AirPod Pros are a popular choice for many music enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals, known for their crisp sound quality and innovative features. However, there can be instances where AirPod Pros sound muffled, causing a less-than-stellar auditory experience. This article will delve into potential reasons behind such a problem and provide solutions to rectify it.
Reason 1: Accumulation of Dirt
One of the main culprits behind the ‘AirPod Pros sound muffled’ issue could be the accumulation of dust, earwax, or other debris. Similar to how a blocked speaker hampers the sound quality, gunk in your AirPods can lead to muffled audio.
How to Clean Your AirPod Pros
Cleaning your AirPod Pros can be an effective solution to this problem. Start by visually examining the AirPods for any visible debris. Use a toothpick to cautiously remove any larger particles. Once this is done, dampen a cotton swab or a small cloth with rubbing alcohol. Use this to gently clean the speaker grille.
Make sure to let the AirPods dry completely before testing them again. There are also dedicated AirPod cleaning kits available from brands like Belkin, which can be a handy investment for regular users.
Reason 2: Need for Reset
If cleaning doesn’t solve the ‘AirPod Pros sound muffled’ issue, resetting the AirPods might be the next step. Resetting can refresh the connection and resolve any audio bugs.
How to Reset Your AirPod Pros
Resetting your AirPod Pros is quite straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Place your AirPods in the charging case, close the lid and wait for 30 seconds.
- Open the charging case.
- Navigate to the ‘Bluetooth’ option in the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
- Click on the ‘i’ icon next to your AirPods.
- Click on ‘Forget This Device’ and confirm this action.
You can then re-pair your AirPods to your iPhone by holding the circular button on the back of the charging case for around 15 seconds until the light on the case starts flashing white.
Reason 3: Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio Settings
Sometimes, the ‘AirPod Pros sound muffled’ issue can be due to Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio settings in Apple Music. Dolby Atmos tracks can sometimes lead to a muffled sound if they are not mixed correctly.
How to Adjust Dolby Atmos Settings
To adjust these settings, open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone and tap on ‘Music.’ From there, you can turn off the toggle next to ‘Dolby Atmos.’ This will only affect songs in Apple Music, but it could potentially resolve the muffled sound issue.
Reason 4: Hardware Fault
If the muffled sound persists even after trying all of the above solutions, it might indicate a more serious problem with the AirPods hardware. In such cases, it would be wise to consult an Apple Authorized Service Provider for a professional diagnosis.
What to Do in Case of Hardware Fault
If the AirPod Pros sound muffled due to a hardware fault, they might need to be sent in for service or repair. The quickest way to do this is by setting up an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If your AirPods are old, or the repair cost is too high, buying a new pair might be more economical.
Reason 5: AirPods Pro Sound Issues
AirPods Pro (first-gen) manufactured before October 2020 might have sound issues leading to the ‘AirPod Pros sound muffled’ problem. Users might experience cracking or static-like sounds, loss in bass, or an increase in background sound when Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is enabled.
How to Deal with AirPods Pro Sound Issues
If you are facing any of these issues with your first-gen AirPods Pro, you can take them to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They will check the earbuds for eligibility for the replacement program. If eligible, the earbuds will be replaced. However, it’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro case won’t be replaced as it isn’t affected by the issue.
Reason 6: Transparency Mode Issues
Transparency Mode is a feature unique to AirPods Pro, designed to let users hear surrounding sounds while enjoying their music. However, if Transparency Mode isn’t working properly, it might cause the AirPod Pros sound muffled.
How to Fix Transparency Mode Issues
There are several ways to fix issues with Transparency Mode.
- Clean your AirPods Pro: As mentioned earlier, cleaning your AirPods Pro can help with muffled sound issues.
- Customize Transparency Mode: If Transparency Mode has always sounded muffled to you, you might need to adjust its settings. Navigate to ‘Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations’ in the ‘Settings’ app. Enable the ‘Headphone Accommodations’ and ‘Custom Transparency Mode’ sliders. Now you can adjust the Transparency balance and tone to your liking.
- Adjust Ambient Noise Reduction: If you’ve over-adjusted your settings, particularly the Ambient Noise Reduction setting, it might cause muffled sound. Try moving the ‘Ambient Noise Reduction’ slider to the left.
- Enable Conversation Boost: If conversations seem quieter when you’re using Transparency Mode, enabling the ‘Conversation Boost’ option might help. This setting focuses on the range of frequencies that carry human speech, improving the clarity of conversations.
- Replace Single AirPod: If only one AirPod is causing problems, replacing it might be the solution. However, if the issue is due to water or earwax, replacing the AirPod might not help.
In conclusion, while the ‘AirPod Pros sound muffled’ issue can be frustrating, there are several potential solutions to this problem. Whether it’s cleaning the AirPods, resetting them, adjusting settings, or seeking professional help, you can restore the sound quality of your AirPods Pro and continue enjoying your favorite tunes in crystal-clear audio.
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