Although AirPods Pro has become such a hit that Apple cannot keep up with inventory, there are some issues. One big issue has been AirPods Pro keep falling out for some owners.
In the box, Apple provides three different silicone ear-tips to switch between and use. And after being paired with your iPhone or iPad, you can perform the Fit Test in order to make sure you’re using the right ones.
Problems associated with poorly fitting AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro Silicone Ear Tips
Despite its popularity, there are some that are still disappointed with the AirPods Pro. Primarily, issues revolve around the use of the silicone ear-tips and the lack of third-party or even first-party alternatives.
So what can happen if your AirPods Pro doesn’t fit the way that you were expecting them to? Well for one, Active Noise Cancellation may not work as well due to the lack of a solid “seal” in your ears. Without a good fit, sounds and noises can leak through, which can be rather frustrating if you need to sit down and focus.
Another big issue with not having a great fit is that they could fall out randomly. These aren’t like the original AirPods where they just sit in your ear, as the silicone tip can “slip” out of your ear. Then, you’ll have to frantically try and find where it fell out or may end up needing to get a replacement.
AirPods Pro Keep falling out, Here’s what you can do
If you are someone who has been getting frustrated with the AirPods Pros, there are a few options. Some of these may not be the greatest, but you’ll need to make sure that your hard-earned money was well spent.
Try using memory foam tips
Foam Ear Tips
A popular theme for those experiencing issues is to try out different memory foam tips. There are no “official” first-party replacement foam tips that come directly from Apple.
Instead, you will have to do some research in order to locate different “compatible” memory foam tips. At the time of this writing, there are not even any third-party options that fully replace the silicone tips provided by Apple. Although Comply has stated that there is something “in the works” for the AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro with Symbio W Ear Tips
But some, like Federico Viticci from MacStories, have found another way to get that “memory foam” fit while still using the silicone tips. We are hoping that Comply releases a set of foam tips that completely replace the AirPods Pro silicone options. Unfortunately, we may be waiting a little bit longer for that.
As someone who has experienced this problem of the ear tips slipping, I have gone down the Viticci path. And here are some of the best options for you to choose from:
Symbio W – These are what I purchased directly from Symbio after seeing Viticci, and others, using them with solid results.
Comply Isolation T-400 – Before my Symbio W’s arrived, I had finagled and installed these onto the tips for my AirPods Pro. But the case never fully-closed and caused too much frustration for my liking.
F FEYCH Replacement Tips – These were just a cheap and easy way for me to see if I would be able to try and install tips with the AirPods Pro. But they worked surprisingly well.
Regardless of which memory foam tips you purchase, we recommend picking up a multi-pack. These usually include three different sizes (S/M/L) so you can find what works for your ears. And if you want a better idea of how to install these, check out this video.
Memory Foam vs Silicon Tips for AirPods Pro
So the first question you may be asking yourself is why should you get a memory foam ear-tip instead of silicone. Well, the easiest answer is because of the material itself. Silicone ear tips are much slippery, and keep earwax on the tip causing you to “deep clean” them.
Memory foam contours to the shape of your ear provided that you put them in your ear the right way. This not only will help alleviate ear fatigue, but also will provide a better seal and an overall better experience.
Other ways to keep them from falling out
If you don’t want to rely on using third-party ear-tips, there are a few different methods you can try. We have found some of the more popular solutions that seem to be working for AirPods Pro owners.
You’re wearing them wrong
As much as this may frustrate some, you may be putting your AirPods Pro in your ear the wrong way. Obviously, this is just for those who are experiencing issues, but some have found a better way to get the “right” fit.
You will want to treat the AirPods Pro as if they are a set of earplugs. Then, follow these steps:
Reach behind your head, pulling upward on the back of your ear.
Push the AirPods into your ear as deep as you can.
Let go of your the back of your ear.
The AirPods are not long enough to accidentally cause any damage to the ear canal or your eardrum. However, performing this technique will open your ear canal, allowing for the AirPods to go deeper than normal, while providing a more secure fit.
Avoid ear fatigue
Switch the ear-tips to the smallest ones available, then make sure that the stem of the AirPods Pro is as vertically-straight as possible. This will alleviate pressure and pain when wearing the headphones for long periods of time. Plus, if the stem is vertical, it has more of a chance to stay in your ears due to another added point of contact.
Flip and swap
Another method that may feel a bit odd is to flip the AirPods Pro upside down. This is a way that some runners have discovered as a viable way to keep the AirPods from falling out. If that still doesn’t work, you can flip them upside down and then swap ears (put left in the right ear, and vice-versa).
Return your AirPods Pro
The final option if none of the above “fixes” work for you is to return your AirPods Pro. Depending on when they were purchased, it will determine how long the return policy is that you have to adhere to.
Here’s a breakdown of the return policy for different retailers:
Apple: 14 Calendar Days from the date of purchase
Best Buy: 15 days from date of purchase
Target: 15 days from date of purchase
Walmart: 30 days from date of purchase
If the AirPods Pro were purchased at a different retailer, you’ll need to double-check that retailers return policy. Other than that, we recommend having either a standard or gift receipt when it’s time to return them.
Conclusion
When working properly and the way that Apple intended, the AirPods Pro is absolutely magical. However, the lack of third-party ear tip solutions has caused frustration for many, leaving some with no other option than to return them. Which in and of itself can be upsetting due to the fact that Apple just can’t keep up with the current demand.
If you have tried one of the mentioned solutions for yourself, let us know how it worked for you. Did you end up returning them? Or did you find something that worked? If there’s something that we didn’t mention, let us know so we can share it with others experiencing the same problems.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
You mention the Symbio W to replace the silicone on the AirPods Pro but on the website linked they actually have different pairs specific to AirPods Pro. Is there a reason you chose the W?
Right ear kept falling out, I switched left to right ear and right ear to left, plus I put them in upside down and the fit and feel is much better
Thanks for the tip !
Just returned my AirPod pros. After trying all of the options they still fall out. I will just get a new pair of the original airpods as they actually fit.
Wow I was really skeptical about putting them in upside down but that really seems to be more secure. Will have to go for a run like that and see how it goes
OMG! I’m almost to the point of throwing them out due to frustration because they keep falling out and have to fight with my dogs to give them back. Switching them in different ears and flipping them upside down works PERFECTLY!!! I’m shaking and twisting and turning my head while typing this and they are staying in place 🙂 Thank you for the tip!
Hello, I am disappointed in Apple, their product development, their R&D department. They have amazing computer and phone products, but they are admitting in this tool box that they can’t solve a rather basic problem. When I first got the AirPod Pros I did the ‘fit test’. None of the three sizes came up as a good fit, except my left ear using the large tip. Guess what…it falls out when I’m doing gardening work. I am constantly placing my fingers on the AirPods trying to make sure they don’t fall out (and inadvertently pausing or changing modes) . I am dismayed the only solution Apple is offering is for me to shop somewhere else, going to a third party. That is not a solution, that is avoiding the problem.
If and when Apple arrives at a solution, will they send replacements to all of us at no charge, or will we need to pay for them? Hmmmm…..
My new airpod pros kept falling out despite achieving a good seal (using all 3 sizes of silicone tips). Problem solved with 6 pack of memory foam tips from Amazon that cost just €10.
I bought the “F FEYCH Replacement Tips” you recommended but failed to read the Amazon description. They are not compatible with Airpod Pros. How did you use them??
Since silicon plugs are “slick”, I wonder if taking the smooth side of a finger nail file and lightly scuffing the plugs would give then added hold. I will try, and let you know. Now if Apple comes out with new plugs that have small molded ridges that form a Arrow type non slip plug. . Remember where you read it first. When I sue for rights. Date is 3/25/21. Ron Harke
I flipped my AirPods and put them in (left pod in the right ear and right pod in the left ear) and so far?
It definitely feels more “secure” as they actually manage to hook into the anti-tragus of my ears.
I’m using the small size tips so we’ll have to see how it go.
Thank you for this! I kept going back to my AirPods bc they stay in but I miss the noise canceling feature of the Pros (why I bought them in the first place). I got the memory foam pads first and that made them more comfortable but they kept falling out. I just tried the ear plug method and I’m shocked how much better they fit that way! I’ll have to test them out more while moving but they are so much better this way and far more comfortable!
Hi
Thanks for the tips. I just purchased the Symbio Eartips. I hope it works because the apple tips keep falling out of my ear. Neither the small or medium sizes works ♀️.
To keep AirPod pros in ear I found best way is to purchase silicone hooks, buy at Amazon they come in a three pack get the cheapest ones with best reviews……
Hi Elizabeth,
I have the silicone hooks, makes the pro stay in place without the worry of them dropping out.
You do have to remove them to charge the pods. Takes seconds to fit/remove the hooks.
Thanks for the tips. I just purchased the AirPod Pros and am so disappointed. They will not stay in my ears. Continually falling out. Hopefully Apple is listening to its users and develops a solution. So far they have not been responsive based on all the number of posts I have read.
Well written and solid ideas, especially the flipping and switching ears . These have fallen out and broken many of times and I had retired them and gone back to the original ones. Retrying pros with these new insights. Thank u
I just tried the earplug method and it seems to working well so far. I bought some Foam Masters memory foam tips as well. I will try them with the earplug method too.
You mention the Symbio W to replace the silicone on the AirPods Pro but on the website linked they actually have different pairs specific to AirPods Pro. Is there a reason you chose the W?
Having trouble keeping air pod pros in ear. Do they make a strap that slips over the end of the pod shaft
The right AirPod is a problem. Reversing and inverting seems better but I’m not sure that I can trust them to stay in place during air travel.
I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE. IM READY TO THROW THEM AWAY
Right ear kept falling out, I switched left to right ear and right ear to left, plus I put them in upside down and the fit and feel is much better
Thanks for the tip !
Just returned my AirPod pros. After trying all of the options they still fall out. I will just get a new pair of the original airpods as they actually fit.
I have tried both silicone and memory foam tips and still won’t stay in my ears, memory foam stay longer but fall out after 10 minutes
Hello,
Can you tell me in detail how to use silicone hooks ?
Wow I was really skeptical about putting them in upside down but that really seems to be more secure. Will have to go for a run like that and see how it goes
OMG! I’m almost to the point of throwing them out due to frustration because they keep falling out and have to fight with my dogs to give them back. Switching them in different ears and flipping them upside down works PERFECTLY!!! I’m shaking and twisting and turning my head while typing this and they are staying in place 🙂 Thank you for the tip!
Hello, I am disappointed in Apple, their product development, their R&D department. They have amazing computer and phone products, but they are admitting in this tool box that they can’t solve a rather basic problem. When I first got the AirPod Pros I did the ‘fit test’. None of the three sizes came up as a good fit, except my left ear using the large tip. Guess what…it falls out when I’m doing gardening work. I am constantly placing my fingers on the AirPods trying to make sure they don’t fall out (and inadvertently pausing or changing modes) . I am dismayed the only solution Apple is offering is for me to shop somewhere else, going to a third party. That is not a solution, that is avoiding the problem.
If and when Apple arrives at a solution, will they send replacements to all of us at no charge, or will we need to pay for them? Hmmmm…..
My new airpod pros kept falling out despite achieving a good seal (using all 3 sizes of silicone tips). Problem solved with 6 pack of memory foam tips from Amazon that cost just €10.
I bought the “F FEYCH Replacement Tips” you recommended but failed to read the Amazon description. They are not compatible with Airpod Pros. How did you use them??
Silly me. Should have clicked on the video first. Nevermind!
Since silicon plugs are “slick”, I wonder if taking the smooth side of a finger nail file and lightly scuffing the plugs would give then added hold. I will try, and let you know. Now if Apple comes out with new plugs that have small molded ridges that form a Arrow type non slip plug. . Remember where you read it first. When I sue for rights. Date is 3/25/21. Ron Harke
I flipped my AirPods and put them in (left pod in the right ear and right pod in the left ear) and so far?
It definitely feels more “secure” as they actually manage to hook into the anti-tragus of my ears.
I’m using the small size tips so we’ll have to see how it go.
Thank you for this! I kept going back to my AirPods bc they stay in but I miss the noise canceling feature of the Pros (why I bought them in the first place). I got the memory foam pads first and that made them more comfortable but they kept falling out. I just tried the ear plug method and I’m shocked how much better they fit that way! I’ll have to test them out more while moving but they are so much better this way and far more comfortable!
Hi
Thanks for the tips. I just purchased the Symbio Eartips. I hope it works because the apple tips keep falling out of my ear. Neither the small or medium sizes works ♀️.
Just tried inverting them upside down and between ears and they’re pretty solid now. Will try this running tomorrow morning.
To keep AirPod pros in ear I found best way is to purchase silicone hooks, buy at Amazon they come in a three pack get the cheapest ones with best reviews……
I was looking at those but concerned they would keep the pods from charging?
Hi Elizabeth,
I have the silicone hooks, makes the pro stay in place without the worry of them dropping out.
You do have to remove them to charge the pods. Takes seconds to fit/remove the hooks.
No mater what size they fall out. Worst money ever spent!!
Thanks for the tips. I just purchased the AirPod Pros and am so disappointed. They will not stay in my ears. Continually falling out. Hopefully Apple is listening to its users and develops a solution. So far they have not been responsive based on all the number of posts I have read.
Well written and solid ideas, especially the flipping and switching ears . These have fallen out and broken many of times and I had retired them and gone back to the original ones. Retrying pros with these new insights. Thank u
I just tried the earplug method and it seems to working well so far. I bought some Foam Masters memory foam tips as well. I will try them with the earplug method too.