How to fix AirPods Pro 3 noise issues?

I have been an AirPods Pro user since the 1st gen. I was excited to upgrade from my 2nd gen to the new and “everything is better” AirPod pro 3. I quickly noticed that there is a constant low volume white noise / static / hissing type sound, whether I am in transparency or ANC mode. It is less apparent with media playing but still there. It is such an obvious difference from my AirPod pro 2 that at first I thought there was a fan on nearby or it was raining outside. Quick search online shows I am not the only one experiencing this issue with the new AirPod Pro’s 3.

Did all the troubleshooting steps with support to no avail (different ear tips, resetting / re-pairing device etc etc). Others online have mentioned they already did an exchange with no change. I am open to suggestions.

It seems like a possible software issue fixable with a firmware update, until then I will return my pro 3 and go back to my pro 2’s.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AirPods Pro 3 - static / white noise / hissing

Posted on Sep 23, 2025 8:01 AM

Top-ranking reply

georgeminors

Level 1

12 points

Posted on Oct 13, 2025 12:04 PM

SOLVED

I had an unbearable high pitched squeal in the right side when I used ANC or transparency. I tried:

Changing tip size
Software updates
Changing in ear detection settings
Resetting them and repairing them
Cleaning them. They were new anyway.
If I turned off ANC or transparency then it was fine but I wanted that feature of course.

In the end I got them replaced within the 14 day period and lo and behold… the replacement had the exact same issue. ****.

Why? It must be me then. I actually discovered I had a lot of ear wax build up within my ears affecting the AirPods ANC performance. It didn’t affect AirPods Pro 2 for me but the new design of the AirPods Pro 3 must be such that it is affected with the ear wax build up in my ears.

I got my ears cleared out and SOLVED! Fixed! No software or firmware issue needed. Just needed to clean out my ears. Give it a try yourself.

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37 replies

Oct 24, 2025 11:41 AM in response to stefromcolorado springs

My left AirPod started doing this today out of nowhere, I tried all troubleshooting and it stopped the high pitched sound but the crackling and ocean noise won’t stop. They’ve told me to go to the store to have them looked it, but the high pitched noise was so loud it perforated my eardrum. My ear started bleeding and it’s been ringing ever since

aleeqss

Level 1

14 points

Oct 5, 2025 5:22 AM in response to stefromcolorado springs

Same for me. Got them friday and since I can hear this white noise/hissing/static noise in both airpods,equal.

Hope to be a firmware issue and not an hardware one!

Oct 9, 2025 4:31 PM in response to wArch

I have tired resetting them and I’m sure most here have too. I can say from my experience that resetting them and updating them to the latest software did not work.

joão253

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2025 12:32 AM in response to stefromcolorado springs

I have the Same Problem it is always doing a acute Sound in the canceling Mode… Hope you guys fix it otherwise ill Go back to Sony xm6…

Oct 14, 2025 8:00 AM in response to stefromcolorado springs

I also hear the white noise especially in my left AirPod Pro 3, but if I pay more attention it's also in the right AirPod. I hope this can be fixed by a software update!

Oct 17, 2025 6:32 AM in response to stefromcolorado springs

Same issue here. I’m also returning mine and keeping the 2nd Gen. :(

Oct 19, 2025 2:02 PM in response to stefromcolorado springs

I have set up another appointment with Apple. Will see what they will do. M

How to fix AirPods Pro 3 noise issues?