Your Apple AirPods' chirping noise doesn't just mean low battery

AirPods owners who hear random chirps from their earbuds should not assume the battery is running down. Engadget reports that a low charge is the most common trigger for the alert, and users can confirm it by opening the charging case and checking the status on the paired phone. The earbuds can also make sounds for a range of other reasons, from short chirps to sharp screeches.

Power problems can keep the noise going even after the AirPods are plugged in. Fluctuations in electricity and other battery issues may cause continued chirping. A connectivity problem with the paired device is another possible cause; if Bluetooth is switched off on an iPhone, for example, the AirPods will most likely emit some noise. Rubbing the earbuds together by accident can also produce a sound.

Some chirps are deliberate. Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 include a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature, and the company says on its website that the earbuds may periodically play a quiet chime while in their charging case. According to Apple, the sound helps ensure the microphones and speakers are operating at their best and can deliver high-quality hearing test results.

Other noises are louder and harder to ignore. The Find My feature produces louder, more persistent sounds when triggered, making misplaced earbuds easier to locate. Piercing feedback can result from water damage or from dirt and gunk clogging the device. A poor fit can also cause high-pitched noise; the AirPods Pro ship with multiple silicone ear tips, and users who cannot get a seal with any of the included sizes may need third-party tips or a visit to an Apple Store for an inspection.

Chirping can be switched off in most cases. With the case open, users can go to Settings on the connected device, such as an iPhone, tap the name of the AirPods, and open the Audio & Routing section. An option labeled Enable Charging Case Sounds can be toggled off there. The report notes that some high-pitched noises, such as those tied to water damage, may not be stoppable.

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