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How to Change Earbuds Rubber Tips

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Written by:

Lawrence Bonk
Updated June 27, 2022

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If you are new to the world of headphones, you may wonder how to change earbuds’ rubber tips. Some of the best headphones, after all, are earbuds and these items often include rubber tips. So why change rubber tips, what are your options, and how to do it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • There are many reasons to replace rubber ear tips of wireless earbuds, including damage, discomfort, and increased sound quality.
  • Rubber ear tips come in many sizes and hardness levels, so purchase replacement tips that suit your preferences.
  • Gently tug the old rubber ear tips off, discard them, and attach the replacement earbud tips according to instructions, ensuring to receive a proper seal.

Why Change Out the Rubber Tips?

The primary reason to change out a pair of earbuds’ rubber tips is to replace the old tips when they become damaged or outlive their usefulness if you are learning how to fix broken headphones. You can also change out the tips to better suit your preferences, as some soft tips are more comfortable and some tips are designed for running and swimming (they won’t fall out.)

Insider Tip

In some cases, the original manufacturer will replace damaged tips if the earbuds still fall under warranty.

How to Change Out Earbuds’ Rubber Tips

Each make and model is different, so the process will vary like when you learn how to use memory foam earbuds. However, there are some universal steps that almost always come into play.

STEP 1 Purchase the Right Tips

  1. Make sure you buy replacement tips that can successfully integrate with your headphones.
  2. There should be information on the store page as to what makes and models are compatible.
  3. Some brands, such as those made by Apple, will only integrate with proprietary tips.
  4. While shopping, be sure to purchase a kit that includes a variety of hardness and size options.

STEP 2 Remove the Old Tips

  1. Now it’s time to get down to business and remove those old tips.
  2. Grip the soft tip of the first earbud and hold the back of the earbud at the same time.
  3. Pinch the top of the earbud with your thumb and index finger.
  4. Feel for a small piece of hard plastic, as that is the connector holding the earbud in place.
  5. Tug gently and the tip should pop right off.

STEP 3 Attach New Tips

  1. This process works in reverse. Just find your preferred pair of tips and remove them from the packaging, taking care to remember which one is for the left ear and which is for the right.
  2. Attach the tips to the plastic connector according to instructions. Go slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth installation.
  3. Once your tips are in, enjoy your new (seeming) earbuds.

F.A.Q.S

How to change the ear tips on your AirPods Pro earbuds?

Apple AirPods Pro earbud tips can be replaced in a similar method to the above, though check the instructions before removing the original tips to ensure proper sound quality.

Why do my earbuds always fall out?

Sometimes your earlobes just don’t gel with the default size tips. Try larger sizes, such as a medium-size tip, or go for differently–shaped earphone tips.

Do earbud tips affect the sound quality?

In certain cases, earbud tips can impact the sound quality, especially when it comes to wireless earbuds, though rarely with over-ear headphones. Consult the original manufacturer for more information.

STAT: In-ear headphones, also known as in-ear monitors (IEMs) or canal phones, are small headphones with similar portability to earbuds that are inserted in the ear canal itself. IEMs are higher-quality in-ear headphones and are used by audio engineers and musicians as well as audiophiles. (source)

Lawrence Bonk Profile image
Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.