AirPods Making Squeaking Noise

Imagine settling into your cozy bed on a beautiful rainy day to listen to your favorite music, and suddenly your AirPods start making weird squeaking noises. Oh no! That sounds so annoying. But AirPods making squeaking noise is a fairly common issue among AirPods users. 

Apple’s AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are known for their stellar sound performance, unique design, and high-quality build. However, they are often impacted by errors and issues, such as weird noises, fast-dying batteries, and so on. 

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We know why AirPods make an annoying squeaking noise sometimes and how you can fix it real quick. Read further to know more. 

6 Reasons Why Your AirPods Are Making Squeaking Noise

1. Software Problems in Your AirPods or Source Device 

The first and most common reason behind your AirPods’ squeaking noise is a software glitch. Here’s a quick list of potential software problems that can result in weird noise from your AirPods:

Outdated Firmware

All AirPods models operate on firmware that is regularly updated to enhance the AirPods’ performance or fix technical errors. Therefore, if the AirPods’ firmware is outdated, it may lead to issues, such as screeching noise. 

iOS and MacOS Issues

If you are using AirPods with iPhone, iPad, or Mac, there could be issues with the devices’ operating systems, which may be causing the squeaking noise. For example, an outdated iPhone operating system or a bug fiddling with your Mac’s functionality. 

2. Hardware Problems

Any defect or physical issue with your AirPods’ hardware or internal components can lead to audio issues, such as low volume, crackling/squeaking noise, audio lags, and so on. 

Here’s a quick list of hardware problems that can result in AirPods making squeaking noise:

• Loose or damaged internal components, resulting from a sudden fall or physical shock, or dropping AirPods in water
• Damaged speaker mesh after cleaning your AirPods roughly or dropping them accidentally
• Damaged or worn out battery

3. Incorrect Audio Settings on Your Source Device

If your audio device’s settings are not correct, you may hear squeaking noise or feedback now and then. For example, if you have enabled certain audio enhancements or are using aggressive settings on the equalizer, you may hear squeaks and squeals from your AirPods. 

Here’s a quick list of audio settings that can drive your AirPods to make weird noises if not set up properly. 

Noise Cancelation and Transparency Modes

This point is applicable to AirPods Pro users. Both Noise Cancelation and Transparency Modes process and reduce ambient sounds. However, this processing can lead to audio distortion or squeaking noise. 

Volume Limit

Setting the volume limit too high can also lead to audio distortion or squeaking noise, especially if your streaming or audio file’s quality is low. 

Equalizer Settings

If specific frequencies on your device’s equalizer settings are set too low or high, you may hear squeaking noise from your AirPods. 

4. Dirt and Debris Stuck in Your AirPods or Their Charging Case

Over time, AirPods’ speaker mesh and microphone openings accumulate dirt, debris, and earwax. This accumulation can result in different audio issues, such as low volume, squeaking noise, muffled sounds, and so on.

Accumulated dirt and debris can also impact the functionality of your AirPods’ sensors and result in weird noises. 

5. Signal Interference With Other Devices

AirPods use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to other devices. Therefore, they use the 2.4 Hz frequency band. This frequency band is also used by other wireless devices, such as cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, and so on. Therefore, multiple wireless devices operating in close proximity can lead to signal interference. 

This signal interference can disrupt the Bluetooth signal between your AirPods and source device, leading to squeaking noise, audio distortion, etc. 

6. Ear Tip Fit

One of the most common causes of AirPods making squeaking noise is ear tip fit. Many AirPods users underestimate the importance of using the right ear tips for excellent sound quality, enhanced comfort and a proper fit.

Ill-fitting ear tips in AirPods can lead to sound leakage, muffling sounds, squeaking noise, and a lot more. 

How to Fix Squeaking Noise in AirPods 

Now that we’ve helped you identify six common reasons that can result in AirPods making squeaking noise, here are some quick tips and best practices to fix this annoying noise!

1. Address Software Issues in Your AirPods or Source Device Regularly

• Ensure your AirPods’ firmware is up to date. 
• Update your device’s operating system regularly. 

Learn how to check and update your AirPods’ firmware here.

Latest Firmware for Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

Per Apple’s official website, here are the latest firmware details for different AirPods versions:

2. Assess Your AirPods’ Hardware Problem and Get Them Fixed

• Evaluate your AirPods closely to find any signs of physical damage
• Reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro (sometimes, this is a quick way to fix hardware issues)
• Connect your AirPods to different source devices to determine if the squeaking noise persists
• Contact Apple Support for queries related to repair or replacement
• Take your AirPods to the near Apple store for closer inspection and diagnosis of the squeaking noise

3. Adjust the Audio Settings on Your Device

• Switch between Noise Cancelation and Transparency modes to check if you can still hear the squeaking noise
• Set the volume limit on your device to moderate level
• Reset equalizer settings and set them up correctly again, per your requirements

4. Clean Your AirPods 

• Use a brush with soft bristles to clear the dirt and debris stuck in your AirPods’ speaker mesh and mic openings
• Wipe your AirPods dry with a lint-free cloth after brushing is done
• Avoid using chemicals or compressed air to clean your AirPods (to avoid further damage)
• Store your AirPods in their case when not in use to protect them for environmental pollutants 

5. Minimize Signal Interferences

• Move to a different location with your AirPods if you have multiple wireless devices in a common space 
• Consider getting a dual-band Wi-Fi router (many Wi-Fi routers comprise two bands: 2.4 Hz and 5 Hz) and switch to the less-crowded 5-Hz band
• Reduce the number of Bluetooth devices around you and place them away from each other to prevent signal interferences

6. Use the Right Ear Tip Size

• Pick the right ear tips according to the’ shape and size of your ear canals
• Gently insert the AirPods in your ears and twist them to get a proper fit
• Use the AirPods Pro Ear Tip Fit Test on your iOS device to evaluate your AirPods’ fit
• Replace worn out ear tips to prevent sound issues, such as squeaking noise
• Keep the ear tips clean

Final Thoughts

As you have already seen above, your AirPods are not immune to technical issues or other common problems, such as squeaking noises. 

Therefore, you don’t need to get worked up if you face any issues with your AirPods! 

All you need to do is try the troubleshooting ideas discussed in this blog to fix the squeaking noise in your AirPods. 

Do you have any hacks in mind that we haven’t covered yet? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below!