How to Replace MW50+ On-Ear Ear Pads Correctly

Quick answer

Replacing MW50+ on-ear ear pads is a magnet-based swap: gently pull the old pad straight off, line up the new pad's magnets, and let it snap into place. No tools are required. The main things to get right are pulling evenly rather than twisting, matching the correct replacement pad to your model, and checking the fit around the whole rim before you wear the headphones.

MW50+ ear pads are designed to come off and go back on without tools, so a replacement is one of the simplest maintenance jobs you can do on your headphones. The catch is that on-ear pads are thin and sit close to the driver, which means a rushed pull or a misaligned press can leave you with a pad that looks attached but does not seal properly.

This guide walks through the removal, the installation, and the checks that tell you the job is actually done. It also covers how to choose between the replacement options in the Master & Dynamic catalog so you are not guessing at fit.

Why ear pads need replacing at all

Ear pads take the full force of daily wear: skin oils, sweat, hair products, and the pressure of being pressed against your head. Over time the surface material can stiffen or flake, and the foam underneath can lose its rebound. When that happens, the pad no longer cushions evenly, and on an on-ear model the difference is noticeable because the pad is doing most of the work.

A fresh pad restores the feel you bought the headphones for and keeps the contact surface clean. It is also the cheaper path compared with replacing the headphones themselves, which is why replacement pads are worth treating as a normal consumable rather than a repair.

• Replace pads when the surface cracks, the foam stays compressed after you take the headphones off, or the pad no longer sits flat against the ear.

Before you start: check the model and the pad

Confirm which headphones you are fitting pads to before you order or install anything. The MW50+ uses its own on-ear pad, and pads from other models are not interchangeable even when they look similar in photos. If you are unsure, check the model marking on the headband and match it against the product listing.

It also helps to work over a clean, flat surface with good light. The pads are small, and if one slips out of your hand it can pick up dust or lint from a carpet. A desk or table with a soft cloth underneath is ideal.

• Do not force a pad that does not sit naturally. If the magnets do not want to engage, you are probably holding the wrong pad or the wrong orientation.

Removing the old MW50+ pad

Grip the pad near its outer edge and pull it straight away from the earcup. The magnets release as the pad separates, so you should feel a clean break rather than resistance. Work your fingers around the rim and pull evenly instead of prying from one spot, which is how pads get bent or torn.

Once the pad is off, set it aside and look at the earcup surface. You should see the magnet points and a clean mounting area. If you spot dust or residue, wipe it gently with a dry, soft cloth before going further.

• Common mistake: twisting the pad off like a jar lid. That stresses the foam and can stretch the pad's mounting ring.

Installing the replacement pad

Hold the new pad with the inner surface facing the earcup and align it so the shape matches the cup. Bring it in flat and let the magnets pull it into position. You should feel it settle rather than have to push it hard. Once it contacts, press lightly around the rim with two fingers to confirm the whole pad is seated.

Run a fingertip around the seam between pad and earcup. Any spot that lifts or feels spongy means the pad is not fully seated. If that happens, pull it off and re-seat it rather than pressing harder, because pressure will not fix a misaligned magnet.

• Checkpoint: the pad should sit flush all the way around with no gap and no bulge at the edges.

After the swap: a quick fit and comfort check

Put the headphones on and listen for a few minutes. A correctly fitted pad should feel even on both sides, with no pressure point at the top or bottom of your ear. If one side feels tighter, take that pad off and re-seat it before assuming the pad is faulty.

This is also a good moment to clean the earcups and headband while the pads are fresh. A quick wipe now keeps the new pads from picking up the same buildup that wore out the old ones.

• If sound seems thinner on one side, re-check that pad's seating before troubleshooting anything else.

Choosing replacement pads and related accessories

Master & Dynamic sells replacement ear pads for several models, and the catalog descriptions are specific about materials and mounting. The MH30 Ear Pads and MW60 Ear Pads, for example, are both described as lambskin-wrapped memory foam attached by magnets, and both are removable for personalization, cleaning, or replacement. That same magnet-based approach is what makes the MW50+ swap a tool-free job.

If you are ordering at the same time, it is worth checking whether you need anything else. The USB-C to USB-A Adapter is a small part that solves charging or connection problems on newer laptops, and ear tips such as the Silicone Ear Tips and the Silicone and Foam Ear Tips are the equivalent wear item for in-ear models. Buying the right part once is cheaper than ordering twice.

• Match the pad to the exact model. A pad listed for another headphone is not a substitute, even if the shape looks close.

MW50+ ear pad replacement steps

1. Confirm the model and pad: Check that you have the correct replacement pad for your MW50+ before removing anything. Compare the pad shape and mounting side against the earcup. Wrong pad? Stop and exchange it rather than forcing a fit.
2. Pull the old pad straight off: Grip the outer edge and pull evenly away from the earcup so the magnets release. Work around the rim instead of prying from one point. A clean release means you are doing it right; resistance usually means you are twisting.
3. Clean the mounting surface: Wipe the earcup area with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust or residue before installing the new pad. A clean surface helps the new pad seat flat and stay seated.
4. Align and let the magnets engage: Hold the new pad flat against the earcup and let the magnets pull it into place. Press lightly around the rim with two fingers. If it does not settle easily, lift it off and re-align instead of pushing harder.
5. Check the seal all the way around: Run a fingertip around the seam between pad and earcup. The pad should sit flush with no gaps, lifts, or bulges. Any spongy spot means re-seat the pad before you wear the headphones.
6. Wear-test and re-seat if needed: Put the headphones on for a few minutes and check for even pressure and balanced sound on both sides. One side feeling tighter or thinner usually means that pad needs re-seating, not replacing.

Replacement parts worth knowing

• MH30 Ear Pads: Made of lambskin-wrapped memory foam and connected to the headphones via magnets; removable for personalization, cleaning, or replacement. Shows the same magnet-mount design used across the range, so the removal and installation method you learn here applies to other models too.
• MW60 Ear Pads: Also lambskin-wrapped memory foam with magnetic attachment, removable for personalization, cleaning, or replacement. Confirms that pad material and mounting are consistent, which helps you judge what a correct fit should feel like.
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter: A small adapter part available in the accessories catalog. Useful to add to a pad order if you also need to connect or charge from a USB-A port.
• Silicone Ear Tips: Replacement ear tips available in the accessories catalog. The in-ear equivalent of a wear item, worth replacing on the same maintenance schedule as your ear pads.

Replacing MW50+ on-ear ear pads comes down to a straight pull, a clean surface, and a flat magnetic press. Do those three things and the pads will seat correctly the first time. Keep a spare set on hand so you can swap the moment the foam stops springing back, and the headphones will keep feeling the way they did on day one.