How to Stop AirPods from Leaking Sound? Causes & Fixes Explained

One of the most well-liked wireless earbuds available right now is the Apple AirPods, which are famous for their noise-cancelling technology, elegant design, and smooth integration with Apple devices. 

Even though AirPods are meant to fit firmly in your ears to minimize sound loss, they are not totally soundproof. So how to stop AirPods from leaking sound? 

Check out our post for specific causes and solutions!

How to stop AirPods from leaking sound?

What Is Sound Leakage?

When sound from your headphones seeps out and becomes audible to those around, it's known as sound leakage. This might be an issue in public settings like buses and libraries where other people could be bothered by your podcast or music.

While sound leaking may happen with any kind of headphones, some, like earbuds, are more noticeable.

Sound leak AirPods

Do AirPods Leak Sound?

AirPods let some sound leak out of the ear canal. This implies that especially if you're in a quiet place or have the level turned up, people around you may be able to hear the music you're listening to.

So why do my AirPods leak sound?

The amount of sound leakage from AirPods depends on a number of factors, including the loudness of the music, how tightly you fit them in your ears, and the surrounding environment.

Luckily, AirPods leak less sound than other earphones on the market.

How to Stop AirPods from Leaking Sound?

If you're having trouble stopping your AirPods from leaking sound, these 8 solutions will help you get the problem fixed fast.

How to fix AirPods leaking sound?

Switch On Active Noise Cancelling

Apple has released an Active Noise Cancelling feature, which can assist users of AirPods with sound leakage. Adhere to these steps:

• Step 1: Swipe down on the right to access the Control Center after pairing your iOS device with the AirPods.

• Step 2: Press and hold the volume bar.

• Step 3: Press the "Noise Cancellation" icon after the extra controls have shown up.

• Step 4: Turn off "Transparency" so that your AirPods will stop leaking sound. 

Turn on Active Noise Cancelling

Use Silicone Ear Hooks

Everybody has a different ear size, so although Apple does an excellent job designing the device to fit the majority of users, there may occasionally be issues.

A loose fit on your AirPods may let sound seep into your environment.

Purchasing silicone ear hooks or earphones that fit on your AirPods is one simple method to get around this. By filling in the gap between your ear and your AirPods, the ear hook will prevent sound leaks.

Lower The Volume

You may turn up the volume on your AirPods to the utmost to make up for the loud noises around you. In the event that one side is loud and the other is quiet, you may also turn up the volume.

This may lead to the fact that others will be able to hear what you are listening to. So, try decreasing the volume using the following steps to see if it helps:

• Step 1: Access Control Center.

• Step 2: Tap and hold the volume bar.

• Step 3: Drag it down to turn down the volume.

To reduce the volume, you may also utilize the volume down button located on the side of your smartphone. 

Lower the volume to avoid AirPod sound leaking

Use Memory Foam Earbuds

Use foam earbuds instead of silicone ear hooks if they don't fit your ear.

When you need total isolation, foam earbuds are an excellent alternative because they closely resemble the shape of your ears more than silicone ones do.

But be careful while wearing them in situations when you need to hear sounds, at least when you walk outside your house.

Clean Your AirPods

Your AirPods may accumulate dust within them over time. When there is a buildup of dirt, you tend to turn up the volume to make up for the low loudness. In the end, this may result in AirPods sound leaks.

To fix that, you may use a moist towel to clean your AirPods. Take care to prevent moisture from getting inside the AirPods' openings. Next, use a dry towel to wipe it clean. Use cotton swabs to clean the speaker and microphone's meshes.

Clean your AirPods to stop Apple AirPods sound leaking

For further information, refer to the guides below:

• How to clean AirPods?

• How to clean earwax from AirPods?

• How to clean AirPods Pro case?

• How to clean AirPods microphone?

Avoid Raising The Volume In Noisy Environment

When wearing AirPods in loud environments, as inside an airplane, you will naturally want to turn up the volume over what is advised. This can lead to sound leakage and be bad for your hearing.

Reset Your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods is a useful method for resolving practically every problem. That's how to do:

• Step 1: After inserting the AirPods into the charging case, shut it, and wait around 30 seconds. Then, open the lid of the charging case.

• Step 2: Select Settings > Bluetooth on your phone or iPad.

• Step 3: Select Forget this Device after finding your AirPods among the devices shown. If necessary, tap one more to be sure.

• Step 4: Hold the setup button behind the charging case of your AirPods for about 15 seconds while keeping the case lid open. Amber and then white flashing should be seen on the status indicator light.

Watch this video for the detailed tutorial:

Take Your AirPods To A Service Center

Suppose none of the aforementioned solutions worked to resolve the issue. In that case, you should bring your AirPods to a service center that is authorized by Apple so that an expert may examine them.

You can have your AirPods fixed or replaced if they are faulty.

If they are still under warranty, you may get a free replacement or repair for your AirPods. Like other Apple products, AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty.

At What Volume Do AirPods Leak Sound?

Because each audio track has a unique audio profile, it might be challenging to determine the level of an audio file played via your AirPods.

However, trial and error may give you a general idea of what volume the leaking audio is unnoticeable.

For most AirPods pairs, using at more than 75% of their maximum volume may cause sound leaking from AirPods into the surrounding area.

Going over 75% of the maximum volume may cause sound leakage

Read next: How to skip songs with AirPods on Android?