Suck on this!
(LOL look at the language we've resorted to fix this on our own...)
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
AirPod Pro Ear Tip Fit test not working...Not the only one
- Thread starter gelie
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Suck on this!
(LOL look at the language we've resorted to fix this on our own...)
HeadphoneAddict
macrumors 65816
Thanks. I thought that was a contact sensor, but I guess the smallest spot on the underside is the contact sensor, and the middle sized one just above the "stem" is the external microphone.
dwhitem
macrumors newbie
Oh man, I'm so glad I found this post!
I had started to experience that "bone conducting" phenomenon but couldn't describe it well. I took the APP into apple store and explained that recently I had become aware of that underwater feeling and it was so bad I couldn't wear them anymore due to the pressure and resonance I was feeling in my head. We tried replacing the tips to no avail (they brought over powerbeats tips which apparently fit the same). They then brought over a relatively new test pair and the difference was amazing. Night and Day, I couldn't "feel" and "hear" every step, every neck movement, every jaw flex. I mentioned that I thought it could be a vent clogged or the inner ear microphone but they didn't say one way or other. Either way they replaced both pairs (it was both L and R that were causing the problem for me) and I was happy.
Fast forward 2-3 weeks and the problem is coming on again. I came upon this thread and tried the "sucking" and that clears up most of the conducting feeling, not entirely gone but way better.
I wear my APP at least 6 hrs a day and also run in them. My earwax is wet and so I'm wondering if that, along with how often I'm wearing them is attributing to how fast those things are clogging up.
I will say that I tried a few of my friends pairs of APP and I experienced the same phenomenon while they hadn't complained about it at all.
Maybe some people (like myself) have a more sensitive ear and this flaw becomes more apparent for us.
I haven't experienced any fit issues and the problems with my initial pair started well before the most recent firmware update (12/6/19)
I had started to experience that "bone conducting" phenomenon but couldn't describe it well. I took the APP into apple store and explained that recently I had become aware of that underwater feeling and it was so bad I couldn't wear them anymore due to the pressure and resonance I was feeling in my head. We tried replacing the tips to no avail (they brought over powerbeats tips which apparently fit the same). They then brought over a relatively new test pair and the difference was amazing. Night and Day, I couldn't "feel" and "hear" every step, every neck movement, every jaw flex. I mentioned that I thought it could be a vent clogged or the inner ear microphone but they didn't say one way or other. Either way they replaced both pairs (it was both L and R that were causing the problem for me) and I was happy.
Fast forward 2-3 weeks and the problem is coming on again. I came upon this thread and tried the "sucking" and that clears up most of the conducting feeling, not entirely gone but way better.
I wear my APP at least 6 hrs a day and also run in them. My earwax is wet and so I'm wondering if that, along with how often I'm wearing them is attributing to how fast those things are clogging up.
I will say that I tried a few of my friends pairs of APP and I experienced the same phenomenon while they hadn't complained about it at all.
Maybe some people (like myself) have a more sensitive ear and this flaw becomes more apparent for us.
I haven't experienced any fit issues and the problems with my initial pair started well before the most recent firmware update (12/6/19)
Why do people often think, something is only their own problem
It`s natural to have wet ears – especially after taking a shower, sports and it`s not only natural but good to have earwax…
But there are people who don't notice much at all – running around with the thumb every step they take, not wondering (because "its normal with in-Ear-Buds").
hi guys,
i'd like to share with you my experience and my assumption.
Yesterday I've find out the sound of my Airpods Pro purchased in just after release are not performing as I was used to. I did not use ANC too much but the sound was weird, lacked bass. So i tried to switch to ANC and Transparency modes but I was not able to! It just remained in the standard setting. Then I run the fit test and failed repeatedly which was strange because when the APP were new, I passed with all 3 tips all the time. Then I started searching internet for root cause and found this forum. First I thought it's some kind of joke to suck on the air vents but I gave it a try and surprisingly it helped. I needed to suck more on the right pod to make it working back again.
Now I've read some assumptions why this is happening and you're mostly pointing at messy/blocked inward facing mic vent which might be also an issue (as for some cleaning of the vent have helped) but I think the issue is with inner valve which closes/opens as per the mode. The valve gets either stuck in one position or does not close/open fully. And by sucking the vent you'll help to get the valve into the proper position (perhaps by suction you force the valve to push out any debris/mess which blocks the valve to get into proper position), making the APP working well again. You can check the valve open/close theory by opening APP settings where you can switch modes and then do a long suck on the vent and you'll see the SW mode in your iPhone will switch! The same works when you blow an air into the vent with your lips tightly around the vent, the SW mode switch will switch to other position. Without fully open/closed valve the APP can not work properly
So the bottomline is:
- there's inner valve which switches between modes. The valve gets stuck or not fully opens/closes making ANC to work improperly, audio output sucks as well
- fully clogged vent might cause similar issue but it's not the root cause
- no SW update has or will have an affect on the issue
- redisign on inner parts by Apple would probably helped
- to remedy the issue SUCK AND BLOW YOUR APP REGULARLY, get a Apple replacement as soon as new HW version is out
i'd like to share with you my experience and my assumption.
Yesterday I've find out the sound of my Airpods Pro purchased in just after release are not performing as I was used to. I did not use ANC too much but the sound was weird, lacked bass. So i tried to switch to ANC and Transparency modes but I was not able to! It just remained in the standard setting. Then I run the fit test and failed repeatedly which was strange because when the APP were new, I passed with all 3 tips all the time. Then I started searching internet for root cause and found this forum. First I thought it's some kind of joke to suck on the air vents but I gave it a try and surprisingly it helped. I needed to suck more on the right pod to make it working back again.
Now I've read some assumptions why this is happening and you're mostly pointing at messy/blocked inward facing mic vent which might be also an issue (as for some cleaning of the vent have helped) but I think the issue is with inner valve which closes/opens as per the mode. The valve gets either stuck in one position or does not close/open fully. And by sucking the vent you'll help to get the valve into the proper position (perhaps by suction you force the valve to push out any debris/mess which blocks the valve to get into proper position), making the APP working well again. You can check the valve open/close theory by opening APP settings where you can switch modes and then do a long suck on the vent and you'll see the SW mode in your iPhone will switch! The same works when you blow an air into the vent with your lips tightly around the vent, the SW mode switch will switch to other position. Without fully open/closed valve the APP can not work properly
So the bottomline is:
- there's inner valve which switches between modes. The valve gets stuck or not fully opens/closes making ANC to work improperly, audio output sucks as well
- fully clogged vent might cause similar issue but it's not the root cause
- no SW update has or will have an affect on the issue
- redisign on inner parts by Apple would probably helped
- to remedy the issue SUCK AND BLOW YOUR APP REGULARLY, get a Apple replacement as soon as new HW version is out
Last edited by a moderator:
HeadphoneAddict
macrumors 65816
The APP disconnect from BT when they are not in the ears. If we cover the sensor to fool it into thinking that the one in our hand is in our ear, we can't change to NC mode without both of them thinking they're in our ears. So if I put one in my ear and the other on my lips, sucking or blowing doesn't change the mode.
Last edited by a moderator:
morsecp
macrumors regular
I had the same exact deal test failure. I have 2 pair and one exhibited the seal test failure the other pair did not. Apple replaced the faulty pair and I have not had the seal test fail in either pair since. I've been using the replacement pair since December 11. The other pair, that never exhibited the problem, has been in use daily since November 4. Both pair are working as expected regarding the seal test now. That's about 6 to 12 weeks of daily use for each respectively without an issue.
It's definitely a hardware issue but it may be exacerbated by certain users use patterns or a high rate of defective units.
It's definitely a hardware issue but it may be exacerbated by certain users use patterns or a high rate of defective units.
Last edited by a moderator:
it’s not due to sucking. It’s cause you’re covering the light sensor. So it thinks it’s in your ear.
HeadphoneAddict
macrumors 65816
No, I just didn't describe it right - I was saying that the way he described it doesn't work unless you cover the sensor, which he left out of his instructions, and in return I also left parts out of the instructions. It's not worth it.
j0nblayz
macrumors 6502
Lol the suck the inner grill actually fixed my right bud. No matter what I did i couldn’t get the fit test to pass on the right bud for weeks. Now with sucking it few time, it finally passed!
I do have couple other issues with ANC being less on the right ear, however I will need to bring my buds and test them at the gym as I noticed it the most at the gym with the loud background gym music.
I do have couple other issues with ANC being less on the right ear, however I will need to bring my buds and test them at the gym as I noticed it the most at the gym with the loud background gym music.
Stephan Bohley
macrumors newbie
I got a question or two..
i would Love to geht the AirPod Pros ... but ...
reading about different Issues people experiencing ...
1. do they keep Right in ear while riding bike and Sweat a lot?
2. Reading through Forum and the recent issues about anc ... reffering to Software Update (which was Pulled back anyway) but also Not Passing fit Test ... whats the Problem with Not Passung fit Test ... what Really Does that mean for practice, Not Working than at all or?!
should i still get them or Not?
i would Love to geht the AirPod Pros ... but ...
reading about different Issues people experiencing ...
1. do they keep Right in ear while riding bike and Sweat a lot?
2. Reading through Forum and the recent issues about anc ... reffering to Software Update (which was Pulled back anyway) but also Not Passing fit Test ... whats the Problem with Not Passung fit Test ... what Really Does that mean for practice, Not Working than at all or?!
should i still get them or Not?
zerolight
macrumors 6502a
I doubt there’s a valve in these. Didn’t seem to be as per ifixit and why would there by. The hear through and noise cancellation work with mics and firmware, it’s not opening a valve to let some sound in.
The vent on the back let’s pressure out so you don’t hear the bone conduction when you take steps. It works like an open backed over ear headphone, but letting much less sound in. Given it’s designed to be open, clogging it with wax will kill the bass, just like covering an open back headphone with your hands does so too.
[automerge]1579455873[/automerge]
Thanks all for the tip to get my bass back. I was convinced it was a seal issue but the clogged vent tip solved my problem.
Schranke
macrumors 6502a
Yah, bought them mainly for sports. They stay in.
as I get it, this seams to happen to "older" AirPods. But I am not really sure. have not had my pair long enough to experience any issue.
I got me a pair knowing the issues and I do not regret it
j0nblayz
macrumors 6502
spoke too soon, test is again failing on the right pod. However bit worried sucking it may have caused something get lodged in the inner mic somewhere. Phone calls were fine yesterday and now when using the right pod, people are complaining I sound muffled.. time for a warranty exchange in guess
Surf Monkey
Suspended
Okay. I’m having the same issue. I can’t get a seal with any of the tips. The AirPods just don’t insert deeply enough into my ears to produce anything even approaching a good seal. No noise cancellation. No bass. They stay in but without a seal they’re literally useless.
Since there appear to be no third party alternatives and because it looks more than obvious that Apple was more concerned about them fitting the little tic-tac charging case than a normal ear... well, I think these have to go back. It sucks. I had high hopes for these. Using my girlfriend’s Powerbeats Pro and they’re vastly better, even with what I consider a pretty loose fit and that distinct Beats low end that I dislike.
Since there appear to be no third party alternatives and because it looks more than obvious that Apple was more concerned about them fitting the little tic-tac charging case than a normal ear... well, I think these have to go back. It sucks. I had high hopes for these. Using my girlfriend’s Powerbeats Pro and they’re vastly better, even with what I consider a pretty loose fit and that distinct Beats low end that I dislike.
ATC
macrumors 65816
I can't answer the second question, but I can tell you my own experience that may answer your first.
I had the APPs for a little over a month and tried to use them mainly during workouts. I found that no matter the tip size I used (FWIW the M and L gave me a good seal but not the S) when I biked, ran or was on an elliptical and was sweating a lot, while the pods themselves never fell out of my ears, the smooth silicon tips would work themselves out just enough to break the seal, killing both ANC performance and bass response. I found myself having to continuously push them back into my ears to regain the seal, only to lose it again moments later. A losing battle that ultimately led me to order a pair of PBPs to compare side by side.
The PBPs in contrast were like they were glued to my ears during any workout, the difference was night and day. This eventually made me return the APPs and ended up keeping the PBPs.
Having said that, take my above experience with a grain of salt because everyone's ears are different and you may well have a very different experience than I did. My advice would be to get the APPs and try them yourself for as long as the return period would allow (Apple's is now back to 14 days I believe). Only then will you know if they work for you.
HeadphoneAddict
macrumors 65816
I fail fit test with medium tips - passed with large. Lost a large tip tonight, and Apple Support via chat was telling me I have to go to the store to get a replacement IF I don't want the mail-in service!
WUT? I said no, I am not mailing you my device. They said, "no, no, you don't mail anything in, that's just what we call its mail-in." Whew!
With medium tips I have to shove them too deep into my ears to get a seal, and then they work themselves out and I lose it.
WUT? I said no, I am not mailing you my device. They said, "no, no, you don't mail anything in, that's just what we call its mail-in." Whew!
With medium tips I have to shove them too deep into my ears to get a seal, and then they work themselves out and I lose it.
Surf Monkey
Suspended
Got my failing R earpiece replaced at Apple Store tonight. My right APP just would not pass the fit test. It used to, but it quit some time ago. After reading this forum, I contacted Apple Support via Chat. After doing stuff I know would not make a difference, support created an in store appointment. Went in, and the right earpiece was replaced under warranty. I kept the same Large tip that came with my original AirPod Pro. With absolutely no fiddling, both sides pass the fit test. And I can tell the difference. Low sounds that once were canceled out are now gone again. 🙂
FWIW Firmware is 2C54. Specialist said both earpieces must have the same firmware to work.
Update one month or so later : My replacement Right earpiece has again failed the fit test. Did some ear cleaning, did not help. No obvious dirt grime or other "stuff" on the earpiece. Adjusted the earpiece placement, sometimes passed, usually failed. Got some Blu-Tack, pressed it onto the grill on the upper side of the earpiece and removed. Pass. Pass. Pass every time. I think the Blu-Tackers are on to something.
FWIW Firmware is 2C54. Specialist said both earpieces must have the same firmware to work.
Update one month or so later : My replacement Right earpiece has again failed the fit test. Did some ear cleaning, did not help. No obvious dirt grime or other "stuff" on the earpiece. Adjusted the earpiece placement, sometimes passed, usually failed. Got some Blu-Tack, pressed it onto the grill on the upper side of the earpiece and removed. Pass. Pass. Pass every time. I think the Blu-Tackers are on to something.
Last edited:
j0nblayz
macrumors 6502
as
I’m not sure how this works regarding firmware. If both of my pods are at 2c54, and the firmware has been pulled by Apple, how would the single bud update to 2c54 after getting replaced? I have a feeling the replaced bud is now using an older firmware. I asked the same question to support, and ended up getting both buds replaced. My new replacements should be here by tomorrow. Also Apple confirmed on my chat that 2c54 has indeed been pulled by Apple.
I’m not sure how this works regarding firmware. If both of my pods are at 2c54, and the firmware has been pulled by Apple, how would the single bud update to 2c54 after getting replaced? I have a feeling the replaced bud is now using an older firmware. I asked the same question to support, and ended up getting both buds replaced. My new replacements should be here by tomorrow. Also Apple confirmed on my chat that 2c54 has indeed been pulled by Apple.
Thankful I found this forum and joined as I could not get the test passed. My ear canal opening is simply too big for the largest size tips. No bigger size available so improvised by adding another set beneath the apple ones before attaching. Perfect fit and sound quality and noise cancelling is massively improved. Test results show same but, Eh, who cares. The difference is significantly improved sounds and ANC.
Attachments
Hi all, great forum here. I had my original set of AirPods Pro replaced a couple of weeks ago as they were having some issues, namely severe battery drain. (They would run out after an hour or so of use.) I did notice the issue of both failing the fit test with all the ear tips too, but the battery issue was more pressing.
Anyway, the replacements have been better, but after a few days, I noticed that the right AirPod Pro constantly fails the fit test. I also notice, then, that the bass is reduced greatly in that ear. I tried the "suck" method and it does appear to work – but only for a very brief time. If I put that same bud in hours later, it'll fail again.
Has anyone noticed this? Barring another replacement, are there any other suggestions on what can be done to correct this issue? (Note that I have also tried to clean them with rubbing alcohol wipes.)
Anyway, the replacements have been better, but after a few days, I noticed that the right AirPod Pro constantly fails the fit test. I also notice, then, that the bass is reduced greatly in that ear. I tried the "suck" method and it does appear to work – but only for a very brief time. If I put that same bud in hours later, it'll fail again.
Has anyone noticed this? Barring another replacement, are there any other suggestions on what can be done to correct this issue? (Note that I have also tried to clean them with rubbing alcohol wipes.)
I would not use alcohol on them, especially in the vents! Got my pair two months now and never failed the test ever, thank god... My first day one unit was clogged up at that vents plus bone conduct sound and ofcourse fail the fit test. I returned them for refund. Now with the new ones i painstakingly „try“ to keep my ears clean PLUS i suck them out with those black dot remove devices you can buy for beauty stuff. Works like a charm tbh. But still kinda disappointed to go all through this hassle to keep em working as they should... Obviously a design flaw!
It is a device for cleaning your skin basically! It creates a vacuum and removes those black dots from your Skin pores through suction