TikTok is at it again, and this time, the target is your ears. A new viral ‘hack’ claims we’ve been wearing AirPods wrong for years, but before you flip your expensive buds upside down, let’s talk about why this is a terrible idea.
The “new” way people are trying
The idea is simple. Instead of just placing AirPods in your ears with the stems pointing down, you rotate them until the stems face up. This is supposed to make them feel tighter or more secure.
For people whose AirPods constantly slip out, that sounds like a win. And so far, some people on the internet have sworn by it. Some comments have indicated that that position can make the AirPods feel more secure, improve the seal in your ear, and slightly boost how the sound feels.
But there’s a problem
AirPods were not designed to be worn as claimed by the viral post. The stems aren’t just there for aesthetics. They hold the microphone, touch controls, and sensors. So when you rotate them too far up your ears such that it goes into the cymba, those features can stop working properly.
Forget about your touch controls, too. Good luck swiping for volume or toggling ANC when the stems are wedged against your ear cartilage.
The other half of the internet pointed out these issues even though some found the hack “way more comfortable.”
Let’s hear from Apple
If the information on Apple Support is anything to go by (and it is), the correct way does not need that much rotation.
To start with, you are to place the AirPods in your ears with the stems pointing down. Then, you rotate slightly toward your face and adjust until they feel snug.
That positioning keeps the speaker aligned with your ear canal while having the microphone facing your mouth. You can also easily access the controls that way.
This is not some revolutionary hack
Not every viral hack is an upgrade. While it makes sense to adjust the angle if they keep falling out, flipping them entirely is a step too far. If you’re truly struggling with the fit, skip the TikTok trends and invest in some third-party memory foam tips or silicone ear hooks. Your hardware (and your callers) will thank you.
Sources: The Tinder Blog, TikTok, Apple Support