AirPods that won’t stay in your ears usually come down to tip size, insertion angle, sweat, or skin oils—swap tips, adjust, clean, and add support.
If your AirPods keep slipping, you’re not alone. Ear canals vary a lot, and small changes in shape, moisture, or tip material can decide whether buds sit tight or pop out the second you start moving. The good news: you can fix this with a few setup tweaks, better sizing, and simple care habits. This guide lays out what causes drop-outs, how to lock in a seal, and which add-ons help when nothing else works.
Why AirPods Won’t Stay Put
Three forces fight your fit. First, anatomy: ear canals aren’t straight tubes. They curve, taper, and differ from left to right. That mismatch makes a one-shape bud feel secure for one person and slippery for another. Second, friction: sweat, hair products, sunscreen, and natural oils lower grip on smooth silicone. Third, motion: jaw movement and running vibrations nudge tips loose unless the seal and angle are spot on.
Fast Diagnosis: What’s Going Wrong?
Use this quick matrix to match symptoms with fixes. Pick the row that sounds like your day-to-day, then try the first remedy before stacking others.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | First Fix To Try |
|---|---|---|
| Bud slips during light walking | Tip too small; slick ear surface | Go up one tip size; wipe ears and tips dry |
| Seal breaks when you talk or chew | Angle off; shallow insertion | Rotate stem toward your face; press and seat gently |
| Fine at desk, loose when jogging | Impact shake; sweat buildup | Add ear wings/loops; switch to foam or hybrid tips |
| Left ear stays, right ear drops | Asymmetry between canals | Use different tip sizes on each side |
| Good for 10 minutes, then slips | Moisture warms and softens seal | Pat ears; keep a dry cloth; try foam tips |
Keeping AirPods From Falling Out: Fit Factors That Matter
Start with the basics. Seat the tip at the canal opening, rotate the stem toward your face, then nudge the body until you feel a gentle seal. This small rotation locks the wing shape of the tip under the concha and resists downward slide. Apple’s fit guide shows this placement clearly and matches what most ears prefer during daily use. If one side still feels loose, use a different size on that ear. Many people mix sizes without any comfort penalty.
Tip Size: Small, Medium, Large, Or Mixed
If a tip feels comfy but the seal breaks when you turn your head, it’s often one size too small. Step up a size and try the same rotation. If the tip feels sore or pushes out, step down. Your ears can also change during the day; a morning fit can feel off after a workout. Swapping sizes takes seconds and often solves the problem without any add-on gear.
Tip Material: Silicone, Foam, Or Hybrid
Silicone is smooth, easy to clean, and lasts a long time, but it can slide when sweat builds. Memory foam expands to your canal and adds grip. Hybrid tips use a silicone sleeve with a foam core, blending seal and cleanability. If your buds slip only during runs, foam or hybrid tips tend to fix it. Replace foam on a regular cycle, as it compresses over time.
Angle And Depth: The Tiny Tweaks That Matter
Two degrees of rotation can change everything. Insert, rotate the stem slightly toward your cheek, then press just enough to seat the tip. Pushing deep isn’t the goal; comfort and a consistent seal are. A shallow, locked angle beats a deep, wobbly insert every time.
Use The Built-In Fit Test
If you use AirPods Pro, run Apple’s seal check to confirm the fit. The test plays a short tone and measures leakage. If it flags a weak seal, try another tip size or re-seat and test again. You can launch the check from Bluetooth settings, and it now supports newer models with updated guidance. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s a stable seal that stays put when you talk and move. For step-by-step instructions, see Apple’s page on the Ear Tip Fit Test.
Clean Ears, Clean Tips, Better Grip
Grip drops fast when tips pick up oils and wax. Wipe your ears before workouts, and give the tips a quick clean after sessions. For silicone, rinse with mild soapy water, rinse again, and dry fully before reattaching. For foam, follow the maker’s care notes and allow complete drying. Apple’s care page also covers safe cleaning steps for the case and buds; see how to clean your AirPods for details on cloths, alcohol use on the case, and what to avoid around ports.
Model Notes: AirPods, AirPods Pro, And Fit Differences
Open-fit AirPods (without silicone tips) rest on the ear rather than sealing the canal. They feel light, but they rely on shape match and friction. If those slide on you, a silicone skin or ear hook can add just enough hold without adding bulk. AirPods Pro use tips that seal the canal, so size and angle matter more. The fit test helps confirm the result, and you can even run different sizes left and right.
Workouts And Rain
Sweat and drizzle lower friction. Keep a small microfiber cloth in your pocket. Wipe ears and tips before you start and midway through long runs. If you train in humid weather, foam or hybrid tips pay off because expansion resists slip when moisture rises.
Glasses, Masks, And Hats
Frames and straps press on the outer ear and can nudge stems downward. If you wear glasses, try a slight inward rotation so the stem clears the frame. With masks or hats, the same small angle tweak stops the nudge that breaks the seal.
Accessories That Stop Slips
When sizing and angle still fall short, add light hardware. The goal is a tiny boost in contact or a small mechanical catch under the outer ear. Keep it minimal so you don’t create hot spots.
Which Add-On Fits Your Use?
Pick one item from the list below, test for a week, and keep the simplest setup that works.
- Foam Tips: Expand for a snug seal, great for running and cycling. Replace on a schedule to keep expansion consistent.
- Hybrid Tips: Silicone sleeve with foam core; easier to clean than pure foam and still grippy.
- Ear Wings/Loops: Small fins that tuck under the upper ear fold to resist downward pull. Handy for high-impact sessions.
- Silicone Skins (Open-Fit AirPods): Thin covers that add surface grip without changing the sound much.
- Over-Ear Hooks: Heavier than wings, but they lock buds in place for sprints or jumps.
Accessory Quick Compare
Use this compact chart to pick a direction before buying. Start with the least bulky option that suits your routine.
| Accessory | Best For | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Tips | Grip in sweat; secure seal | Needs periodic replacement |
| Hybrid Tips | Daily use with easy care | Slightly less isolation than pure foam |
| Ear Wings/Loops | High-impact workouts | Extra piece to carry and clean |
| Silicone Skins | Open-fit models that slip | Can trap lint; rinse often |
| Over-Ear Hooks | Sprints and jump rope | Bulkier under hats or helmets |
Step-By-Step: Lock The Fit Today
1) Size The Tips
Start with medium. If you can tug the stem lightly and the bud slides, try large. If the canal feels pressured or the bud pushes out, try small. Don’t hesitate to use different sizes on each ear.
2) Seat And Rotate
Insert until the tip touches the canal, then rotate the stem toward your face. Press gently until the outside shell rests against the ear’s inner ridge. Talk, smile, and nod. If the seal holds, you’re set.
3) Run The Test
Launch the fit test on your iPhone or iPad. If the seal reads weak, reseat and test again. If it still fails, change the tip size and repeat. This short loop saves hours of trial and error later.
4) Add Sweat Insurance
For gym days, carry a cloth. Wipe ears and tips before sets. If you still see slow slip, switch to foam or hybrid tips for training sessions.
5) Pick An Add-On If Needed
If the bud moves during burpees or sprints, a small wing or loop usually fixes it. Keep wings for workouts and run bare tips for commute and calls.
Care That Preserves Grip
Clean tips and the case on a steady rhythm. Wipe silicone tips with mild soapy water, rinse, and dry fully before use. For foam, use a damp cloth and let them dry completely. Clean the case with a lint-free cloth and keep liquid away from ports. Apple outlines safe steps and which wipes to use on the exterior; the official guide is linked above.
When Fit Still Fails
Some ears just don’t match certain shells. If you’ve tried sizes, angles, tests, and add-ons without success, a different model or style can solve it fast. In-ear buds with smaller nozzles, or open-fit buds with a different stem angle, can sit better in certain ears. Store return windows are your friend here; swap early rather than fighting daily slip.
FAQs You Didn’t Have To Ask
Can I Wear Different Sizes Left And Right?
Yes. Many people do. Pick the size that seals and stays for each ear, then forget about the label.
Do Foam Tips Change The Sound?
They can boost bass by improving the seal and lowering leakage. If the sound feels too closed, try hybrid tips for a middle ground.
Do Skins Or Wings Interfere With Charging?
Most wings and skins are removable. Pop them off before dropping buds in the case unless the pack says case-friendly.
Quick Troubleshooting Recipes
For Calls And All-Day Wear
Medium tips, slight stem rotation, no wings. Keep a cloth nearby for quick wipes. Run the fit test once and move on.
For Gym And Runs
Foam or hybrid tips plus wings. Wipe before and midway through long sessions. Keep spare tips in the bag.
For Hot, Humid Days
Hybrid tips for grip and easy cleaning. Rotate the stem a touch more to counter sweat slip.
The Takeaway
A stable fit comes from four moves: the right tip size, a small stem rotation, clean contact surfaces, and a simple add-on when workouts demand it. Follow the steps, run the built-in test, and pick the lightest accessory that gets you through a jog without a mid-stride catch. Once the seal holds, comfort and sound fall into place.