Airpods are quite luxurious and high-quality iOS devices. Therefore, they are beneficial, especially if you have an iOS device.
Though these audio Airpods have a quality soundproof system, it is also a device. Unfortunately, as a device, it can develop issues as you use it.
These issues can range from connectivity to sound problems, including echoey sounds. If your AirPods echo while you are using it, we will find out why and how you can fix it in this article.
If your AirPods make an echoing sound while you use them, it is highly likely an issue with the software update. Other issues include dirty AirPods, issues with the device you are using, broken AirPods, or you have a poor connection with your iOS device. It could also echo because you did not turn on your noise cancellation feature.
Why Do My AirPods Sound Echoing?
If you are hearing echoing sounds in your AirPods, it is because the device connecting to the AirPods has an issue.
It could also be due to a poor connection with your device, damaged AirPods, or your noise cancellation feature being off.
Below are some possible reasons your AirPods are echoing with their solution:
#1. Software Update Issue
If your device or AirPods software is not updated, it could create irritating sounds like echoing when using the device.
The device often sends notifications of recent software updates, but you might have ignored these messages.
As you ignore these updates, your device or AirPods might start lagging and creating irritating sounds like echoing.
Therefore, to fix this issue:
- Open the Settings app on your device and search for ‘About’ in the settings menu.
- Click on Check for Updates and update the device if any new updates are available.
However, before performing this fix, connect your AirPods to another device.
If the AirPods do not echo, then the error is from your device. If it does, it means your AirPods have an underlying issue.
#2. Dirty AirPods
If your software is up-to-date, but you still hear the echoing sound from your device,b then you need to inspect your AirPods.
The speaker has grills that often come in contact with the wax in the ear, which catch dirt in the grills.
When the speaker grill accumulates dirt, it will not process the sound properly, which causes the voice from the AirPods to resonate.
To clean your AirPods, you will need the following:
- Water
- Alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
- Fine-edged tools like bobby pins, a toothpick, a needle, or dental floss sticks.
Here are the steps to clean your AirPods:
- Dab the microfiber cloth in water or alcohol, and squeeze out the water, leaving the cloth damp.
- Use the cloth to wipe the surface of the AirPods and use another dry cloth to wipe it dry.
- Use the fine-edged tool to remove the ear wax and dirt gently. Avoid piercing the speaker, and take note of the dirty edges.
Cleaning your AirPods will most likely clear the echoing sounds and improve the sound quality. However, avoid getting water or other liquid into your AirPods while cleaning them.
#3. Weak Connection
If your AirPods have a weak connection with the device you connected them to, it might cause the sounds in the AirPods to resonate.
Before trying to fix the issue, you must confirm that the poor connection is why your AirPods are creating an echoing sound.
To confirm, disconnect your AirPods from your phone and connect them to another iOS device. If there is no connection error, follow the steps below to reconnect your AirPods to your device:
- Disconnect your AirPods from any connected devices
- Put the AirPods inside its case and long press the power button of the case for 15 seconds.
- Wait 30 seconds, open the AirPods case, and press the button.
- Reconnect the AirPods to your device.
#4. Water Damage
Water damage can also cause your Airpods to resonate and emit echoing sounds.
Electronic devices do not work well with water. Hence, they can cause problems when they come in contact with water.
Immediately you notice your Airpods came in contact with water, follow the steps below to get it working without further damage:
- First, use a clean, absorbent cloth to dry the Airpods surface.
- Next, shake the Airpods repeatedly until you have removed much of the water inside the device.
- Finally, store them in a dry and cool location for about two to four days.
- Do not attempt to turn them on to prevent further damage.
- You can also use a blow dryer at low temperatures to reduce the quantity of water in the Airpods before drying them naturally.
#5. Device Location Issue
There should be no interference between your device and the Airpods.
If the distance between both devices is too wide, it might create resonating sounds in your Airpods due to the weak connection.
Since the interference is often distant, keep both devices within a short range. If there are any obstructions between the Airpods and your device, remove them to stop the echoing sounds.
#6. Noise Cancellation Mode Turned off
With the onset of the noise cancellation mode in AirPods, you can filter off background noise from the AirPods and around.
If you hear echoing sounds in your AirPods, you might have turned off your noise cancellation feature.
Since the AirPods are not canceling out background noise and echo, you can activate the noise cancellation mode.
On your device, go to the AirPods setting and turn on the feature for an echo-free connection.
#7. Broken AirPods
If you have tried all the fixes above and the AirPods or your device has no issue, your AirPods might be defective.
To check if the AirPods are fixable, contact Apple Help Center for an in-depth inspection.
Table Showing Reasons AirPods Sounds Echoey and Their Fixes
| Causes | Fixes |
|---|---|
| Software update issue | Update your device software |
| Weak Connection | Forget the Airpods from your device and Reconnect them to your device |
| Active Noise Cancellation turned off | Go to Airpods settings in your device and turn on the feature |
| Water Damage | Dry the AirPods with a clean, dry cloth and keep them in a dry place for two to three days. |
| Dirty AirPods | Clean the speaker grills with a toothpick and a microfiber cloth |
Why Do My AirPods Keep Making Weird Sounds?
If your AirPods have bad seals, the Noise Cancellation mode will activate, and try to increase the AirPods volume to cancel the background noise.
Since the device will be unusually loud, it will create irritating weird sounds in the AirPods. The weird sounds could also be interference from other connected Bluetooth devices.
Disconnect all other Bluetooth devices to eliminate the weird sounds in your AirPods.
After disconnecting the Bluetooth devices, reconnect your AirPods to your device and check if the sound persists.
How Do I Fix the Distorted Sound on My AirPods?
Faint and distorted sounds in your AirPods can be due to dirty AirPods or poorly connected AirPods.
Depending on the type of music or volume of sound you are listening to, you might not notice these distorted sounds in your AirPods.
To remedy this issue, try the solutions below:
#1. Clean the AirPods
To clean your AirPods, use a soft, damp cloth to clean the outer parts of the AirPods.
After cleaning the outer parts of the pods, use a thin tool like a cotton swab to clean out the grease and dirt in the speaker.
After removing the dirt, use a dry cloth to clean the AirPods. If you are not using the AirPods, place them in the AirPods case to avoid dirt.
#2. Reset the Airpods
To reset your AirPods, follow the steps below:
- First, open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Next, select the Bluetooth option on the menu.
- Next, select your AirPods device and click on the ‘I’ icon.
- Select Forget this Device in the popup menu
- Choose ‘Forget Action’ to confirm it.
- After forgetting the AirPods, proceed to reset your AirPods.
- Open the Airport case and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds.
- The LED lighting on the case will change from red color to white.
- Open the Airpods case and close it. Before opening the case, ensure the iOS device is close to the Airpods.
- Follow the prompts that come on your screen to complete the reset process.
If you still have difficulties fixing the distorted sound in your AirPod, consult Apple Support to query them about the noise issue.
How Do You Clean AirPods?
If you want to clean your AirPods, use a soft, lint-free, dry cloth to wipe the surface and crevice of the Airpods.
This process should help you eliminate the dirt at the stem and head of the AirPods, but you will need something thin to clean the speaker grill and the microphone properly.
The microphone is the smaller hole in the AirPods, while the speaker grill is the bigger one that goes into your ear.
These parts require extra care when cleaning. Therefore, you should avoid using water near that area to prevent water damage to your AirPods.
The smaller hole, the microphone, does not require much cleaning as it is smaller and does not attract dirt as much as the speaker.
The speaker grill, on the other hand, attracts wax and dust. So you must clean it because it can cause ear infections if left dirty for too long.
However, to clean your AirPods, follow the instructions below:
- First, slightly dab the soft cloth in clean water and gently wipe the Airpods, starting from its tail to the earpiece region.
- Dry it immediately with the microfiber cloth.
- Use a cotton swab to clean the speaker grill and microphone.
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the grill area and dry the AirPods.
- You can also use the Apple polishing cloth to clean the AirPods.
How Do I Update My AirPods?
To update your AirPods, place the sound devices in their case, plug the case into a power outlet, and connect the Airpods to an iOS device to update the software.
Apple releases new firmware to fix existing bugs and add new features to its products.
Therefore, updating your AirPods when new software is released or when you receive a prompt from your device is essential.
Conclusion
In summary, if your AirPods are making echoey sounds, it could be due to varying reasons. Nevertheless, you might try the hacks above to eliminate the irritating noise.
If it is due to dirty speaker grills, ensure to clean the area with care to avoid damaging your AirPods.