My AirPods Pro 3 Started Whistling... and It Hurts
The AirPods Pro 3 Whistle Problem
I use AirPods every day, so when the AirPods Pro 3 came out, I was pretty hyped to see what Apple had cooked up this time. Then I actually used them… and that excitement disappeared fast.
The left earbud started making this high-pitched whistling noise, almost like feedback from a bad microphone and it hurts. I thought maybe I just got unlucky, but after digging around online, it looks like I’m definitely not alone.
What Might Be Causing It
While Apple hasn’t officially said anything yet, there are a few possible reasons this could be happening. The AirPods Pro 3 use several microphones, pressure sensors, and complex noise cancellation software that all need to work perfectly together. If even one part of that system starts to act up, like a microphone picking up the wrong signal, a vent getting blocked, or a firmware glitch changing how the sound is processed, it can cause problems. In this case, those problems show up as a sharp, high-pitched whistle that’s been frustrating a lot of users.
| Possible Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Microphone feedback loop | The external and internal microphones used for ANC might be picking up each other’s signals, creating a loop that turns into a whistle. |
| Seal or pressure issue | If the ear tip isn’t sealing properly or if the venting isn’t working as intended, it could cause air pressure changes that trigger the sound. |
| Hardware defect | There’s always the chance it’s just a bad batch of AirPods with a manufacturing flaw. |
It’s also worth noting that resetting or cleaning the AirPods doesn’t seem to fix it for most people, which points toward a hardware-level issue.
Not Just a Me Problem
Do a quick search on Reddit and you’ll find tons of posts from people complaining about the exact same issue.
Most reports say the left AirPod is the one causing the noise. Some users describe it as a “ringing,” others as a “squeal,” but it all seems to be the same underlying problem, something inside the AirPod starts producing a super high-pitched tone, especially when ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is turned on.
That’s a big deal because, well, ANC is kind of the whole point of the Pro models.
What You Can Do (for Now)
If your AirPods Pro 3 are whistling like mine, here’s what you can try:
| Steps | What It Does / Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| 1. Turn off ANC or switch to Transparency Mode | Usually stops the whistling immediately, but disables noise cancellation. |
| 2. Clean your AirPods and tips | Ensures no debris is blocking microphones or vents, which can cause sound feedback. |
| 3. Reset your AirPods | Hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then reconnect — helps rule out software glitches. |
| 4. Contact Apple Support | If nothing else works, Apple will likely replace the affected AirPod, especially if more reports continue to appear. |
Given how widespread this seems, Apple might have to acknowledge it soon.
Final Thoughts
I’ve tested a ton of Apple products, but this one’s definitely not the experience I expected from a third-generation Pro model. If Apple doesn’t address the whistling issue soon, these could become the next “rattling AirPods Pro” situation all over again.
Hopefully, we’ll see a firmware fix or a replacement program soon, because right now, my left ear feels like it just attended a concert I didn’t buy tickets for.
Guess the “Pro” stands for “Professional Dog Whistle Tester.”
See you in the next article!
