Why Do AirPods Pro Sound Weird on Mac? Main Reasons

Why Do AirPods Pro Sound Weird on Mac? | integraudio,com

Even though AirPods generally work fine with your iPhone, you may experience issues using them with a Mac. You may even be experiencing the issue ofsound not working on Macbook if you recently switched from using your iphone to using a Mac. 

A few key reasons include low AirPods battery, bluetooth connectivity issues, outdated software, codec problems, earwax buildup, hardware issues or you may have set then up incorrectly. If your AirPods work fine with your iPhone, you may need to tweak a few settings to make them work.

Here is a brief explanation for each potential cause for AirPods Pro sounding muddled when used with a Mac:

  • Low battery

 If your AirPods are running low on battery, it could affect the sound quality. Try charging your AirPods and reconnecting them to your Mac to check if the issue is resolved.

  • Connectivity issues

The quality of the Bluetooth connection between your AirPods and Mac can result in poor sound quality or audio cutting out. Try turning off Bluetooth both on your Mac and AirPods. Turn the Bluetooth back on, and try to reconnect. You can also ensure the devices are within 40 feet of each other and move closer to your Macbook if needed.

  • Downscaled mono audio

AirPods downscale the audio quality to 16-bit mono if another app uses the mic. This limitation is a result of the audio codec used for calls. You can ensure no apps are using the microphone in the background forcing the AirPods into call mode. Apple has not fixed or upgraded the audio codec; making calls on a Mac is not a great experience currently.

  • Incorrect audio settings

The selected audio setting on your Mac can cause audio issues; ensure the correct audio settings on your Mac are selected in sound preferences. AirPods must be selected as the output device to receive audio. You can access sound settings by clicking the speaker icon in the menu bar, then selecting AirPods Pro from the list of available audio devices.

  • Outdated software

Outdated software on your Mac or AirPods can be a reason for weird sound issues. Ensure your Mac and AirPods are running on the latest software versions. Some older Mac models may not be fully compatible with AirPods Pro, which can result in poor sound quality. If you have an older Mac, you may need to update your operating system or consider using a different audio device.

  • Earwax buildup on AirPods

AirPods can sound muffled or downright bad if not cleaned. You can remove the earwax, dirt, and grime collected over the speaker grilles and see if it solves the issue before getting your AirPods repaired or replaced.

  • Hardware issues

If none of the above solutions work, your AirPods or Mac may have a hardware issue. Try using your AirPods with a different device to see if the problem persists. If the issue is not fixed, you may need to get your AirPods serviced, replaced, or repaired.

Occasionally, software bugs or glitches can also affect the sound quality of AirPods Pro on a Mac. Try resetting your AirPods Pro and your Mac or updating to the latest version of macOS to see if the problem is resolved.

Why is Airpods Volume Lower than Normal?

Airpods’ volume can be too low due to auditory masking, dirt, or earwax buildup. Your AirPods should be fully inserted into your ear and oriented correctly according to the right and left earpieces. Low volumes can also result from equalizer settings or two apps trying to play audio simultaneously.  

Why Do AirPods Pro Sound Weird on Mac? Main Reasons - 2024 Update

If the ear tips of your AirPods Pro are dirty, damaged, or not properly fitted, it can affect the sound quality. Clean your AirPods Pro ear tips regularly and replace them if they become damaged or worn out. Another reason you might experience low volume is a noisy environment. Standard AirPods do not have noise cancellation, and you may be unable to hear the audio in a noisy setting. 

How to Fix Muffled AirPods Sound on MacBook?

Switching codec can solve muffled sounds on Mac. To switch your codec, open your system settings by clicking the Apple icon. Then Click on the sound icon, and select “Input.” Pick your internal microphone from the list of devices. Wait a few moments for the codec to switch, and recheck your audio quality.

AirPods sound issues are fixed by reconnecting and switching audio between the Mac and your AirPods. This method works in most cases, but if your AirPods still sound muffled, you can try to fix it using the following methods: 

Cleaning your AirPods Pro

Cleaning your AirPods Pro is important to maintain their performance and ensure they last long. You will need a cotton swab, a soft-bristled brush, and a microfiber cloth to deep clean your dirty AirPods. First, remove the ear tips from your AirPods Pro by gently twisting the rubber ear tips counter-clockwise Use a clean, dry, and soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, earwax, or debris accumulated inside the ear tips. Then, gently remove dirt or debris from the mesh microphone and speaker grilles using a dry cotton swab.

After cleaning the grilles, use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down your AirPods Pro’s exterior, including the earbud’s stem and body. After your AirPods are clean and dry, reinstall the ear tips. Arrange the silicone ear tips back on your earphones by lightly twisting them clockwise. Then put your AirPods back in the case; you should let them sit in the case for a few minutes to recharge.

While cleaning your AirPods, always use a soft-bristled brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas, such as the groove around the ear tip connector. If your AirPods Pro has built-up earwax over the years, you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to gently clean the ear tips and speaker grilles. A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning the exterior of the AirPods Pro, as it’s gentle and effective at removing dirt and smudges. Compressed air also works well to remove small amounts of dirt without causing any damage.

However, always be very careful while cleaning your AirPods to avoid damage. Getting any liquid inside the ear tips or speaker grilles will result in water damage. You should also avoid pushing too hard with the cotton swab; it can push debris further into the mesh and damage your AirPods. You should never submerge your AirPods Pro in water or use harsh chemicals to clean them, as this can damage the earbuds. Also, let your AirPods Pro dry completely before returning them to the charging case.

Reset your AirPods Pro

You can reset your AirPods if you are still experiencing bad audio playback. A reset will resolve any software-related glitches and allows you to get updates. 

If you need to reset your AirPods Pro, you can follow these steps:

  1. Place your AirPods Pro in the charging case and leave the lid open.
  2. Press and hold the button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds; the status light should flash amber. 
  3. Release the button.
  4. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and find your AirPods Pro in the list of devices.
  5. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro.
  6. Tap “Forget This Device.”
  7. Confirm that you want to forget your AirPods Pro.
  8. Close the lid of the charging case and wait for 30 seconds.
  9. Open the charging case lid and press and hold the setup button until the status light starts flashing white.
  10. Follow the instructions on your iPhone or iPad to reconnect your AirPods Pro.

Once you reset your AirPods Pro, you must pair them again with your iPhone or Mac. Hold your AirPods Pro near your device, open the charging case, and follow the prompts on your Apple device to connect them.

Get your AirPods Repaired or Replaced

If all else fails, your only option is to visit an Apple store or an authorized Apple service provider for repairs. If a warranty covers your AirPods, you can get cheap or free replacements or repairs.

Why Do AirPods Pro Sound Weird on Mac? Main Reasons | integraudio.com

Always bring proof of purchase when you take your AirPods Pro to Apple for repairs. The box AirPods Pro came in or a receipt will suffice. If one of your earpieces is faulty, you can get a replacement for $89 per earpiece.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you resolve the issue with your AirPods Pro. AirPods can sound weird on Mac for several reasons, such as reconnecting and switching device input, as discussed in this post.

However, it is still a very obnoxious problem, and hopefully, Apple will soon provide a more seamless codec-switching solution. Until then, whenever you experience bad audio through a Mac, switching between audio codecs will help resolve the issue in most cases.

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