AirPods Error Code 13: Adaptive Audio Not Adjusting – How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
13
Brand
AirPods
Product Type
wearable
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
AirPods Error Code 13 indicates that the Adaptive Audio feature — which automatically blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode based on your environment — is not responding or adjusting as expected. This typically happens due to outdated firmware, Bluetooth connectivity glitches, incorrect audio settings, or a software conflict on your paired Apple device. In most cases, this issue can be resolved without any special tools using a few straightforward software-based fixes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 13

  1. Check Adaptive Audio Is Enabled

  2. Restart Your AirPods

  3. Toggle Bluetooth Off and On

  4. Update AirPods Firmware

  5. Update Your iPhone or iPad Software

    Ensure your iPhone or iPad is charged above 50% or plugged in before starting a software update to prevent interruption.

  6. Forget and Re-Pair Your AirPods

    Forgetting your AirPods will also remove them from all devices signed into the same Apple ID via iCloud. You will need to re-pair on each device.

  7. Reset Network Settings on iPhone

    Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi passwords available before proceeding.

  8. Check for Environmental Interference

    Do not use liquids, sharp objects, or compressed air to clean AirPods microphones, as this can cause damage.
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When to Call a Professional

If Adaptive Audio still fails after completing all steps — including re-pairing, firmware updates, and network resets — one or both of the AirPods microphones may be physically damaged or defective. Contact Apple Support at support.apple.com or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If your AirPods are within the one-year limited warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair or replacement may be free of charge. Do not attempt to open or physically repair AirPods yourself, as they are not user-serviceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What AirPods models support Adaptive Audio?
Adaptive Audio is currently supported only on AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and later models. It requires iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later on the paired device. If you have an older AirPods model, the Adaptive Audio option will not appear in your settings.
Why is my AirPods Adaptive Audio not working after an iOS update?
iOS updates can occasionally reset AirPods audio settings or introduce temporary Bluetooth compatibility issues. Try toggling Adaptive Audio off and on in Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods info page. If that doesn't help, forget and re-pair your AirPods, which usually restores proper functionality after an iOS update.
How do I know what firmware version my AirPods are running?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, tap the ⓘ icon next to your AirPods, and scroll to the 'About' section. You will see the current firmware version listed there. You can compare this to the latest version listed on Apple's support page for AirPods firmware updates.
Can I manually force an AirPods firmware update?
Apple does not provide a manual way to trigger a firmware update directly. However, you can encourage the update by placing your AirPods in their case, connecting the case to power, keeping your iPhone nearby with Wi-Fi enabled, and leaving everything for 30 minutes or longer. The update should install automatically when conditions are met.
Will resetting my AirPods fix Error Code 13?
A factory reset of your AirPods — performed by pressing and holding the Setup button on the case until the light flashes amber, then white — can resolve persistent Adaptive Audio issues by clearing corrupted pairing data and firmware states. After resetting, re-pair your AirPods to your iPhone and re-enable Adaptive Audio in settings.

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