Removing and installing new ear tips takes less than a minute

AirPod Pro ear tips come off by pinching the seam where the tip meets the speaker mesh and pulling straight down. They slide back on by aligning the notch on the tip with the post inside the speaker opening, then pushing up until you hear or feel a click. Apple includes three sizes — small, medium, and large — in the box, and you can swap between them whenever you want.

The tips wear out over time. Silicone degrades from earwax, sweat, and regular use, so you may notice the seal loosening or the material becoming sticky or cracked after several months. Replacing them costs money only if you buy Apple's official replacements; you can also find third-party options that fit the same connector.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinch the seam between the tip and the mesh, then pull straight down to remove a tip.
  • Align the notch on the new tip with the post inside the speaker, then push up until it clicks into place.
  • Apple sells replacement tip sets in packs of three, with all three sizes included in each pack.
  • Third-party tips made for AirPod Pro will fit the same connector, though durability and comfort vary by brand.

Step-by-step removal and installation

Hold the AirPod Pro in one hand with the speaker facing you. Use your other hand to pinch the thin seam where the silicone tip meets the hard plastic mesh. Pinch firmly but not so hard that you bend the mesh. Pull straight down in one smooth motion. The tip should come free without resistance.

To install a new tip, hold the AirPod Pro the same way. Look inside the speaker opening — you will see a small post in the center and a notch or slot on one side of the opening. Take your new tip and locate the matching notch on the underside. Align that notch with the post, then push the tip straight up onto the speaker. You should feel or hear a soft click when it seats fully. Tug gently on the tip to confirm it is locked in place.

Repeat the process for the other AirPod Pro. You do not have to use the same size on both ears, though most people do.

Choosing the right size for your ears

AirPod Pro tips come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The medium size fits most people, but the fit matters for both comfort and sound quality. A tip that is too small will feel loose and may fall out; a tip that is too large will feel uncomfortable and may not seal properly.

To find your size, start with the medium tips. Insert them and wear the AirPods for a few minutes. If they feel snug and do not move when you tug gently on them, medium is your size. If they feel loose or slide around, try the small size. If they feel tight or cause discomfort after a few minutes, try the large size. The right size should feel secure without pressure.

You can also use Apple's Fit Test feature to check your seal. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPod Pro, and select Fit Test. Follow the on-screen instructions. The test plays a tone and measures how well the tips seal in your ears, then tells you whether to try a different size.

When to replace your ear tips

Silicone tips degrade gradually, so there is no fixed replacement schedule. Most people notice a change after three to six months of daily use. Signs that your tips need replacing include a loose fit even with the right size, visible cracks or tears in the silicone, a sticky or tacky texture, or a change in sound quality (usually a loss of bass, which depends on a good seal).

Earwax buildup speeds up degradation. If you clean your tips regularly with a dry cloth, they may last longer. Do not use water or cleaning solutions on the silicone, as moisture can damage the speaker mesh.

Buying replacement tips

Apple sells official replacement ear tip sets through its website and retail stores. Each set includes one pair each of small, medium, and large tips. The cost varies by region but is typically in the $10 to $15 range.

Third-party tips designed for AirPod Pro are also available from electronics retailers and online marketplaces. These use the same connector and fit the same way as Apple's tips. Quality and durability vary widely — some third-party tips last as long as Apple's, while others wear out faster or feel less comfortable. Read reviews from people who have used them for several months before buying.

Avoid tips marketed as universal or one-size-fits-all, as they may not seal properly on AirPod Pro speakers. Look for listings that specifically say they are made for AirPod Pro.

Cleaning your ear tips

Regular cleaning extends the life of your tips and keeps them hygienic. Once a week, remove the tips and wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. You can also use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away earwax buildup. Do this gently — the silicone is soft and can tear if you scrub too hard.

If your tips feel sticky or have visible buildup, you can dampen the cloth slightly with water, wipe the tips, and then dry them completely with a dry cloth before putting them back on. Never soak the tips or submerge them in water, and do not use soap or cleaning solutions, as these can damage the silicone or leave residue that affects sound quality.

Troubleshooting fit and seal problems

If your tips feel loose even after you have tried all three sizes, the problem may be with the speaker connector itself rather than the tips. Inspect the post inside the speaker opening — if it looks bent, cracked, or worn down, the AirPod Pro may need service. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have it checked.

If one tip fits well but the other feels loose, the issue is likely with that specific AirPod Pro. Again, this points to a connector problem rather than a tip problem, and you should have it inspected.

If your tips seal well but you are not hearing bass or the sound seems muffled, check whether earwax or debris is blocking the speaker mesh. Use a dry cloth or soft brush to clean the mesh gently. Do not poke into the mesh with sharp objects, as you can damage the speaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPod Pro tips on regular AirPods?

No. Regular AirPods do not have removable tips and use a different design. AirPod Pro tips are made specifically for the Pro model and will not fit other AirPods models.

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

Third-party tips designed for AirPod Pro will fit and work, though quality varies. Read reviews to find brands that last as long as Apple's tips and feel comfortable for your ears. Avoid generic universal tips, as they may not seal properly.

What should I do if I lose one ear tip?

You can buy a replacement set that includes all three sizes. You do not have to replace both tips at once — you can use a new tip on one AirPod Pro and keep the old one on the other if it still fits well.

Will replacing the tips affect my warranty?

No. Replacing the ear tips yourself does not void your warranty. The tips are designed to be user-replaceable, and Apple expects you to swap them out as they wear.

How do I know if the tip is fully seated?

You should feel or hear a soft click when the tip locks onto the speaker. If you do not hear a click, remove the tip and try again, making sure the notch is aligned with the post. Once seated, tug gently on the tip — it should not move or come off easily.