Airpods now require four steps to turn off noise cancelation – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Jess Weatherbed
AirPods now require four steps to turn off noise cancellation.

Before, it only took one step to eliminate audio processing and extend battery life on newer AirPods.

Apple removed the “Off” toggle from the default modes after introducing hearing protection features to noise control in iOS 18. To restore it, open the Settings app, tap your connected AirPods, and toggle on “Off Listening Mode.” They will still default to Transparency mode when you connect, however.

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