Do Apple's AirPods fall out of your ears or hurt after you wear them? Don't give up. Here are a few DIY fixes and earhook solutions to get Cupertino's true wireless earbuds to stay in your ears.

Do you love the sound, look, and feel of your Apple AirPods, but they keep slipping out of your ears? Rather than create a product that could accept different size tips for different ears, Apple went with a one-size-fits-all approach. However, the outer part of the eardrum where the AirPods fit isn't the same size for everyone, so either the AirPods stay in your ears or they don't. 

Your AirPods slowly creep out of your ears until you can barely hear the audio. Then, unless you catch them in the nick of time, they fall out. The problem becomes especially frustrating if you're exercising, sweating, or simply moving your head around. 

This limitation was corrected with the AirPods Pro, which offer an in-canal design with three sets of replaceable tips for small, medium, and large ear canal sizes. But those with regular AirPods still face this dilemma. 

Does this mean you need to return your AirPods? Well, that's up to you. But don't give up just yet. There are a few do-it-yourself tricks and several add-on accessories that can keep your AirPods in your ears. Let's check them out.

This tip is an oldie but a goodie. Many people probably just hook the AirPods in their ears with the stem pointing down. But that keeps them loose, virtually guaranteeing that they'll slip out. After placing the AirPods in your ears, twist them up around 30 degrees so the stem is more horizontal and is sticking out away from your ears. This may not do the trick for everyone, but it's worth a shot.

For this DIY method(Opens in a new window) of keeping AirPods in your ears, you'll need some waterproof tape. The Nexcare 3M brand(Opens in a new window) is typically recommended, as it's sticky and durable.

Next, you'll need a regular hole punch to cut out circular pieces or scissors to cut out rectangular strips of tape. Stick a piece of tape near the top and another one at bottom of each earbud, close to where the AirPods stick in your ears.

Place the AirPods in your ears, then move around, do some exercise, or go for a jog. The AirPods should remain in your ears thanks to the raised surface of the tape. The best part of this trick is that your AirPods will still fit in the charging case even with the tape on them.

Beyond the DIY approach, you'll find a variety of covers and cases intended to help your AirPods stay in your ears. One of the drawbacks with many of these accessories is that you have to remove them to put your AirPods back in the charging case. Not so with the AirPods covers from DamonLight. Because of their design, these covers can be tricky to apply. You need to stretch them enough to attach them but not so much that you rip them. However, you only need to do this once, so after you get them on, they can stay on.

Despite their thin design, the DamonLight covers do a good job of keeping the AirPods in your ears thanks to the silicone surface. You can snag a 2-pair package in a few different colors at Amazon(Opens in a new window) for $8.99.

The EarSkinz AirPod Covers slip snugly over your AirPods and provide a secure fit when you place them in your ears. The covers are thicker and bulkier than others, such as the ones from DamonLight, but they’re still comfortable and help keep your AirPods firmly in your ears so the fit won't loosen. The main downside is that you must remove them to put your AirPods back in the charging case. Don't sweat it, though. These covers are relatively easy to attach and take off. You'll find these in an array of colors at Amazon(Opens in a new window) for just $5.95.

AhaStyle's Silicone Ear Hooks Cover are compatible with both Apple AirPods and EarPods. Slipping over your AirPods, each cover comes with a little hook that catches and hangs onto your ear so they stay put. The covers include the necessary cutouts so they won't interfere with the sound or operation of your AirPods. As with similar covers, you must remove these to put your AirPods back in the charging case. Fortunately, AhaStyle's covers are not too difficult to put on or take off. I’ve used these at the gym, and they're quite adept at keeping my AirPods in my ears. Amazon sells a $8.99 3-pair pack(Opens in a new window) in several colors.

The EarBuddyz Ear Hooks also use hooks to hang onto your ears so the AirPods won't slip off. Once you position them, they do a good job of keeping your AirPods securely in place. They have all the necessary cutouts so the audio from your AirPods comes through clearly. Unfortunately, this is another cover you have to take off when you put your AirPods back in the charging case. Yes, that can be a hassle, but putting the EarBuddyz covers on and off isn't too difficult. Amazon sells a $10.95 3-pair package(Opens in a new window) in black, white, blue, and pink.

The AirPod Grips use a large plastic hook to wrap around your entire ear. That design means they're bigger and bulkier than the usual AirPod cases or covers. However, they’re also easier and quicker to set up. All you need to do is slide the stem of the AirPods in the hollow stem of the AirPod Grips. Then, just wrap the larger hook around your ear, and you're good to go. The grips keep your AirPods securely in your ear while still offering a comfortable fit. I tested these during a vigorous workout, and they held up nicely. You can buy these directly at the AirPod Grips website(Opens in a new window) for $12.99.

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I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, Popular Science, Time, Fortune, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.

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