You cannot turn off ANC on Beats Studio Wireless headphones while they are powered on. The Active Noise Cancellation feature is automatically active whenever the headphones are on, making it impossible to fully disable ANC without also stopping audio playback.
Can you turn off ANC on Beats Studio Wireless?
No, the Beats Studio Wireless model does not allow you to turn off ANC when the headphones are powered on. Unlike newer Beats models that use the “b” button to toggle between Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode, the Studio Wireless headphones require power to use ANC and it remains active at all times during operation.
Why you might want to turn off ANC
There are valid reasons users seek to disable ANC on their Beats Studio Wireless headphones. Preserving battery life is a common motivation, as ANC draws additional power. Some listeners prefer a more natural audio experience without the processing ANC introduces. Increased ambient awareness is another factor, particularly in situations where hearing surrounding sounds matters for safety. Additionally, the pressure sensation ANC can create on ears may become uncomfortable during extended listening sessions. Turning off ANC can reduce pressure sensation on ears for more comfortable extended listening.
What the control buttons actually do
On supported Beats models, pressing and holding the “b” button toggles between Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode. For the older Studio Wireless model specifically, the manual confirms ANC is automatically active when the headphones are powered on. There is no documented button combination that disables ANC on this model. A separate manual result indicates that pressing and holding both the “b” and power button without the cable enables an ANC-only mode, which changes behavior rather than turning noise cancellation off.
What happens when you use the audio cable
Using the audio cable does not turn off ANC. According to the official manual, when the audio cable is unplugged, the headphones switch to an ANC-only mode. This means the headphones continue to cancel noise even when connected via cable, contradicting any assumption that wired use disables the feature.
The only way to stop noise cancellation
The sole method to disable ANC on Beats Studio Wireless headphones is to power them off completely. This stops all audio playback along with noise cancellation. If you need to hear your surroundings, you must remove the headphones or turn them off. There is no supported procedure through iPhone settings, Android settings, the Beats app, or the charging cable to disable ANC while keeping audio active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off ANC improve battery life on Beats Studio Wireless?
Since ANC cannot be disabled while the headphones are on, the only way to save battery is to power them off. ANC is always drawing power when the headphones are active, so you cannot conserve battery by disabling it mid-use.
Will using the audio cable affect noise cancellation?
No, the audio cable does not turn off ANC. In fact, unplugging the cable triggers an ANC-only mode, meaning the headphones continue to cancel noise without audio playing.
Can I connect Beats wireless earbuds to control ANC settings?
This question applies to different Beats products. For Beats Studio Wireless, there is no app-based or device-based method to turn off ANC. The headphones lack the controls found on newer models that allow you to connect Beats wireless earbuds and adjust listening modes through device settings.
Does ANC affect sound quality on Beats Studio Wireless?
ANC can alter the perceived sound signature by adding processing. Some listeners find ANC creates a slight pressure sensation or changes frequency response. Since you cannot disable ANC on this model, the sound you hear always includes ANC processing.
Is there a way to use Beats Studio Wireless without ANC?
No, not while listening to audio. The headphones require power for ANC to function, and ANC is automatically active whenever the headphones are powered on. The only way to experience no ANC is to turn the headphones off.
Related reading: How To Tell If Beats Solo 2 Wireless Are Fake.
