(Credit: René Ramos; Apple, ViDI Studio / Shutterstock.com)
Do you love the sound, look, and feel of your Apple AirPods but find that they keep slipping out of your ears? Your AirPods may slowly creep out of your ears until you can barely hear the audio. Then, unless you catch them in the nick of time, they fall out. The problem becomes especially frustrating if you're exercising, sweating, or simply moving your head around.
Rather than create a product that could accept different size tips for different ears, Apple initially went with a one-size-fits-all approach. However, the outer part of the eardrum where the AirPods fit isn't the same size for everyone, so either the AirPods stay in your ears or they don't.
This limitation was corrected in subsequent releases. The AirPods Pro offer an in-canal design and included three sets of replaceable tips for small, medium, and large ear canal sizes. For the second-gen AirPods Pro, Apple included an extra-small option. An Ear Tip Fit Test can determine your perfect size.
However, those with base model AirPods still face this dilemma, even if you have the third-gen AirPods with a shorter stem. Don't give up just yet. There are a few do-it-yourself tricks and several add-on accessories that can keep your AirPods in your ears. Let's check them out.
Twist Your AirPods
This tip is an oldie but a goodie: Many people probably just stick the AirPods into their ears with the stem pointing down. However, that keeps them loose, virtually guaranteeing that they'll slip out. After placing the AirPods in your ears, twist them up at least 30 degrees so the stem is more horizontal and is sticking out away from your ears. This may not do the trick for everyone, but it's worth a shot.
Add Waterproof Tape
For this DIY method of keeping AirPods in your ears, you'll need some waterproof tape. The Nexcare 3M brand is typically recommended as it's sticky and durable. Next, you'll need a regular hole punch to cut out circular pieces or scissors to cut out rectangular strips of tape.
Stick a piece of tape near the top and another one at bottom of each earbud close to where the AirPods go in your ears. Place the AirPods in your ears, and you should be free to move around, exercise, or go for a jog. The AirPods should remain in your ears thanks to the raised surface of the tape. The best part of this trick is that your AirPods will still fit in the charging case with the tape attached.
Setex Earbud Grips
Rather than cutting up pieces of adhesive tape, you may find it easier to purchase the necessary stick-on grips. Setex sells adhesive grips for AirPods at $9.99 for a pack of 12 pads. Following the instructions provided with each pack, you adhere three grips to your AirPods in specific spots to form a tighter fit with your ears.
Placing the grips in the right locations requires a bit of time and care. Once the job is done, the AirPods should stay in your ears more readily. Plus, you can easily put them back in the charging case with the grips still fastened. Setex also sells grips for AirPods Pro, EarPods, and other types of wireless earbuds.
DamonLight Anti-Slip Silicone Soft Sport Covers
A variety of covers and cases are available to help your AirPods stay in your ears, though many must be removed before putting your AirPods back in the charging case. Not so with the DamonLight AirPods covers. You can snag a two-pack in a few different colors for $9.99.
Because of their design, these covers can be tricky to apply. You need to stretch them enough to attach them but not so much that you rip them. However, you only need to do this once; after you get them on, they can stay on. Despite their thin design, the DamonLight covers do a good job of keeping the AirPods in your ears thanks to the silicone surface.
AhaStyle Silicone Ear Hooks Cover
AhaStyle's Silicone Ear Hooks Cover are compatible with both Apple AirPods and EarPods. Slipping over your AirPods, each cover comes with a little hook that catches and hangs onto your ears so they stay put. The covers include the necessary cutouts so they won't interfere with the sound or operation of your AirPods.
As with similar covers, you must remove these to put your AirPods back in the charging case. Fortunately, AhaStyle's covers are not too difficult to put on or take off. I’ve used these at the gym, and they're quite adept at keeping my AirPods in my ears. Amazon sells a $10.99 three-pair pack in several colors.
EarBuddyz 2.0 Ear Hooks and Covers Accessories
The EarBuddyz Ear Hooks from KeyBudz also use hooks to hang onto your ears so the AirPods won't slip off. Once you position them, they do a good job of keeping your AirPods securely in place. They have all the necessary cutouts so the audio from your AirPods comes through clearly.
Unfortunately, this is another cover you have to take off when you put your AirPods back in the charging case. Yes, that can be a hassle, but putting the EarBuddyz covers on and off isn't too difficult. Amazon sells a $10.95 three-pair package in black, white, blue, and pink.
AirPod Grips
The AirPod Grips use a large plastic hook to wrap around your entire ear. That design means they're bigger and bulkier than the usual AirPod covers. However, they’re also easier and quicker to set up. All you need to do is slide the stem of the AirPods into the hollow stem of the AirPod Grips. Then, just wrap the hook around your ear, and you're good to go.
The grips keep your AirPods securely in your ear while still offering a comfortable fit. I tested these during a vigorous workout, and they held up nicely. You can buy these directly from the Rhino Brand website for $12.99.
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