How to Reset AirPods
How to factory reset AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Fixes connection problems, audio issues, and pairing failures.
AirPods are usually seamless. Until they are not. One day they just stop connecting properly, only play from one side, have strange audio cutting out, or refuse to pair with a new device. The universal fix for all of these is a factory reset.
Resetting AirPods takes about 30 seconds and returns them to the state they were in when you first opened the box. It clears all pairing data, custom settings, and any firmware glitches. After the reset, you pair them again like new. This solves the vast majority of AirPods problems that are not caused by physical damage.
The process is slightly different for AirPods (regular and Pro) versus AirPods Max, so this guide covers both.
Your AirPods and their charging case. The case needs some battery charge (at least 10%). For AirPods Max, you just need the headphones themselves.
Put AirPods in the charging case and close the lid
Place both AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds. This ensures the AirPods are in a known state and connected to the case properly. The case needs at least some charge for the reset to work. If your case is dead, charge it for a few minutes first. The AirPods themselves also need to be seated properly with the charging contacts aligned.
Forget the AirPods from your device
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Find your AirPods in the list of paired devices and tap the info icon (the "i" in a circle) next to the name. Tap "Forget This Device" and confirm. This removes the pairing from your iCloud account and all devices signed in with the same Apple ID. If you are resetting because the AirPods will not connect at all, skip this step and proceed to the physical reset. You can always forget the device after re-pairing.
Open the lid and hold the setup button
Open the charging case lid with the AirPods inside. On the back of the case, there is a small circular button (it may be recessed). Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds. The status light on the front of the case will flash amber (orange) a few times, then flash white. When the light flashes white, the reset is complete. Release the button. The AirPods are now in factory state, disconnected from all previous devices, and ready to pair as new.
Good to know: If the light does not flash amber and then white after 15 seconds, try holding the button for 20 to 30 seconds. Make sure you are pressing firmly. On some AirPods Pro cases, the button is slightly recessed and requires deliberate pressure.
Pair the AirPods again
With the case lid open and the AirPods inside, hold the case near your iPhone or iPad. A setup animation should appear on your screen within a few seconds, similar to when you first got the AirPods. Tap Connect, then follow the on-screen prompts. The AirPods will pair with your device and sync across all devices on your Apple ID via iCloud. If the animation does not appear, go to Settings > Bluetooth, make sure Bluetooth is on, and look for the AirPods in the available devices list.
Reset AirPods Max (different process)
For AirPods Max, the process is different because there is no charging case with a setup button. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the Noise Control button simultaneously for about 15 seconds. The status light near the charging port flashes amber, then white. Release the buttons when the light flashes white. The AirPods Max are now reset. To pair again, hold them near your iPhone with Bluetooth on and follow the setup prompt.
Reconfigure your settings after pairing
After re-pairing, your personalized settings are gone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods, and reconfigure your preferences. This includes the name of your AirPods, what each AirPod does on double-tap or squeeze (play/pause, next track, Siri, noise control), ear detection on/off, and spatial audio settings. If you use AirPods Pro, reconfigure the transparency mode and noise cancellation preferences. Run the Ear Tip Fit Test (Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Ear Tip Fit Test) to ensure you are using the right size tips for a proper seal.
After resetting, your AirPods will behave like a brand new pair. If the original problem persists after a reset and re-pairing, the issue is likely hardware related (a failing battery, a damaged speaker, or a defective Bluetooth antenna). At that point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnosis. AppleCare+ covers AirPods, and out-of-warranty battery service is available for a fixed fee.
Questions we get asked about this
Answers from experience, not a textbook.
Yes. A factory reset erases all custom settings, including the device name, double-tap (1st and 2nd gen) or press/squeeze (3rd gen, 4th gen, and Pro) actions, ear detection preferences, and all pairing information. You will need to set these up again after re-pairing. The reset does not affect any content on your phone or other devices. Only the AirPods themselves are reset.
Yes. After a factory reset, AirPods can pair with any Bluetooth device, not just Apple products. Open the case lid, press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white, then search for Bluetooth devices on your Android phone, Windows PC, or other device. Some features (automatic switching, spatial audio, Siri) are Apple-exclusive, but basic audio playback and microphone functionality work on any Bluetooth device.
Sometimes. If the volume imbalance is caused by a software or firmware glitch, a reset fixes it. If it is caused by earwax or debris blocking the speaker mesh, clean the AirPods first. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to gently clean the speaker grille and microphone openings. A slightly damp lint-free cloth can clean the exterior. Never insert anything into the speaker opening. If cleaning and resetting do not fix the imbalance, the speaker may be failing and needs Apple service.
A reset fixes disconnection issues in most cases, especially if the problem started suddenly after a software update or firmware change. After resetting, also check that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version, that Bluetooth is not being interfered with (other Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers can sometimes cause interference), and that both AirPods are charging properly in the case. Persistent disconnection after a reset may indicate a hardware issue with the Bluetooth antenna.
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods name. Scroll down to the About section. The firmware version is listed there. AirPods update firmware automatically when connected to an iPhone and placed in the charging case with the lid open near the phone. You cannot manually trigger a firmware update. If your firmware is outdated, leave the AirPods in the case with the lid open near your phone overnight.
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How to Reset AirPods
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