Remove the old ear tip by pinching and twisting

The ear tip comes off by hand—no tools needed. Hold the AirPod Pro in one hand and pinch the silicone tip between your thumb and index finger. Twist it gently counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid) while pulling away from the speaker. The tip should slide off after a quarter turn or so.

If the tip feels stuck, don't force it. Wet your fingers slightly with water to improve grip, then try again. The silicone can stick to itself after months of wear, especially if you've been storing the AirPods in a warm pocket. A gentle wiggle while twisting usually breaks the seal.

Set the old tip aside—you may want to keep it as a backup, since Apple sells replacement tips in packs of three, not individually. Once the old tip is off, you'll see the speaker mesh underneath. Don't touch it or let it get wet.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinch the silicone tip between your thumb and finger, then twist counterclockwise while pulling gently away from the speaker.
  • Replacement ear tips come in three sizes—XS, S, M, and L—and you must match the size you were wearing before.
  • The new tip slides onto the speaker nozzle in a straight line until it clicks into place with a firm snap.
  • Test the fit by inserting the AirPod into your ear and pressing it gently—it should feel snug without pain or gaps.
  • If a tip falls off during wear, the speaker mesh is exposed but not damaged; straightforward reattach the tip and check the fit.

Identify your current ear tip size before ordering replacements

AirPod Pro tips come in four sizes: XS (extra small), S (small), M (medium), and L (large). Most people wear either S or M, but the only way to know which one you have is to look at the tip itself or check your original packaging. The size is printed on the silicone in tiny letters—hold it up to light and look at the underside where it meets the plastic.

If you've lost the original packaging and can't read the size on the tip, you can also check your Apple account. Open the Apple Support app or go to support.apple.com, sign in, and look for your AirPod Pro purchase. The original order confirmation sometimes lists the size, though not always. Your best bet is to measure: XS tips are about 15 mm wide, S about 17 mm, M about 19 mm, and L about 21 mm at the widest point.

Wearing the wrong size defeats the purpose of replacement. Too small and the AirPod will fall out or sit loose, killing the noise cancellation and letting sound leak out. Too large and the tip won't seat properly on the nozzle, or it will hurt your ear after a few minutes of wear.

Slide the new tip straight onto the speaker nozzle

Hold the AirPod Pro with the speaker facing up. Take the new ear tip and align it with the nozzle—the small plastic post sticking out from the speaker. Push the tip straight down onto the nozzle in one smooth motion. You should feel resistance as the silicone stretches over the plastic, then a definite click when it seats fully. That click means the tip is locked in place.

Don't twist the new tip on the way down. The fit is a straight push, not a screw-on. Twisting can tear the silicone or cause it to seat unevenly. If the tip doesn't click after a firm push, remove it and check that you're using the correct size. A tip that's too small will never click; a tip that's too large may click but will feel wrong in your ear.

Repeat the process for the second AirPod. Both tips should feel identical when you press them—same resistance, same click, same final position. If one feels different, remove it and try again.

Test the fit in your ear before relying on them

Insert the AirPod into your ear canal at a slight angle, then press it gently forward and slightly upward until it sits snugly. The tip should create a seal—you'll feel a light pressure, but not pain. If it hurts after 10 seconds, the size is wrong or the tip isn't seated properly. Remove it and check the click.

A proper fit means the AirPod doesn't move when you chew, talk, or shake your head. Gently tug on the AirPod from the stem; it should resist. If it slides out easily, the tip is too small. If you can't insert it without discomfort, the tip is too large.

Play a song and listen for bass. If the low end sounds thin or hollow, the seal is incomplete—the tip may be the wrong size, or it may not be fully seated on the nozzle. Remove the AirPod and press the tip down again, making sure you hear the click.

What to do if a tip falls off during use

If an ear tip comes off while you're wearing the AirPod, the speaker mesh is exposed but not damaged. The mesh is designed to protect the speaker from earwax and moisture, but it's not waterproof on its own. Remove the AirPod when ready and reattach the tip.

If you've lost the tip and can't reattach it, stop using that AirPod until you have a replacement. Wearing the AirPod without a tip risks pushing earwax directly onto the speaker mesh, which can clog it and reduce sound quality. Apple sells replacement tip packs in sets of three for each size.

If the tip keeps falling off even after you've confirmed it's the right size and you've heard the click, the nozzle itself may be damaged or worn. This is rare, but if it happens, the AirPod may need service. Contact Apple Support with your serial number.

Maintain your new tips to make them last longer

Silicone ear tips accumulate earwax and skin oils over time, which can make them sticky and harder to remove. Clean them every two weeks by wiping with a dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild soap. Let them air-dry completely before putting the AirPods back in your ears.

Store your AirPods in the charging case when you're not wearing them. The case protects the tips from dust and keeps them from drying out. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight, which can harden the silicone and make it crack.

If a tip becomes discolored, stiff, or develops a smell, replace it. Silicone tips typically last three to six months with regular use before they need changing. Buying a replacement pack every few months is cheaper than dealing with poor sound or a loose fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party ear tips instead of Apple's?

Yes, many third-party brands make silicone tips that fit AirPod Pro. They cost less and come in more colors. However, they may not seal as well or last as long as Apple's original tips. Test the fit carefully before relying on them for noise cancellation or exercise.

What if I lose one ear tip and can't find a matching replacement?

You can still use the AirPod with a mismatched tip as long as both tips are the same size and fit your ear. The sound quality and noise cancellation will be the same. If you want matching tips, Apple sells replacement packs in all four sizes.

Do I need to clean the speaker nozzle before putting on a new tip?

A quick wipe with a dry cloth is fine, but not necessary. The nozzle is small and rarely gets dirty. If you see earwax buildup, use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe it away. Never use water or liquid cleaners on the nozzle itself.

Why does one ear tip feel looser than the other?

The nozzle on one AirPod may be slightly worn if you've been removing and reattaching tips frequently. Try a fresh tip on that AirPod. If the new tip still feels loose, the nozzle itself may be damaged and the AirPod may need service.

Can I reuse an old ear tip if I clean it?

Yes, if the silicone isn't cracked or hardened. Wash it with warm soapy water, dry it completely, and reattach it. However, silicone loses elasticity over time, so an old tip may not seal as well as a new one. If the fit feels loose, replace it.