You upgraded to the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation expecting clean, full sound and real quiet, but the audio feels thin, the bass has gone missing, or the noise cancellation barely seems to do anything. Maybe music sounds dull on a busy commute, or background noise creeps back in even with ANC switched on. The good news is that on this particular model, most sound-quality complaints come down to fit, settings, or a clogged mesh rather than a broken earbud, and almost all of them you can fix yourself in a few minutes.
A browser based headphone test makes this easy to confirm. If both sides play test tones correctly there, the headphones are fine and the problem is in the device or app.
One thing to understand up front shapes every fix below. The AirPods 4 with ANC use an open-ear design and do not have silicone ear tips, so they rest at the opening of your ear canal rather than sealing inside it. That means there is no ear-tip swap and no fit or seal test to run on this model (those belong to AirPods Pro). Noise cancellation here depends on how the buds physically sit in your ears, so the fixes start with position and work toward the deeper resets only if you need them.
Start by Reseating Them for a Snug, Secure Position
Because this model has no ear tips, a poor position is the single most common reason ANC feels weak or the sound goes thin and bassless. When the buds drift or sit loosely, both the low end and the noise cancellation suffer immediately. Take a moment to actually reseat them before changing any settings.
Apple's instruction is simple. Gently press the AirPods in your ears and rotate them toward your face. They should feel snug and secure. A more stable position improves both bass response and how effectively ANC blocks outside sound. If you find they never sit securely no matter what you do, the open-ear shape may not suit your ears, and the AirPods Pro (which come with multiple ear-tip sizes) are the model designed for a tighter fit.
Make Sure You Are Actually in Active Noise Cancellation Mode
Sometimes the buds are fine and the mode is simply wrong. If you are in Transparency or have noise control switched Off, outside sound will pour in and it can feel like ANC has failed. Confirm which listening mode is selected before assuming anything is broken.
With the AirPods in your ears, press and hold the stem on either bud until you hear a chime to cycle through the modes. You can also do it from your phone.
- 1.Open Control Center, then touch and hold the volume control.
- 2.Tap the Listening Mode button at the bottom left.
- 3.Choose Active Noise Cancellation (or Adaptive Audio) instead of Transparency or Off.
Keep in mind that Adaptive Audio deliberately blends ANC and Transparency based on what is around you. If your goal is maximum quiet, pick Active Noise Cancellation specifically rather than Adaptive Audio.
Uncover the Microphones and Test With Adaptive Audio Off
The outward- and inward-facing microphones do the heavy lifting for noise cancellation, so anything blocking them undermines the sound. Apple advises against covering the external microphones, since doing so can cause audio issues. Check that nothing (a thick hat, hair, or how you are holding the bud) is obstructing them.
While you troubleshoot, switch Adaptive Audio off and use plain Active Noise Cancellation. Adaptive Audio adjusts noise-control settings based on your surroundings, which can make ANC seem inconsistent or quieter than expected. Testing with straight ANC selected gives you a clean baseline to judge whether the cancellation is really working.
Clean the Microphone and Speaker Mesh
A noticeable loss of bass, or background sound leaking in while ANC is on, can sometimes trace back to a dirty mesh. Earwax and debris build up over time and muffle both the speakers and the microphones, so it is worth checking and gently cleaning them.
Lightly clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not run the AirPods under water, and never use sharp objects or abrasive materials on them. Let them dry completely before you use or charge them.
Update the Firmware and Your Device's Operating System
Out-of-date software can leave audio features behaving oddly. Adaptive Audio and the full set of noise-control features require a paired device running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia or later, with the AirPods on the latest firmware. Keeping everything current often clears up quirks you would otherwise chase forever.
There is no manual firmware updater. Updates install automatically while the AirPods are charging, the lid is closed, and they are in Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected device. You can confirm what they are running at Settings > Bluetooth > Info button next to your AirPods > About > Firmware Version. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is also on its latest OS version at the same time.
Rule Out Bluetooth Interference
If the sound cuts out, stutters, or distorts intermittently, the problem may be the wireless connection rather than the buds themselves. Bluetooth audio degrades near interference, and a weak link can mimic a hardware fault.
Keep your iPhone or other source device close, with no obstructions such as walls or floors between you and it. Move away from crowded areas and places with heavy Wi-Fi activity, poorly shielded cables, microwave ovens, and wireless speakers, all of which can disrupt the signal. It also helps to know that streaming audio is more prone to dropouts than locally stored content, so a problem that only appears while streaming points toward the connection.
Fine-Tune the Audio With Headphone Accommodations
If music or calls simply sound dull or thin to your ears, you can tailor the audio output on your iPhone or iPad using an EQ-style tool. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations.
Turn it on and choose whether to apply it to Phone, Media, or both. From there you can adjust Amplification to bring up soft sounds, change the Tone and frequencies, and set the left/right Balance. These controls let you push the sound toward something crisper and clearer when the default tuning feels flat.
Forget the AirPods and Pair Them Again
When the earlier steps have not helped, removing and re-adding the AirPods clears out a stale pairing that may be causing trouble. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth > Info button next to your AirPods > Forget This Device. Note that this removes them from all devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
Once they are forgotten, put the AirPods in the open case near your device and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect. A fresh pairing often resolves audio glitches that survived every softer fix.
Reset the AirPods, Then Reach Out to Apple Support
A full reset is the last self-fix to try before concluding the hardware needs attention. Resetting removes the AirPods from your devices and returns them to their factory settings, so you will need to set them up again afterward. You can Forget the device first (Settings > Bluetooth > Info button > Forget This Device) if you have not already, then follow the reset sequence exactly.
- 1.Put your AirPods in their charging case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.
- 2.Open the lid of your charging case.
- 3.Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
- 4.Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
- 5.Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
- 6.When the status light flashes amber, then flashes white, follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.
This double-tap-the-case method replaces the older setup-button hold used on previous models. If Active Noise Cancellation still is not working after you have reset your AirPods, you might need service. At that point, contact Apple Support or book an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ANC seem weaker on my AirPods 4 than on in-ear models?
The AirPods 4 with ANC use an open-ear design and have no silicone ear tips, so they rest at the opening of your ear canal instead of sealing inside it. Noise cancellation here depends on how snugly and securely the buds physically sit, which is why repositioning them is the first fix. If you want the seal of an in-ear model, Apple points to the AirPods Pro, which include multiple ear-tip sizes.
Is there a fit or seal test I should run on the AirPods 4?
No. The Ear Tip Fit and Acoustic Seal Test exist only for AirPods Pro models, because those have silicone ear tips. The AirPods 4 are open-ear with no ear tips, so there is no seal test to run. Instead, gently press them in and rotate toward your face until they feel snug and secure.
How do I switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio?
With the AirPods in, press and hold the stem on either bud until you hear a chime to cycle modes. You can also open Control Center, touch and hold the volume control, tap the Listening Mode button at the bottom left, and choose Adaptive Audio, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Off. For the quietest result, select Active Noise Cancellation rather than Adaptive Audio.
How do I check what firmware my AirPods are running?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Info button next to your AirPods > About > Firmware Version. There is no manual updater. Firmware installs automatically while the AirPods are charging with the lid closed and within Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected device. Adaptive Audio and full noise-control features require iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia or later.
What should I do if ANC still fails after a reset?
If Active Noise Cancellation is still not working once you have completed the reset sequence, the issue may be hardware-related and need service. Contact Apple Support or book an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have the AirPods checked.