Cleaning AirPods & AirPods Pro Microphone: A Guide

In this article you will learn how you can carefully and correctly clean the microphones of your AirPods without damaging them. 

Clean the microphone of AirPods and AirPods Pro

First of all, the following should be noted: Under no circumstances should you clean the AirPods and AirPods Pro under running water. No liquid may enter the openings.

We are aware: It is a bit difficult to clean the small openings of the Airpods. To remove dust from dirty microphones and/or speakers, we recommend using a clean brush with fine, soft bristles.

Caution is required to ensure that no dirt is pushed through the metal grilles.

If that's not enough, you can also clean the microphone and speaker grilles with a dry cotton swab. Proceed with caution here as well and avoid forcing earwax through the grilles.

If there is still dirt, drip a little alcohol onto the cotton swab and carefully remove the remaining dirt.

Important: Do not use sharp objects to clean the grille. In the worst case scenario, you can damage the grilles. By the way: Here you can find more tips on cleaning AirPods and also the charging case. 

Can AirPods get clogged? 

Yes, it is possible for AirPods' microphone and speaker holes to become clogged with dust, dirt, or earwax. The small openings on the AirPods are prone to a buildup of particles, especially when the earbuds are used for long periods of time.

Clogged openings can affect audio quality because sound does not transmit properly. To prevent or resolve this, it is recommended to regularly check the microphone and speaker openings of the AirPods and clean them if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't the microphone work on the AirPods? 

The AirPods' microphone doesn't work? This can have the following reasons:

1. The AirPods are clogged
2. Not enough battery
3. Coupling problem
4. Outdated firmware
5. AirPod is defective

You can find more information about this also in this article. By the way: If just one of your AirPods is defective, you can find a replacement in our online shop. We also sell individual original Apple AirPods that come with a warranty. Feel free to take a look around here. 

Why do the AirPods Pro make noise?

If the AirPods make noise, there can be several reasons:

1. Noise cancellation issues
2. Bluetooth connection problem
3. Outdated firmware
4. AirPods are defective

More information with solutions to this problem can be found here. 

How to get earwax out of your AirPods?

1. Turn off the AirPods
2. Do not use water or liquids
3. Use a smooth cotton swab to gently remove earwax from the outer parts of the AirPods 
4. Do not use sharp objects 
5. Use a soft, fine-bristled brush to remove dust and easily accessible dirt

Can you have AirPods cleaned?

Apple does not offer a specific "cleaning service" for AirPods. However, there are various third-party services and companies that offer cleaning and repair services for AirPods and other electronic devices. These services may be available online or in physical stores. However, it is important to be careful when choosing a third-party provider to ensure that it is a reliable and authorized service.

What happens when you wash AirPods Pro? 

Washing AirPods Pro can cause serious damage and is not recommended. AirPods Pro are not waterproof and may be affected by direct contact with water. If you're lucky, your AirPods may survive the accidental wash cycle.

Can you clean AirPods with nail polish remover?

We do not recommend using nail polish remover or other chemical cleaners to clean electronic devices such as AirPods. Nail polish removers often contain harsh chemicals that can damage the AirPods' plastic housing and electronic components.

Do 2nd generation AirPods have a microphone?

Yes, the 2nd generation AirPods have a built-in microphone. The microphones are built into each earbud and allow you to use the AirPods for calls, voice controls, and other features that require audio input.