AirPods Pro: Unable Start Hearing Hest “Place AirPods Pro in Case” Error

Running a hearing test with your AirPods Pro should be straightforward, but many users encounter a frustrating roadblock: the “Place AirPods Pro in Case” popup. You follow the usual steps—Settings > AirPods Pro > Take a Hearing Test—only to get stuck, even after placing the AirPods back in the case, charging both the case and your iPhone, and trying again. Nothing seems to work, leaving you unable to proceed with the test. The error message says:

Place AirPods Pro in the Case. An AirPods Pro diagnostics check is needed before you can test your hearing. It will run automatically after you close the case and you can try to test your hearing again in a few minutes.

This issue typically happens because the AirPods fail to properly sync with the hearing test feature, even when they’re fully charged and connected. The popup is misleading, making it seem like removing and reinserting the AirPods will solve the problem, but that rarely helps.

Fortunately, there’s a simple but often overlooked solution. Leave the AirPods in the case and open the lid. Make sure the AirPods are set to Transparency mode, as the test won’t proceed in Noise Cancellation or Off mode. Once your iPhone connects, go to Settings > AirPods Pro and tap Take a Hearing Test. This time, the questionnaire should appear without the error. After completing the questions, you’ll be prompted to take the AirPods out and place them in your ears to start the actual test.

If you still face issues, make sure your AirPods and iPhone are running the latest firmware and iOS version. Resetting your AirPods and reconnecting them can also help if the problem persists. It’s a small yet crucial workaround that can finally get the process moving without the endless popup loop.

You can use your iPhone or iPad to take a hearing test and gain valuable insights into your hearing health. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Make sure they’re running the latest firmware. If you’re unsure, check out this guide on how to update your AirPods firmware.
2. iPhone or iPad: Your device should be updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS to ensure compatibility with the hearing test feature.

Once everything is up to date, you’ll be ready to start the hearing test and better understand your hearing profile.

See also:

• What to Do If You Are Sold Fake AirPods
• Found AirPods – Can You Find the Owner? Can You Use Them?
• Help! My Dog Ate my AirPods