ANC can reduce ambient noise and help you focus on your audio, but results can vary depending on how you wear the headphones, your environment, and the mode you select. Even with the same headphones, the noise cancellation experience may differ from person to person. This article explains how noise cancellation works, how to adjust settings, and what to do if the effect is not ideal or if you hear unusual sounds.

Understanding Noise Cancellation

1. Noise cancellation works best on steady, low-frequency sounds such as airplane cabin noise, train noise, and air conditioning. It is less effective on voices, alarms, horns, and other sudden or high-frequency sounds. In very quiet environments, the effect may also be less noticeable.

2. Common modes include Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Normal mode. Some models also offer Adaptive ANC, multiple noise cancellation levels, and wind noise reduction.

3. Transparency mode amplifies ambient sound so you can hear what’s happening around you during commuting or at the office. As a result, ambient noise may sound more noticeable—this is expected behavior.

4. Adaptive mode adjusts automatically based on your surroundings. In quiet environments, it may shift toward a more transparent effect, so noise cancellation may feel less noticeable. This is normal.

How to Set It Up

1. Switch modes: Use the noise control button on the headphones, touch controls, or the Anker soundcore App to switch between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Normal mode.

2. Adjust the noise cancellation level: If your model supports multiple levels, select the level that works best for you in the App.

3. Fit test: If your model supports it, run the fit test in the App to confirm the headphones are positioned correctly.

4. Wind noise reduction (on some models): We recommend turning it on only in windy environments. Turn it off indoors or when there is no wind.

Usage Tips

1. In-ear: Try different eartip and ear wing sizes. You can also use different sizes for each ear (for example, medium on the left and large on the right).

2. Over-ear: Make sure the earcups fully cover your ears and seal against your head. Adjust the headband so pressure is even on both sides. Avoid getting hair caught between the earcups and your skin.

3. Do not cover the noise cancellation microphones with your hands, and clean the microphone openings and vents regularly.

Please Note:

1. After enabling noise cancellation, you may still hear some ambient sound, especially in noisy environments.

2. Noise cancellation processing may create a very slight electronic hiss. If you are sensitive to sound, you may notice it more easily. This is normal.

3. When switching Ambient Sound modes, the headphones may take a few seconds to adjust to the expected effect.

4. After enabling noise cancellation, sound characteristics (such as bass performance) may change. You can adjust this using EQ.

Troubleshooting  

1. Check that the left and right earbuds / headphones are worn correctly, and adjust the fit.

2. Change the eartip or ear wing size. For over-ear models, adjust the headband and earcup position.

3. In the App, confirm you are in Noise Cancellation mode and choose a more suitable noise cancellation level.

4. Clean the noise cancellation microphones and vents using a dry, soft cloth or adhesive putty. Do not use liquids.

5. Test in a different environment to determine whether the issue is caused by the type of noise.

6. If you hear howling or whistling: Check whether the microphone openings or vents are blocked, and clean them.

7. If you hear popping sounds: On bumpy roads, while going downhill, when jumping, or when pressing on the earcups, a sudden change in the seal may cause this. Try lowering the noise cancellation level or adjusting the fit again.

8. If you feel ear pressure or dizziness: Lower the noise cancellation level in the App, or switch to Normal / Transparency mode.

9. If the sound disappears after switching to Normal mode, it is coming from the noise cancellation system. If it remains, restart the headphones and test with a different device and environment.

If you encounter any other issues or your issue has not been resolved, please contact us for further assistance.