If Your AirPods Are Getting Quieter, (Gently) Suck on Them

People have been sucking on their AirPods to fix the sound for years, and somehow it works.
People have been sucking on their AirPods to fix the sound for years, and somehow it works.

We independently review all our recommendations. Purchases made via our links may earn us a commission. Learn more ❯

Disgusting? Yes. Effective? Surprisingly, also yes — as long as you’re careful.

When one of your AirPods starts sounding quieter, it’s tempting to assume the worst. But before you rush to any costly decision, here’s an unusual trick: gently sucking on the speaker mesh.

As gross as it sounds, this solution has been circulating online for years. Hundreds of users have claimed it can restore sound quality by removing stubborn earwax buildup that’s hard to get off with traditional cleaning methods.

But is it safe? Does it really work?

We’ll answer all that below.

The “Suck Solution,” Explained

Earwax can gradually accumulate in your AirPods’ speaker mesh. This buildup can slowly but surely muffle the sound. And, if one of your AirPods sounds quieter than the other, that’s often the issue.

But, people on social media and forums dating back a decade have been sharing their experiences with a peculiar solution. The process is simple: cover the AirPods’ mesh with a cloth, give it a gentle suck, and voila! Their AirPods are clear of earwax and sound as good as new.

Some users even claim that their AirPods sound even louder than they remember after repeating the method a few times.

User sharing her experience about sucking her AirPods on TikTok. (From: TikTok/__just__jo)
User sharing her experience about sucking her AirPods on TikTok. (From: TikTok/__just__jo)

For instance, a user who was on the verge of caving and replacing her damaged AirPod after an unsuccessful visit to the Apple Store decided to give the hack a go. And, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that it worked wonders.

“They went from 20% to like a solid 70%. I did a few more times and we got to 85. I’m pretty sure they’re at 100 now. It is insane to me. TikTok just saved me 70-80 bucks!” she shared.

How to Do It Properly

If you’re feeling brave enough to try the sucking method, it’s best to proceed with caution.

Here’s a step-by-step guide based on user experiences:

  1. Gently wipe your AirPods with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any surface debris.
    If you’re using AirPods Pro, make sure to remove and clean your ear tips too. Check out our full guide on how to clean your AirPods for more details.
  2. Place a clean, thin cloth or tissue over the AirPod’s speaker mesh as a protective barrier. This maintains hygiene and prevents direct mouth-to-device contact.
  3. Place your lips over the cloth-covered AirPod and suck lightly. Use controlled, gentle suction. (You’re not trying to clear a clogged straw!)
    Target not just the main speaker grille, but also the two smaller openings where debris can accumulate.
  4. Keep at it until you can feel air moving through the AirPod. This is usually a good sign that you’ve cleared any blockages.
  5. Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to gently remove any dislodged debris.
  6. Pop your AirPods in and play some audio to check if the sound has improved.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the best results. Make sure to take breaks between attempts to check the sound quality.

What the Experts Are Saying

While this method proved effective for some, experts suggest it might harm the AirPods.

According to The New York Times, this DIY approach could potentially damage the AirPods’ internal components and protective mesh. So, if done incorrectly, it could lead to electronic issues with the device.

Of course, there’s also the hygiene factor to consider. No one wants to accidentally swallow earwax or wear AirPods wet with saliva!

The safer route, they suggest, involves gentler cleaning methods. Think of soft cloths, toothbrushes, or cotton swabs. You can even find specialized earbud cleaning tools online that won’t break the bank.

Watch: How to Clean AirPods & AirPods Pro Safely

The problem? Even if you’re diligent about cleaning AirPods regularly, earwax can be surprisingly persistent. It finds its way into nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with conventional methods.

So, it’s understandable that, if none of the usual methods work, sucking on them may be your last resort (at least until you go to the Apple Store).

Sucking, as gross as it may seem, is actually safer than using a toothpick to remove the wax buildup. Sticking anything sharp or getting liquids near the speaker doesn’t bode well for your AirPods’ structural integrity.

Safe Alternatives to Restore AirPods’ Volume

If you’re not keen on the sucking method (and let’s face it, who could blame you?), there are safer, more conventional ways to tackle the problem.

So, when cleaning doesn’t cut it, you’ve got a few more tricks up your sleeve. Try resetting your AirPods or tweaking the audio balance in your device settings.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to fix your AirPods when one side is quieter for more info!

All in all, though the “suck” method is popular for quick results, it’s not risk-free. Officially, the best way to restore your AirPods’ sound is by sticking with proven cleaning techniques and avoiding methods that could further damage your tech.

Yet, if you plan to replace the AirPod anyway, what do you have to lose by trying this unconventional hack?

Leave a Reply