Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

To turn off noise cancellation on AirPods, you switch the listening mode to Off or to Transparency using your iPhone, Mac, or the AirPods themselves. The change takes effect in a second or two and does not require re-pairing. This guide covers the quickest methods and explains why some settings seem to ignore your changes.

Turn Off Noise Cancellation from an iPhone

The fastest route on most iPhones runs through Control Center. Apple has placed the listening mode controls there since the feature arrived, so the steps are consistent across recent models.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 3 Best Apple AirPods 4 Noise Cancellation Options Compared (2026).

  1. Connect your AirPods and make sure they are in your ears or the case is open nearby.
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones with a Home button).
  3. Press and hold the volume slider until the expanded panel appears.
  4. Tap the listening mode button at the bottom. It cycles between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off.
  5. Tap Off to disable all processing, or Transparency if you want outside sound to come through.

Use the Stem Gesture or Press Control on the AirPods

You can also change modes without touching your phone. Which gesture works depends on the model.

Models with a press-and-hold stem

On AirPods Pro generations that use a force sensor on the stem, press and hold the stem until you hear a tone. The mode cycles in a fixed order, so you may need to press twice to reach Off. Check your settings to confirm which modes are assigned to the press-and-hold gesture.

Models with a touch or squeeze control

Some AirPods models use a touch area or a squeeze gesture. The default mapping varies, so open the Bluetooth settings for your AirPods and review the assignments for the left and right earbuds separately.

Change the Setting on a Mac

On a Mac, open the Bluetooth menu in the menu bar, hover over your AirPods, and choose the listening mode from the submenu. The option appears only when the AirPods are actively connected to that Mac. If you do not see it, reconnect the AirPods first.

Check the Settings That Override Your Change

Sometimes the mode switches back on its own. Two settings commonly cause this:

  • Automatic Switching: Some configurations change the listening mode based on the environment or the activity. Review the accessibility settings for AirPods to see whether an automatic mode is enabled.
  • Per-ear settings: If one earbud is set to Transparency and the other to Off, you may hear an uneven result. Set both earbuds to the same mode.

Common mistakes

  • Tapping the volume slider instead of the listening mode button in Control Center.
  • Expecting the Mac menu option to appear while the AirPods are connected to a different device.
  • Pressing the stem once when the gesture needs a press-and-hold to change mode.
  • Forgetting that Off and Transparency are different. Off turns off noise cancellation without adding outside sound.
  • Assuming a change failed when the earbuds are not seated correctly, which can reduce the effect of any mode.

FAQ

Does turning off noise cancellation save battery?

Noise cancellation uses processing power, so disabling it can extend playback slightly. The difference is usually modest, and it varies by model and volume level.

What is the difference between Off and Transparency?

Off passes no special processing and blocks little outside sound. Transparency uses the microphones to let surrounding sounds through so you can hear your environment clearly.

Why does my AirPods listening mode keep changing?

An automatic setting or a per-ear mismatch is the most likely cause. Review the settings for both earbuds and turn off any automatic switching you do not want.

Conclusion

Control Center on an iPhone is the quickest way to turn off noise cancellation, with the stem gesture and Mac menu as useful alternatives. If the mode keeps reverting, check automatic switching and make sure both earbuds share the same setting. Once you have the mode you want, it stays until you change it again.

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Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.