Quick 6 Ways To Turn On Noise Cancelling on AirPods - 2026

Logan Miller | May 26, 2026 • 6 min read

One of the most loyal Apple fans on earth. He loves to explore the rarely known tricks for iOS devices, helping his followers to increase the productivity of Apple devices in their daily life.

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One of the most useful listening modes on supported AirPods models is Active Noise Cancellation, which helps reduce outside sound while you listen to music, calls, or podcasts.

This guide shows how to turn on noise cancellation from the AirPods, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac, and it points out where newer models may also show Adaptive Audio.

Way 1 With the AirPods

The quickest way to switch listening modes is from the AirPods themselves, but the exact control depends on whether you are using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.

Steps for AirPods Pro

  1. Press and hold the Force Sensor. You will hear a chime sound.
    2. AirPods Pro Force Sensor Diagram

    AirPods Pro Force Sensor Diagram

  2. Press it to go through the settings. Each chime tells you the setting you have moved to.
  3. The settings are Noise Control > Noise Cancellation > Transparency.
  4. Stop at the third chime.

Steps for AirPods Max

  1. Press and hold the control button of the AirPod to open the noise control settings.
    2. AirPods max Side Button Diagram

    AirPods max Side Button Diagram

  2. Listen for the chime sound, which shows you've moved between Noise Control and Transparency modes.
  3. When the sounds around you are muted, you know you've turned on noise canceling.

Way 2 Via Siri

You can also ask Siri to turn on the Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode. Just say:

  • Hey Siri, turn on noise cancellation. Or,
  • Hey, Siri, turn on Transparency.

Way 3 In Control Center

You can also turn on noise cancellation from Control Center after your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad.

Steps

  1. Connect your AirPods to your device.
  2. Open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or down from the top right corner, depending on the model.
  3. Press the volume slider until the additional controls with the AirPods icon appear.
  4. Click on Noise Control additional controls. > Click Noise Cancellation.
    5. Turn the Noise Canceling in the Control Center

    Turn the Noise Canceling in the Control Center

Way 4 Via Settings on iPhone

You can also turn the noise canceling on through the Settings app of your iPhone.

Here's how:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Bluetooth.
  3. Select the (i) icon next to AirPods Pro.
  4. Go to Noise Control > Noise Cancellation.

Useful Tips

  • You can click More Info next to your AirPods to access the settings.
  • You can select two or three modes with your AirPods Max.

Way 5 On Your Apple Watch

Another effortless way is using your Apple Watch if you listen to audio through your watch and AirPods. Whenever you're on the move and listening to music, it's easy to do this when you're taking your morning jog or just sitting on the bus.

Steps:

  1. Press the side button to open Control Center, then tap the AirPods icon.
    2. AirPlay Icon on Apple Watch

    AirPlay Icon on Apple Watch

  2. Select Noise Cancellation.
    3. Noise Cancellation Selected on Apple Watch

    Noise Cancellation Selected on Apple Watch

  3. The other options are Off or Transparency.

Way 6 On Your Mac

If your AirPods are connected to your Mac, you can switch listening modes from the menu bar while audio is playing.

  1. Click on the volume control in the menu bar.
  2. Choose your AirPods Pro.
  3. Select Noise Cancellation.
    4. Noise Control Options Status Bar on Mac

    Noise Control Options Status Bar on Mac

  4. Other options on Transparency or Off.

What Next When Active Noise Cancellation Doesn't Work?

If Active Noise Cancellation is not working on your AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or AirPods 4 (ANC), try the checks below before you contact Apple Support.

  • Check if you have upgraded to the latest software on your device.
  • Put the AirPods in your ear and check your device to see if Active Noise Cancellation is turned on.
  • Debris or earwax can affect Active Noise Cancellation, so clean the mesh on top of it.

How Does Noise Cancelling Work on AirPods Pro?

AirPods offer two Noise Control features which are Noise Cancellation and Transparency.

Both of them allow you to listen to music by filtering out background noise, and it will reduce the chances of hearing damage. It allows you to listen to audio at a lower volume without being disturbed by outside noise.

Noise Cancellation

This setting blocks all the outside sounds as much as possible. It allows you to be engrossed in the audio by reducing the noise level of everything about you.

Transparency

When you use Transparency, you can hear some sounds, like voices, through your music. It allows you to have conversations still while listening to music.

Checking If You're Using the Best Ear Tips for Noise Cancellation

To enjoy noise cancellation's benefits fully, you must ensure that your ear tips fit well. There are three sizes of ear tips to choose from, and you can carry out a test on your phone.

  1. Open the menu for your AirPods and click on Ear Tip Fit Fest.
  2. Then, the test will pop up. Click on Play.
  3. The track will play for a few seconds.
  4. If it is a good fit, it will say ‘Good Seal'.
  5. If not, it states, ‘Adjust or Try a Different Ear Tip'.
Ear Tip Fit Test Failed

Ear Tip Fit Test Failed

Conclusion

Once you know where the listening-mode controls live, you can switch between noise cancellation and the other modes from whichever Apple device you are already using.

You can change the setting from the AirPods themselves, from Control Center, from Apple Watch, or from a Mac. If you still want to hear voices around you, switch to Transparency instead of leaving noise cancellation on all the time.