How to Keep Apple Headphones from Falling Out

Co-authored by Linh Le and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Apple brand accessories tend to be expensive, so it can be really frustrating when your AirPods or wired earbuds fall out of your ears while you’re on the go. Thankfully, there are few easy tricks and accessories that may help you keep your headphones safe and sound the next time you go out and about.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using AirPods

1
Twist your AirPods after you put them in so they stay in your ears. Place your AirPods in your ears as you normally do. Before going out, rotate both earbuds upwards and outwards, so the stems stick out at a 30-degree angle from your head. Keep your AirPods at an angle so they won’t be as likely to slip and fall out.^{[1]
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- This isn’t a miracle solution, but it might be worth a try if you don’t want to buy extra accessories.
2
Stick waterproof tape to your AirPods for extra support. Take a hole puncher and cut out 4 circles from a section of medical waterproof tape. Arrange a tape circle above and below the black dot and dash on the top of each AirPod. You can keep these tape circles on for as long as you’d like!^{[2]
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- Your AirPods will still fit in the charging case with the tape attached.
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3
Cover your AirPods with silicone skins as a precaution. Slip a skin over the section of the AirPod that goes in your ear, then wear them as you normally would.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Linh Le
Certified Mobile Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 10 February 2022.} Some brands of silicone covers are too thick to fit in the charging case, while others are thin enough to fit.^{[4]
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- You can find silicone skins online, or in an electronics store. They’re usually available for under $20.
4
Add silicone tips to the end of your AirPods that stay more firmly in your ears. Slide a silicone tip onto the thin, narrow section of the AirPod that goes in your ear. Put it in your ear as you normally would, and you don’t have to worry about it slipping out as much!^{[5]
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- Silicone tips are easy to find online or in most electronics stores.
- These tips make your AirPods look and function like regular earbuds.
5
Attach grips to your AirPods that go around your ears to keep them in place. Slide a silicone ear grip cover over the stem of your AirPods. Fasten the grip around your ear, then stick your AirPods into your ears. Unfortunately, these ear grips won’t fit in your charging case, so you’ll need to take them off when you’re done using your AirPods.^{[6]
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- You can find these accessories online or at an electronics store. Some brands sell them for under $15.
6
Use silicone ear hooks to provide extra support from the inside.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Linh Le
Certified Mobile Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 10 February 2022.} Shop online or in an electronics store for ear hooks, which are small, silicone hooks that attach to the rounded portion of your AirPods. Attach these hooks whenever you’re about to go out and about.^{[8]
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- You’ll need to take these off in order to charge your AirPods.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dealing with Wired Earbuds

1
Loop the wire around your ear and put the earbud in from behind. Take 1 of your headphones and loop it around the back of your ear. From a downwards angle, insert the earbud into your ear so it’s more likely to stay put. Repeat this process with your other earbud so your headphones aren’t as likely to fall out.^{[9]
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2
Cover your ears with a hat to hold the earbuds in place. Wear your Apple headphones as you normally would, then slip on a comfortable beanie overtop. Check that the hat is completely covering your ears and headphones, then go about the rest of your day as usual!^{[10]
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- This may not be a great option for exercising, but it works well if you’re just walking around with your headphones in.
3
Tuck your earbuds under your shirt so they aren’t as likely to fall out. Slip your headphones beneath your shirt, then pull the earbuds out from the collar. Place the earbuds in your ears as usual, and continue listening to your favorite music or broadcast.^{[11]
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- If your headphones fall out while they’re tucked under your shirt, you’re more likely to notice it.
4
Tie a knot above the microphone section of your earbuds. Find the small, white, microphone portion along 1 of your Apple headphone wires. Take both sections of your earbuds and tie them in a knot above this white component. Place both earbuds in your ears, then go about listening to your music as you normally do.^{[12]
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- Don’t worry about damaging your earbuds—this knot is pretty easy to undo and will help keep your earbuds from slipping out.
5
Hold your phone or secure it in an armband. Slide your phone into an armband compartment, then check that it’s closed. Secure the band with Velcro around your arm to hold your phone or music playing device in place.^{[13]
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- When you leave your phone in your pocket, it can weigh down your headphones and cause your earbuds to pop out. An armband takes away some of this pressure.
- Some armbands have a compartment where you can hide away some of your headphone wire.
- You can find an armband online or in a variety of stores for less than $20.

Expert Q&A

Question

Why are my AirPods dropping out?

Linh Le
Certified Mobile Repair Specialist
Linh Le is a Certified Mobile Repair Specialist and the Owner of SC Mobile Repairs in San Clemente, California. With more than 12 years of experience, he specializes in smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch hardware repair. Linh has an iTech Mobile Device Repair Certification and an iOS Certification. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Linh Le

Certified Mobile Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

You might not have your AirPods in the correct ears. AirPods are molded to specifically fit the right or left ear, so they might fall out if they're placed incorrectly.