Cleaning AirPods & AirPods Pro Microphone: A Guide

In this article, you will learn how to clean your AirPods microphones carefully and correctly without damaging them. 

Cleaning the microphone of AirPods and AirPods Pro

First of all, please note the following: Never clean the AirPods and AirPods Pro under running water. No liquid should get into 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, it is recommended to use a clean brush with fine, soft bristles.

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

If that is not enough, you can also clean the microphone and speaker grilles with a dry cotton swab. Be careful here too and avoid pushing earwax through the grilles.

If there is still dirt, add a little alcohol to the cotton swab and carefully remove the rest of the dirt.

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

Can AirPods get clogged? 

Yes, it is possible for the microphone and speaker holes on AirPods to become clogged with dust, dirt, or earwax. The small holes on 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 as sound does not travel properly. To prevent or fix this, it is recommended that you regularly check the microphone and speaker openings on your AirPods and clean them when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the microphone on the AirPods work? 

The AirPods microphone is not working? This could be due to 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 Outdated firmware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 also in this article By the way: If only one of your AirPods is defective, you can find a replacement in our online shop. We also sell individual originalApple AirPods that come with a warranty. Feel free to look around here. 

Why do the AirPods Pro make noise?

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

1. Problems with noise cancellation
2. Bluetooth connection failure
3. Outdated firmware
4. AirPods are defective

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

How do you get earwax out of 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 brush with fine bristles to remove dust and easily accessible dirt

Can you get AirPods cleaned?

Apple does not offer a specific "cleaning service" for AirPods. However, there are several 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 service 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 use nail polish remover to clean AirPods?

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 plastic casing of AirPods as well as the electronic components.

Do AirPods 2nd generation have a microphone?

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