them with a soft cloth and let them dry. If they're cracked, torn, or permanently compressed, they won't seal and should be replaced. Apple sells replacement sets, or you can try third-party options.

What's the difference between Apple tips and third-party replacement tips?

Apple tips are designed and tested specifically for AirPod Pro and fit consistently. Third-party tips vary in quality and fit — some work well, others don't seal as tightly or feel uncomfortable. If you try a third-party option and the seal is poor, switch back to Apple tips or try a different brand.

How often should I change my AirPod Pro tips?

There's no fixed schedule. Change them when they stop sealing properly, feel uncomfortable, or show visible damage like cracks or permanent compression. For most people, that's somewhere between three and twelve months of regular use, depending on how often you wear them and how well you care for them.

Can I change tips on one AirPod without changing the other?

Yes. Each AirPod is independent, so you can change one tip and leave the other as is. Some people use different sizes in each ear if their ears are slightly different shapes or sizes.