Airpods pro 3 chirp/high pitch noise

Ok so after reading all these comments and booking a consultation with Apple (later cancelled - read on to see why) I am confident I have found the solution. And the answer? Diligently try ALL ear tips making sure the AirPods are “screwed” into your ear. I started with the as supplied ear tips and got the chirping. Which is actually random electronic ringing caused by the anc feedback loop overworking. I then tried small tips. No improvement which is when I booked a call to Apple. But then I thought why not try the large ones. Hey Presto problem solved for me at least with the correct size ear tips again in my case the large ones. After two days no chirping so I cancelled my Apple meeting. Now a week later and still no chirping and all is good. I’m getting 8 hours of battery life in hearing mode with a couple of hours of streaming in the mix. Of note I regularly “re-screw” the AirPods as they seem to want to work their way out of my ears. But overall a good experience. No ear discomfort after a whole day of use and absolutely no chirping. Even took a 1 hour domestic flight on a 737 in cattle class and the anc was a huge benefit. So keeping testing those ear tips until you find the right size and not necessarily the same size for both ears. Oh and that “tip” about rotating the ear tips. Rubbish. The ear tips are symmetrical. Sadly our ears aren’t. By patient and persevere. It’s worth it.

Okay everyone, here's what finally worked for me to stop the high-pitched whistling noise:

1. Remove the ear tip from the affected airpod. Inspect the black mesh that's a part of the airpod itself for any debris. Even the tiniest particle of dirt could be an issue.
2. Lick the black mesh clean with your tongue. Literally. I am not joking. I just did that, the piercing noise completely stopped, and I could use the airpods normally again. If you are not feeling bold enough to do this, then try cleaning the mesh using micellar water as directed by Apple's cleaning instructions.

In my case, the core issue was NOT a poorly fitting ear tip. It was NOT earwax or moisture buildup. However, I believe these could be contributing factors as they may make it more likely for debris to work its way through the outer mesh layer of the ear tip until it reaches the inner black mesh. Once any grime gets embedded in the black mesh, that's what causes the catastrophic failure.

Hopefully, Apple will update the Airpods Pro 3 to increase the separation between the two mesh layers or to make the outer mesh layer more difficult to penetrate. Anyway, hope this helps someone out there!

Hi all there is another thread on this in the community:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256142456?answerId=261817716022#261817716022

I have been trying to resolve for a while now and have finally come up with a solution that works for me:

PROBLEM RESOLVED WITH AFTER MARKET EAR TIPS.

Further to my previous theories that the problem is caused by a flaw in the the Apple Ear Tip design - most likely the mesh surfaces trapping moisture, I decided to try an after market Ear tip. I purchased the Comply ‘MAX Truegrip’ Memory Foam Ear Tips. I took these on a 3hr+ bike ride and no issues. I then wore them for the remainder of the day while building a fence in hot sun. No issues at all. TBH they also have better sound quality and have a more comfortable fit to the Apple Version. They are quite pricy however at $51 NZ ($30 US) for 3 sets.

I am very disappointed that Apple has not addressed the issue, and don’t seem to be owning it at all. I have had no further response from them and wasted countless hours and money trying to resolve this!

Briefly, rotating the tip can stop the ANC feedback loop by temporarily changing the seal and airflow, but it doesn't fix the underlying problem. When the seal is unstable, the ANC overcompensates, creating excessive pressure and significant aural fatigue. I've stopped using them because of this.

Based on my testing, seal instability appears to create vibration transmission to the ANC microphones. When the seal shifts, physical vibrations get picked up as external noise, triggering the same feedback loop. Since the software can't correct the physical fit itself, this points to a hardware issue rather than something firmware updates can address. This was present immediately out of the box.

I have a three-page technical report documenting these findings and would like to share it with a senior advisor with AirPods Pro 3 experience. I've been trying to escalate for a replacement, but I keep encountering unproductive responses from a premium reseller. Sharing this in hopes it helps others identify the same issue.

Interesting theory, and along the same lines as my uneducated diagnosis. I agree everything points towards Hardware, not firmware. - I suspect the mesh in the Eartip is in contact with the mesh surface of the Airpod. Try the aftermarket Comply ‘MAX Truegrip’ Memory Foam Ear Tips. The mesh appears to be spaced further out. They appear to have solved the issue for me. Also more comfortable and I think better sound quality...

Another update. I still haven't made it to the Genius Bar inspite of several valiant attempts - one day.

But I continue t persevere with the AirPods Pro 3. When making a physical comparison with the AirPods Pro 2 I have noticed - and I. guess many of you have too, that there is a fourth black aperture in the 'Pod. It sits under neath and slightly to the front of the 'Pod. I have noticed that if this "aperture"is not fully covered by your ear the "chirping sound returns. I have also noticed that over the space of a few hours my 'Pods start to migrate out of my ear and change their orientation without any conscious effort on my part. When this happens I notice the chirp returns!!.So I then know it is time to screw (re-seat like an engine valve(!) the 'Pods back in ensuring that that fourth aperture is well covered by my ear. Annoying I know but not impossible to work with.

So I am on the lookout for a solution to the involuntary migration of my AirpodsPro 3. Any solutions and suggestions most welcome.

Two months after the issue has gone, for me! No more static noise and occasional high pitched noise upon adjusting AirPods in ear. Still noticeable occasionally in left ear but not as scary anymore and not an issue in every day use.

FW version 8B34.

Buds were exchanged but the noise was noticeable right after. Overnight FW upgrade (8B30) came and the issue was gone. Even more after the latest update. Thank you Apple.

My issue wasn't a chirp or obvious sound but I knew something was not right so I took my AirPods Pro 3 to my local apple and they tested it immediately right there at a display table.

The diagnostics raised a red flag and they replaced the left pod without hesitation.

Whilst my AirPods were still under original warranty, I think they should have replaced it anyway given the faulty hardware and potential to harm ear health.

I would recommend owners of the AirPods Pro 3 take them in for check up before the warranty expires - I intend to, again!

My success story

I use a lot of fans at my home. And thus I started to see a pattern. Chirping starts (and then stays regardless of changing conditions) always if I put on AirPods within air moving area. It seems even light wind fools sensors. Environment noise level seems to be irrelevant.

So after doing any voodoo for resetting chirping noise that works for you (in my case leaving them in a case for some time was enough; others pointed thorough cleaning, de- and re-pairing, hard reset etc.) just try to put them on where air stands still. After that it becomes fully resistant to a wind.

Worked for me every time (and chirping ALWAYS started if I forgot the rule and put them on in a windy area).

It’s ridiculous for flagship headphones for $250 but here we are. Hope it works for you too.

I took my AirPod to Best Buy and they sent it off to Apple, Apple sent replacement in less than a week. The new AirPod works perfectly.

I have had the same issue with the AirPods Pro 3. I returned the first pair and for a replacement. Went home, charged them, and had the same issue with the second. Went back to the Apple Store and got a 3rd. While in the store with the rep i connect them to my iPhone, and again that same chirping/whistling noise was coming from the left air pod. So I just got a refund. Very frustrating as I never had this issue with the AirPods Pro 2 I had

Follow-up: one month and still no issues since having the problem earbud replaced. YMMV but hope it works for people.

I took my first flight today with the new AirPods Pro 3 and noticed the same issue others have mentioned — a whistling noise in the right AirPod. I tried a few things to make it stop, but nothing worked until I read this thread. When I cupped my hand over my ear, the whistling went away for a bit. Switching to Adaptive mode also stopped the noise.

Based on what I experienced, it seems like a pressure or noise cancellation feedback issue. When I closed my nose and mouth to equalize my ears, the whistling would start again. It also happened when I yawned during the flight. It’s a strange problem and not something I’ve ever experienced before.

I noticed there was a new firmware update today (build 8A358), so I’m hoping that resolves it. Waiting for my AirPods to update now.

So the saga of chirping AirPods Pro 3 continues. Apple have released a firmware update version 8B25. And dare I say it but the update appears to have eliminated the chirp. As previously mentioned diligently test ALL tip sizes and remember to regularly “screw” the AP3s back in your ears. I use my AP3s as hearing aids and wear them all day. Very happy … now with the new firmware.

Those looking for a fix. There is none. I tried changing buds, flipping, cleaning, different modes, resetting etc. These are defective products. Get a refund.