Are you tired of your AirPods falling out? Losing one of both earbuds can be annoying. From fitting adjustments to some DIY tricks, we’ve rounded up the top six techniques to keep those precious earbuds snug and secure.
Make Sure You’re Wearing Your AirPods Right
Before we move on to the tips, let’s talk about wearing your AirPods like a pro. It’s more complex than just putting them into your ears. There’s a method that can help you keep those pods in place.
Here’s the breakdown of the press-rotate-wedge technique:
- Press: Pop the AirPods in, but make sure the stem points straight up or in line with your face.
- Rotate: Give them a gentle twist until the stems are parallel to your jawline.
- Wedge: Feel that satisfying lock-in sensation? Great, your AirPods are where they should be — comfortably snug.
Now that you’ve mastered putting them in, it’s time to learn the best maintenance techniques that will allow you to always wear your pods comfortably and prolong their life.
First, dry wipe. Keep things hygienic and slip-free by gently wiping your AirPods with a dry cloth before putting them in. You can also use a slightly damp cloth for a gentle clean. Regularly remove oil and earwax from your AirPods and ears.
Second, perform the ear tip fit test. Head to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, select the i icon next to your AirPods name, hit Ear Tip Fit Test, and follow the on-screen instructions for a custom fit.
How to Keep AirPods From Falling Out of Your Ears
Do your AirPods still manage to fall out from time to time? In that case, we have a few more life hacks you can use to keep your pods in place and avoid accidentally losing them.
1. Try Wearing Your AirPods Upside Down
This tip may seem weird, but give it a try. Try wearing your AirPods upside down and see if it works for you. This little hack has been around for quite a while and still packs a punch, especially for those who enjoy running.
If this technique doesn’t work straight away, here are some things to try:
- Switch the earbuds: Try switching your left earbud with the right one — and see if that works better for your ears. Don’t worry, as this won’t affect the sound quality of the AirPods.
- Turn Ear Detective Off: Head into your device’s settings and switch off the Automatic Ear Detection option. This will help avoid interruptions while listening to your music.
2. Twist Your AirPods In
If wearing your AirPods upside down doesn’t work or feels too uncomfortable, you can try another free trick to keep your pods in place. Try twisting your AirPods in.
Place the AirPods in your ears and gently press them in, ensuring the speakers face into your ear canal.
First, align the stem vertically with your head; there is no need to go deep into your ear canal. Then, twist them up around 30 degrees so the stem sticks out horizontally and points away from your ears instead of pointing down.
This trick may not be for everyone. It works best with AirPods Gen 1, 2, and 3. The owners of the Pro version might be less thrilled about this move, as it may be too uncomfortable.
3. Use Waterproof Tape With Your AirPods
For this next trick, you’ll need some supplies: waterproof tape and a pair of scissors or a hole punch. We recommend using absolute waterproof tape like the Nexcare 3M for better effect and durability.
Make a few tiny dots by punching them out from the waterproof tape. Alternatively, you can use the scissors to cut out rectangular strips of tape.
Stick these tape dots or strips below and above the black sensor dot on your AirPods. Play around with different shapes to find what gives you the best fit.
Then, put the AirPods in your ears and move around to test if they fit right. The AirPods should now stay in your ears, thanks to the tape.
And the best part is that the earbuds will still fit in the charging case just fine, even with the tape on top of them.
4. Use Memory Foam Tips for AirPods Pro
The next tip is especially useful for AirPods Pro users. If your AirPods Pro often slips out when you’re working out or running, that’s most likely because of the slippery silicon tips. You can use memory foam tips, which provide a much better fit for your ears.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Get rid of those silicone tips with a gentle pull. Then, ensure you get the memory foam counterpart that is the same size as your silicone tips.
- Squeeze, push those new tips in, and listen for that satisfying click. Now, pop the AirPods into your ears. Squeeze the tip, then follow with the push-rotate-wedge move.
- After you insert the AirPods Pro with the new memory foam tips into your ears, give it about 4 seconds. That’s all the time those memory foam tips need to gracefully expand and mold to the contours of your ears, sealing the canal in style.
5. Use Third-Party Accessories
In case none of the methods worked, and you still find your AirPods falling out, consider investing in third-party accessories that will improve your AirPods’ fit and keep them from falling out.
AirPods Ear Hooks by Yinva
AirPods already come with a premium price tag, so for those who want to save money on extra accessories, the Yinva Ear Hooks stand as one of the best options.
Similar ear hooks, also called AirPod Grips, use a substantial plastic hook that wraps around your entire ear. Just slide the AirPods stem into the hollow part of the ear hooks or grips, wrap the oversized hook around your ear, and you’re all set.
For under $7, these ear hooks aren’t just about securing your AirPods; they also promise a snug and comfy fit, turning your AirPods into workout companions. So if you want to give your AirPods a sporty makeover, check out the ear hooks by Yinva on Amazon. They’re compatible with AirPods 3, 2, and 1 Gen and come in black, pink, and transparent models.
Silicone AirPods Ear Hooks Cover by AhaStyle
For those looking for some extra support for your AirPods during active moments, we recommend considering the Ahastyle silicone AirPods ear hooks covers – just right for sports enthusiasts.
These hooks cater to both AirPods and AirPods Pro users. They slide over your AirPods, and a small hook grabs onto your ear, ensuring they stay securely in place. Plus, they come equipped with strategic cutouts, preserving your AirPods’ sound quality and functionality.
On Amazon, you’ll find these in white for under $10 for a three-pair pack. However, you’ll have to pay more for black, red, navy blue, or pink colors.
AirPods Strap by Gogosodu
If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 option – an accessory that will keep your AirPods from falling out your ears and also keep you from losing them, the AirPods strap by Gogosodu is an excellent option.
This neckband strap is designed to firmly adhere to your neck, ensuring your AirPods stay put even during the most dynamic activities. This strap is super easy to install. Slide your AirPods Pro into the designated slot, and you get a secure fit that guarantees you won’t lose your precious AirPods.The soft silicon strap offers flexibility and a skin-friendly touch for all-day comfort.
The strap is compatible with AirPods Pro 2 & 1, AirPods 3, AirPods 2, and AirPods 1. The only downside is that it costs a little more than our recommended accessories — almost $14 on Amazon.
Time to Secure Your AirPods
If you want to keep your AirPods safely in your ears, using tape, silicon covers, or tips can solve your problem, ensuring a snug and lasting fit.
And if this is not the only thing that annoys you about the AirPods, we recommend a few top alternatives to Apple AirPods for those looking to change teams.
