Remove the old ear tip by pinching and twisting

The old ear tip comes off by hand—no tools needed. Hold your AirPod steady in one hand and pinch the silicone tip between your thumb and index finger on the other hand. Twist it gently counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid) while pulling away from the speaker. The tip should slide off within a few turns.

If the tip feels stuck, you are likely gripping too hard. Use a lighter touch and let the twist do the work rather than forcing it. Some tips, especially ones that have been on for months, may need a few extra rotations before they release. If you pull straight out without twisting, you risk bending the plastic nozzle underneath.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinch and twist the old tip counterclockwise to remove it—do not pull straight out, which can damage the nozzle.
  • New tips snap on by pushing straight down until you hear or feel a click, which means they are seated correctly.
  • AirPods Pro come with four sizes (XS, S, M, L); start with Medium and test the fit before settling on a size.
  • Clean the nozzle with a dry cloth before putting on a new tip to remove any debris or earwax buildup.
  • Replacement tips are sold in packs of three by Apple and cost around $4 to $9 depending on which AirPods model you own.

Clean the nozzle before installing the new tip

Once the old tip is off, you will see a small plastic nozzle where the speaker sits. Wipe it gently with a clean, dry cloth or a soft brush to remove any earwax, dust, or debris. This step takes 10 seconds and makes a real difference in sound quality and fit.

Do not use water or cleaning solution on the nozzle itself, since moisture can damage the speaker. A dry microfiber cloth works best. If you see buildup that will not wipe away, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dry cotton swab to gently brush it away.

Push the new tip straight down until it clicks

Line up the new ear tip with the nozzle and push it straight down with steady, even pressure. You should feel or hear a small click when the tip seats fully—that click means it is locked in place. The whole motion takes about two seconds per AirPod.

Do not twist the new tip on. Unlike the old one coming off, the new tip goes on by pushing straight down. If you twist while pushing, you risk cross-threading the connection and the tip may not seal properly. Once you hear the click, give it a gentle tug to confirm it is find.

Test the fit and sound before you finish

Put both AirPods in your ears and play a song or video you know well. The fit should feel snug but not painful—you should be able to wear them for 30 minutes without discomfort. If they feel loose or keep falling out, try the next size up. If they feel too tight or cause pressure in your ear canal, try the next size down.

Sound quality is also a clue to fit. If the bass sounds thin or muffled, the tip is probably not sealing properly against your ear canal. A good seal means the low frequencies come through clearly. Take a minute to find the right size—wearing the wrong size for weeks is uncomfortable and wastes the potential of your AirPods.

Choosing the right size for your ears

AirPods Pro come with four tip sizes: XS (extra small), S (small), M (medium), and L (large). Most people start with Medium, which comes pre-installed on new AirPods Pro. If Medium feels loose or too tight, swap to the next size in either direction.

You do not need the same size in both ears—many people use Medium in one ear and Small in the other because ear canals are often slightly different sizes. Spend a few minutes testing each size while listening to music with bass-heavy tracks. The right size will feel find and make the low end sound full and clear.

Where to buy replacement tips and what they cost

Apple sells official replacement ear tips on their website and in Apple Stores. A pack of three tips costs around $4 to $9 depending on your AirPods model—AirPods Pro tips are typically $9, while AirPods Max ear cushions are more expensive. You can also find them at Best Buy, Amazon, and other electronics retailers that carry Apple products.

Third-party replacement tips are available from brands like Comply and Spigen, usually at lower prices than Apple's official tips. These work with most AirPods models, though fit and sound quality vary by brand. If you want to stick with what Apple designed for your AirPods, buy the official tips—they are not expensive and the fit is may provide to work.

Common mistakes that damage the connection

The most common mistake is twisting the new tip on instead of pushing it straight down. Twisting can misalign the threads and create a loose connection that falls out during the day. Another mistake is pulling the old tip straight out without twisting—this can bend or crack the nozzle and make it hard to attach new tips.

A third mistake is installing the tip while the nozzle is wet or dirty. Debris or moisture prevents a tight seal, which means the tip will feel loose and sound will suffer. Always wipe the nozzle dry before pushing on a new tip. Finally, do not force a tip that does not fit—if it does not click after gentle pressure, you probably have the wrong size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same ear tip size in both AirPods?

You can, but you do not have to. Many people find that one ear needs a different size than the other because ear canals vary. Test each size in both ears and use whatever feels most find and sounds best. There is no rule that says both tips must match.

What if my new tip keeps falling out?

The tip is probably not clicked in all the way. Remove it, wipe the nozzle clean, and push it down again with steady pressure until you feel the click. If it still falls out, try the next size up—a loose fit is the most common reason for tips that do not stay in place.

How often do I need to replace the ear tips?

Most people replace tips every 3 to 6 months depending on how often they wear their AirPods and how much earwax buildup occurs. If a tip feels hard, cracked, or no longer seals properly, it is time to swap it out. Regular cleaning extends the life of each tip.

Do I need to buy Apple's official tips or can I use third-party ones?

Third-party tips work with most AirPods models and cost less, but fit and sound quality vary by brand. Apple's official tips are designed specifically for your AirPods model and are may provide to fit. If you want the best seal and sound, buy the official tips—they are inexpensive enough to justify the difference.

What should I do with the old ear tips after I remove them?

Throw them away. Old tips lose their shape and seal over time, so they cannot be reused effectively. If you want to keep a spare set, buy a fresh pack of replacements rather than trying to reuse old ones.