We know the frustration of AirPods falling out the moment you need them the most. The issue is still present in 2025, even with the latest AirPods, such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.

This article covers why it happens and the best solutions to prevent it from happening again. You will learn techniques to stop your earbuds from falling out. This will help you stay comfortable and avoid any frustration. Let's get your AirPods fixed in place!

Why did AirPods Fall Out?

You might have heard the "one size fits all" term before, and that's the primary reason why it happens. A poor fit, along with the design and material of your AirPods, is the leading cause.

The Regular AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen) feature a sturdy plastic design. This shape makes locking your earbuds tricky. AirPods Pro 2 and 4 are big upgrades from the previous model. However, if the soft silicon tips don't fit right—either too small or too large—you may still face the same problem.

Sometimes, people wear their earbuds the wrong way and complain about how they don't fit. You're not one of them, but we'll talk about Apple's recommended ways to insert AirPods. This will help you keep them in place, whether you're by the pool on a summer day or running a marathon.

Physical activities, movement, and jaw motion can make earbuds slippery. Sweat, oil, moisture, and dirty earbuds also contribute to this issue.  There are many possibilities, but solutions are few, and few are enough. Let's learn them!

Let’s Prevent Your AirPods from Falling Out

Method 1: Ear Tip Fit Test

The best way to solve this issue is to find the right silicone ear tips for your ears. Your AirPods box comes with silicone ear tips in different sizes: extra small, small, medium (optional for AirPods Pro 2), and large.

Apple has Ear Tip Fit Test that you can run on your iPhone or iPad to experiment with different size ear tips and finding the best one for your ears. This will ensure the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation while keeping your comfort at its maximum.

First, learn how to remove and attach ear tips from and on your AirPods. To remove an ear tip, squeeze the base of the ear tip firmly and pull it against your AirPods.

To attach an ear tip, align it perfectly with your AirPod and push it towards it until you hear a click.

Try out different sizes and see which one is a proper fit for your ear. There are probably at least two sizes that you think fit without slipping, but which is the best fit?

With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and click Bluetooth.

Tap the More Info button next to your AirPods and tap Ear Tip Fit Test.

Tip: If you can't locate the Ear Tip Fit Test, ensure you have installed the latest iOS or iPadOS 13.2 or later; otherwise, it's not there.

Now, tap Continue and click the Play button.

This test is so advanced that it will suggest which size is best for your ears so you can get the best seal. Try our different ear tip sizes and see which one fits and offers the best sound quality.

Method 2: Add Grip with Waterproof Tape

This is not the last resort but the most famous one. Get waterproof tape, something soft and grippy like medical foam tape (3M Nexcare Absolute waterproof tape).

Now, go surgical. Cut small strips of tape using scissors, a blade, or punchers. You need four strips for both AirPods: one for the top and one for the bottom of each earbud.

This simple DIY trick ensures a proper fit thanks to the raised surface. Your AirPods will still fit in their case. The tape is very thin and adds grip, not bulk.

Tip: Peel the tape off and apply it in different orders based on what's most comfortable for your ears. Avoid using glue or permanent adhesive.

Method 3: Wear Them Upside Down or Sideways

Wearing AirPods upside down (with the stems sticking upward) helps increase grip. Also, try twisting them sideways. This unusual positioning can use the shape of your outer ear to hook the AirPods in place.

Experiment with rotating the AirPods to various angles until you feel them lodge securely.

Tip: There's no harm in wearing them at whatever angle gives the best grip. Just be careful if you are using active noise cancellation, and with an odd angle, you might remain visually aware of your surroundings.

Cleaning Habits That Improve Grip

Hygiene aside, keeping your AirPods and ears clean directly affects how well they fit and stay in your ears. Dirty or oily AirPods can easily slip out and have long-term sound quality degradation effects. Adopt the following cleaning habits and tips to maintain maximum grip (thank us later):

• Wipe your AirPods with a soft, dry cloth after each use. This removes sweat, skin oil, and earwax before they accumulate.

Tip: Always keep a microfiber cloth with you; if you wear glasses, you know what we're talking about.

• Keep the ear tips clean, or even better, wash them with water from time to time separately from your AirPods. Not with soap, but just clean water and then wipe them dry.

Tip: Never use harsh cleaners on your silicon ear tips, as they could degrade them. Plain water is safest, and if needed, you can use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth.

• Clean your AirPods thoroughly to remove wax or debris from the speaker meshes and sensors. They're sensitive. We suggest reading Apple's official guide on how to clean your AirPods.
• Wear a headband or sweatband during workouts to keep sweat from running into your ears. Keep your ears clean, and avoid using AirPods with wet ears.

Adopt these, and you'll notice improved grip.

Top Third-Party Accessories for a Better Fit (2025)

As the years pass, new and improved accessories conquer the market and make our lives easier. AirPods are popular enough for companies to invest resources in making accessories to improve their fit. There are many products, but we'll focus on the most effective and user-approved solutions.

Note: All recommendations are based on user experiences and credible tech reviews – and none are affiliate links or ads.

1. Memory Foam Ear Tips for AirPods Pro

One of the best upgrades for AirPods Pro is swapping the silicone ear tips for memory foam tips. This can dramatically improve both comfort and stability. Comply’s AirPods Pro foam tips and Comply Foam Tips 2.0 are some of the best options available in the market.

2. Silicone Ear Hooks and Wingtips

Soft silicone attachments that wrap around the outside of your ear and hook onto the AirPod, anchoring it securely. The idea is similar to the design of some sports earbuds: an over-ear hook or a wing that tucks into the ear’s contours to provide extra support.

Proof Labs AirPods Pro Ear Hooks, EarBuddyz 2.0, and AhaStyle Hooks are some of the best in the market.

3. Anti-Slip Gel Pads

Ear hooks are anti-slip adhesive pads that stick onto your AirPods to provide grip. Setex Gecko Grip pads for AirPods are one of the best in the market.

Conclusion

We've discussed everything related to why your AirPods keep falling out. You learned why and how to prevent that from happening. Remember, there are many solutions, but keep your comfort in mind and go for the one that offers the best comfort without sacrificing sound quality.

FAQs

Q: How can I make my AirPods fit better?

Try different ear tip sizes that come with your AirPods, or use third-party accessories like memory foam tips or silicone ear hooks. Also, try wearing your earbuds at a slight angle or upside down. Keep your AirPods and ears clean; doing so also improves grip.

Q: Are there any risks of using tape or other DIY methods?

Using poor-quality tape can lead to several issues. Tape residue can clog the speaker mesh or sensors and affect sound quality. Poorly applied materials on your AirPods can also cause skin irritation or may not work at all, further reducing the grip. Use good tape and experiment a little to find the perfect tape placement for your ears.

Q: What should I do if none of these solutions work?

It’s hard to think you tried everything and found no solutions. If that's the case, you might want to check out other third-party accessories. You could also try earbuds from different brands that may fit your ears better.