AirPods Pro 3rd gen crackling while using with Macbook

My AirPods Pro 3 crackling when using with MacBook Air M4. How can I fix it?

Posted on Oct 9, 2025 4:04 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 10, 2025 12:16 AM

Hi Norawee_P

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community!


Re: My AirPods Pro 3 crackling when using with MacBook Air M4. How can I fix it?


Seems there are quite a few possible causes, so it's not easy to guess for you just which cause needs attention.

You might look through the suggestions below for anything you haven't already tried. Test after each one you try.

Apologies if you already know and control some of the features mentioned ... we can't guess your experience.


✽ Try turning bluetooth off, and back on.


✽ Check for possible interference:

See how to: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support


✽ If the AirPods weren't automatically set-up with Mac after pairing with another device:

You might want to check you have set up the AirPods correctly for Mac

Set up AirPods with your Mac and other Bluetooth devices - Apple Support


✽ Make sure nothing (a speck of dirt or wax) is blocking the microphone and speaker:

Apple support have a helpful article online to help:

How to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods - Apple Support


✽ To ensure you have the best fit, test the seal of your ear tips: Choose the best ear tip size for sound quality

See: Choose your AirPods Pro ear tips - Apple Support


✽ Resetting your AirPods sometimes solves issues

See: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

________________________________

✽ To experiment with Listening Modes: (Transparency, Adaptive, or Noise Cancellation)

Use AirPods with your Mac - Apple Support

Eg: says:

" Switch between listening modes on Mac

  1. Wear one or both AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your Mac.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Click the AirPods Pro icon in the menu bar, then choose a listening mode below Noise Control.
    • Go to the System Settings app , click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar, then select a listening mode."

OR

turn off if needed:

"Turn off listening modes for AirPods Pro 3

For AirPods Pro 3, AirPods listening modes include an Off option only after you enable it.

Your hearing is not protected when the listening mode is set to Off.


  1. Wear one or both AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
  • Mac: Go to the System Settings app , click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar, then turn on Off Listening Mode."

________

Resource:

AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

__________________________

More support . info. if needed:

AirPods Support Website: AirPods Support - Official Apple Support

Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods....


All the best :-)

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 10, 2025 12:16 AM in response to Norawee_P

Hi Norawee_P

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community!


Re: My AirPods Pro 3 crackling when using with MacBook Air M4. How can I fix it?


Seems there are quite a few possible causes, so it's not easy to guess for you just which cause needs attention.

You might look through the suggestions below for anything you haven't already tried. Test after each one you try.

Apologies if you already know and control some of the features mentioned ... we can't guess your experience.


✽ Try turning bluetooth off, and back on.


✽ Check for possible interference:

See how to: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support


✽ If the AirPods weren't automatically set-up with Mac after pairing with another device:

You might want to check you have set up the AirPods correctly for Mac

Set up AirPods with your Mac and other Bluetooth devices - Apple Support


✽ Make sure nothing (a speck of dirt or wax) is blocking the microphone and speaker:

Apple support have a helpful article online to help:

How to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods - Apple Support


✽ To ensure you have the best fit, test the seal of your ear tips: Choose the best ear tip size for sound quality

See: Choose your AirPods Pro ear tips - Apple Support


✽ Resetting your AirPods sometimes solves issues

See: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

________________________________

✽ To experiment with Listening Modes: (Transparency, Adaptive, or Noise Cancellation)

Use AirPods with your Mac - Apple Support

Eg: says:

" Switch between listening modes on Mac

  1. Wear one or both AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your Mac.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Click the AirPods Pro icon in the menu bar, then choose a listening mode below Noise Control.
    • Go to the System Settings app , click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar, then select a listening mode."

OR

turn off if needed:

"Turn off listening modes for AirPods Pro 3

For AirPods Pro 3, AirPods listening modes include an Off option only after you enable it.

Your hearing is not protected when the listening mode is set to Off.


  1. Wear one or both AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
  • Mac: Go to the System Settings app , click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar, then turn on Off Listening Mode."

________

Resource:

AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

__________________________

More support . info. if needed:

AirPods Support Website: AirPods Support - Official Apple Support

Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods....


All the best :-)

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AirPods Pro 3rd gen crackling while using with Macbook

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