Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 eartips are the soft silicone caps that seat in your ear canal and hold the earbud in place. Getting the right size matters for comfort, passive isolation and how well active noise cancellation performs. This guide walks through identifying the tips that came with your earbuds, checking the seal, swapping sizes and keeping the tips clean so they last.

What You Need Before You Start

Changing or testing airpods pro 3 eartips takes only a few minutes, but a little preparation makes the process smoother. Gather these items first:

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

  • Both AirPods Pro 3 earbuds and the charging case
  • A clean, dry surface with good lighting, such as a table near a window
  • A soft, dry lint-free cloth
  • A phone or iPad with Bluetooth on, so you can run audio tests
  • A small flashlight or phone light to inspect the ear tip opening

Work in a quiet room for the seal test. Background noise makes it harder to tell whether the tip is blocking sound.

Understanding the Tip Sizes

AirPods Pro 3 ship with multiple ear tip sizes so most adults can find a workable fit. Apple packages the sizes in the box and labels them by size. Your earbuds may come with one size already installed, and the remaining sizes are usually included in the box in a separate pouch or on a small tray. Check the packaging if you cannot find them.

Ear tips differ in three ways that affect how the earbud feels and sounds:

  • Diameter: A wider tip fills more of the ear canal, improving the seal but sometimes causing pressure.
  • Depth: A deeper tip sits further in the canal, which can change stability during movement.
  • Material flexibility: Softer silicone conforms to the canal, while firmer tips hold shape but may feel less comfortable over long sessions.

Ear canal size varies widely between people, and the same size can feel different in each ear. It is normal for one ear to need a different tip than the other.

How to Check Your Fit

Finding the right tip comes down to a simple fit check. Work through these steps for each earbud separately.

  1. Insert the earbud gently, turning it slightly until it feels settled. Do not force it.
  2. Pull the top of your outer ear up and back with one hand. This straightens the canal and helps the tip seat properly.
  3. Play a track with a steady bass line, then press gently on the outer part of the earbud with your fingertip. The sound should not change much if the seal is good.
  4. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, tap your AirPods, and select Ear Tip Fit Test if it appears in your version of iOS. Follow the on-screen prompts. The result will indicate whether the seal is good or whether another size is worth trying.
  5. Wear the earbuds for 15 to 20 minutes while walking or moving your head. A good fit should stay put without you needing to push them in.

If the fit test reports a poor seal, try the next size up or down. Repeat the test after each change.

Signs the Tip Is Too Small

  • The earbud slides out when you chew, turn your head or walk
  • Noise cancellation feels weak, especially for low-frequency sounds like traffic or fans
  • Bass sounds thin, and music lacks fullness

Signs the Tip Is Too Large

  • Pressure builds inside the ear after 20 to 30 minutes
  • Your ear feels sore or tender where the tip touches the canal
  • The earbud is hard to insert or remove

How to Swap Ear Tips Safely

Changing tips takes care, since the silicone can tear if pulled roughly or if you twist it on the stem at an angle.

  1. Hold the earbud by the stem and grip the old tip firmly near its base.
  2. Pull straight off the stem with a steady motion. Avoid yanking or bending the stem.
  3. Line up the new tip with the stem opening and press it on evenly. Make sure it sits fully on the stem with no gap.
  4. Give the tip a gentle tug to confirm it is secure.
  5. Repeat for the other earbud and run the fit test again.

Keep the removed tips in a clean pouch so you do not mix them up or lose them.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Ear Tips

Earwax, oil and skin cells build up on silicone tips over time. Buildup reduces the seal and can carry bacteria. Clean the tips regularly, ideally once a week or whenever you notice a change in sound.

  • Remove the tip from the earbud before cleaning.
  • Wipe the tip with a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soap and water.
  • Gently clean the opening with a soft, dry brush to remove wax. Avoid sharp objects that could tear or push debris deeper.
  • Let the tip air dry completely before reattaching it. Moisture trapped inside can affect the earbud.
  • Keep the earbud mesh opening clear. Use a dry brush to remove debris from the speaker grille.

Avoid alcohol-based cleaners on silicone, since they can make it brittle over time. Apple’s support guidance on cleaning AirPods recommends a dry or lightly damp cloth, and that approach works well here.

Common Mistakes

  • Choosing a size based only on comfort. A tip can feel comfortable but still leak sound. Always run the fit test.
  • Assuming both ears are identical. Ear canals often differ, so check each side on its own.
  • Forcing a tip on at an angle. This can tear silicone or leave the tip loose.
  • Cleaning with liquid soaked into the mesh. Moisture can damage the speaker area. Use only a lightly damp cloth on the tip itself.
  • Ignoring wax buildup. Clogged openings reduce both sound quality and seal strength.
  • Replacing tips too late. Worn or stretched silicone loses its grip and should be swapped as soon as it no longer holds shape.

Tips for Better Results

  • Test fit at different times of day, since ear canals can feel slightly different after a long day.
  • Try the tips while sitting and while walking, because a seal that works at a desk may loosen during movement.
  • Keep one spare tip in your case pocket so a lost tip does not leave you with an unusable earbud.
  • If you wear glasses, check that the arms do not push the earbud out of place.
  • Compare sound with the transparency mode on and off to notice how much the fit affects environmental audio.

A few basic accessories make maintenance easier. None of these are required, but they help keep tips clean and organized.

  • Soft-bristle cleaning brush: A small, soft brush helps clear wax from the opening without scratching the tip. View on Amazon
  • Microfiber cleaning cloth: A lint-free cloth is gentle on silicone and removes oils from the surface. View on Amazon
  • Small zip pouch: A protective pouch keeps spare tips from getting lost or dirty. View on Amazon

FAQ

How do I know which airpods pro 3 eartips size fits me?

Start with the size that feels secure when inserted. Then run the Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS settings, if available. Choose the size that gives a good seal without causing pressure after 20 minutes of wear.

Can I use third-party ear tips with AirPods Pro 3?

Third-party tips are sold in many sizes and materials. Check that they fit the stem securely and do not alter the seal in a way that affects noise cancellation. Apple’s ear tips are designed for the earbud, so compatibility with third-party options can vary.

Why does one earbud sound quieter than the other?

The most common cause is a tip that seals differently in each ear. Run the fit test on each side and try different sizes. Wax or debris in one opening can also reduce volume, so inspect and clean the mesh.

How often should I replace ear tips?

Replace tips when the silicone tears, hardens, stretches out of shape or no longer holds a seal after cleaning. Heavy daily use may wear them faster than occasional listening.

Do ear tips affect noise cancellation?

Yes. A better seal blocks more outside sound, which helps active noise cancellation work as intended. A poor seal can make noise cancellation feel weaker, especially for low-frequency sounds.

Can I wash the ear tips in water?

You can rinse silicone tips under water and dry them thoroughly, but keep the earbud itself dry. Avoid soaking the tips with soap residue, and let them air dry completely before reattaching.

What should I do if a tip gets stuck on the earbud stem?

Do not pull hard, since that can damage the stem. Gently twist the tip while pulling straight off. If it still will not release, check Apple’s support resources for guidance or contact Apple Support.

If my ears hurt when I wear AirPods Pro 3, should I keep using them?

Pain or irritation is a sign to stop. Try a smaller tip, take breaks, and clean the tips and your ears gently. If pain or discomfort continues, consult a doctor or audiologist, especially if you notice any ear infection symptoms.

Conclusion

Finding the right airpods pro 3 eartips comes down to a good seal, a secure fit and regular cleaning. Run the fit test on each ear, try different sizes if needed, and swap tips carefully to avoid tearing the silicone. A clean, well-fitting tip improves both comfort and noise cancellation, so a few minutes of checking pays off every time you wear your earbuds.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer 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.