Updated September 2026: in 2022 I described two faults on my AirPods Pro that finally sent me to an Apple service centre, an echo on calls and a crackling sound when I moved my head. I have rewritten it as a guide to diagnosing those problems and knowing when to get service.
I had suspected a manufacturing defect in my AirPods Pro for about a year and kept using them. Two problems eventually made that impossible. First, people could hear an echo during calls. Second, I heard a crackling or ticking sound whenever I moved my head or walked. Basic troubleshooting did not fix either, and I even started looking at other headphones before booking a service visit.
Why do AirPods Pro echo during calls?
An echo on calls can come from the network, the phone, the app or the earbuds themselves. In my case it happened on Wi-Fi calling and on the mobile network, which pointed to the AirPods rather than the connection. A useful test is to make the same call without the AirPods. If the echo disappears, the earbuds are the likely cause.
What should you try before booking service?
- Clean the microphone and speaker mesh gently with a dry, soft brush.
- Update the firmware by keeping the AirPods in their case, near a charging iPhone.
- Test one earbud at a time to see whether the problem follows one side.
- Reset the AirPods by holding the case button until the light flashes, then pair them again.
- Try a different app for calls, such as the Phone app and a video call app.
What does crackling when you move your head mean?
Crackling or static that gets worse with movement, exercise or calls was a known issue on some early AirPods Pro units. Apple ran a service programme for affected first-generation AirPods Pro for a limited period. Such programmes end, so check Apple's support site or ask at the service centre about your model and its current options.
What happens at an Apple service visit?
The technician runs a diagnostic, confirms the fault and explains your options. Depending on warranty, AppleCare or an active programme, the affected earbud may be replaced at no charge or for a service fee. Take the charging case and your purchase details with you.
Is it worth replacing the earbuds instead?
If a service replacement is free or cheap, it is usually the better choice. If you would pay close to the price of new earbuds, compare that with a newer model, which will also have fresher batteries.
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