Ear pain with AirPods Pro 3 is a documented issue. Causes include incorrect sizing and design changes from Pro 2.
Common Causes:
| Cause | Solution | |-------|----------| | Wrong ear tip size | Try all 5 sizes, go smaller than you think | | Heart rate sensor pressure | May require return if persistent | | Incorrect insertion | Rotate in, don't push straight | | Extended wear | Take breaks every 45-60 minutes |
The Heart Rate Sensor Issue: New to Pro 3, the sensor creates a pressure point some ears can't tolerate. Even correct tip size doesn't help for some users. Pain typically starts after 15-30 minutes.
Proper Insertion: Rotate AirPods gently into your ear rather than pushing straight. This distributes pressure more evenly.
Troubleshooting:
- Try all ear tip sizes (including smaller)
- Use foam-infused tips (softer)
- Rotate when inserting
- Take regular breaks
- Compare to Pro 2 if you had them
If Pain Persists: Contact Apple Support. Describe pain location and duration. Request exchange or return. If refused at one store, try another or escalate.
Note: Some users report cuts and bleeding (rare). If experiencing anything beyond normal discomfort, stop using them and contact Apple.
📚More About AirPods Pro 3
Considering the AirPods Pro 3?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the AirPods Pro 3, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
No, AirPods Pro 3 batteries are not user-replaceable. They're sealed units. Apple offers official battery service.
Apple Battery Service:
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | One AirPod | $49 | | Charging case | $49 | | Both AirPods | $98 |
With AppleCare+: Free if battery under 80% capacity
How to Tell If Battery Is Degraded: No official battery health indicator. Judge by runtime:
- Should get: ~8 hours listening
- Degraded: Under 5 hours
Third-Party Repair: Not recommended. Sealed design usually results in damage during opening. Apple doesn't sell replacement batteries.
Expected Lifespan:
- Years 1-2: Full capacity
- Years 2-3: Gradual degradation
- After 3 years: May need service
AppleCare+ Math: AppleCare+ = $49 for 2 years One battery service = $49 per unit If you need any battery service, AppleCare+ pays for itself.
Connection issues with AirPods Pro 3 are usually fixable. Here's what to try, from quick fix to full reset.
Quick Fix (Try First): Put AirPods in case → close lid → wait 15 seconds → open lid. This fixes many connection issues.
Full Reset (Fixes Most Problems):
- Put both AirPods in case
- Close lid, wait 30 seconds
- Open lid
- Press and hold back button 15 seconds
- Light flashes amber → white
- Hold near iPhone to re-pair
Common Problems:
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Won't connect | Double-tap case front until white flash | | One AirPod only | Clean contacts, check charge, reset | | Random disconnects | Disable Automatic Ear Detection | | Wrong device switching | Set to "When Last Connected" on unwanted devices |
Interference Sources: Move away from WiFi routers, other Bluetooth devices, microwaves.
If Nothing Works: Settings > Bluetooth > "Forget This Device" → reset AirPods → re-pair.
Still not working? Contact Apple - may be hardware defect.
AirPods Pro 3 require iOS 18.1 minimum, with iOS 26 needed for hearing health features.
Minimum Requirements:
| Device | Version | |--------|---------| | iPhone | iOS 18.1 (iPhone XS or later) | | iPad | iPadOS 18.1 | | Mac | macOS Sequoia 15.1 |
Features by iOS Version:
| Feature | iOS 18.1 | iOS 26 | |---------|----------|--------| | Pairing, playback | ✅ | ✅ | | ANC, Transparency | ✅ | ✅ | | Spatial Audio | ✅ | ✅ | | Heart rate monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | | Hearing test | ❌ | ✅ | | Hearing aid feature | ❌ | ✅ |
Check Your Version: Settings > General > About > iOS Version
Update: Settings > General > Software Update
Important:
- If buying for hearing features, ensure your iPhone supports iOS 26
- Some users report setup issues until updating to latest iOS
- EU users: Live Translation unavailable due to Digital Markets Act
🔥 Trending Deals
Loading trending deals...
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!