- Resetting AirPods is a simple process that can fix bugs and glitches in less than a minute — no Apple Support needed.
- iPhone users just need to place AirPods in the case, connect to Bluetooth settings, and forget the device to reset.
- After resetting, AirPods won’t automatically connect to paired devices from iCloud, starting fresh for a better experience.
Wireless earbuds are more popular than ever, and Apple’s AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offers the best wire-free buys you’ll find. Equipped with powerful drivers and amplifiers, quick and easy iOS customizations, and the head-tracking glory that is spatial audio, there’s plenty to love about the the headset’s. But like all consumer tech items, you may run into a few bugs or glitches with your AirPods from time to time, or perhaps you’re selling off your original AirPods Pro to buy the latest model, the AirPods Pro 2 or the bigger AirPods Max.
When i bought my AirPods, I began to experience some connection issues and bad battery drain when they weren’t in use. In fact, I had to reset my AirPods to eliminate the problems, but everything has been gravy since. If you need to reset your AirPods back to factory settings too, it’s super easy to do so.
Here’s how to reset your AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max on your own. It takes less than a minute, is completely free to do, and doesn’t require you to contact Apple Support.
How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro
iPhone or iPad users
It’s a pretty straightforward process to reset your wireless earbuds. Simply follow the steps below to "factory reset" your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Step 1: Grab your charging case and place your AirPods or AirPods Pro inside if you haven’t already done so.
Step 2: Close the case, and wait for around 30 seconds to a minute. Apple advises doing this so that if one of your AirPods has lost all battery life, it can recharge a little and be recognized by the case before the reset begins.
Step 3: Have the Apple device you use AirPods with at hand. Pop open your AirPods case so that the Apple device can sense them, and then head into your Settings.
If you’re using an iPhone running iOS 16, as long as you’ve paired your AirPods at least once, there will be a dedicated AirPods tab for you to select, just below your Apple ID.
Step 4: To perform a reset, simply select the tab, then tap the blue I emblem next to your AirPods name. Then, choose Forget this device.
If you’re using an iPhone that isn’t running iOS 16 yet, the following steps will allow you to reset your AirPods.
In Settings, go to Bluetooth and find your connected AirPods. Select the blue I button (More info) next to them. Choose the option to Forget this device. . Confirm the decision, and when your AirPods are no longer connected, set your Apple device in another room and return to your AirPods.
Step 5: Keep the lid of your AirPods case open. Locate the indicator light to keep an eye on it. This light is usually on the front of the case for most AirPod models, although the very first generation has it on the inside of the case.
Step 6: Now turn to the back of your AirPods and locate the Setup button. This is a small, circular button below the case lid, marked by a faint outline.
Step 7: Press down and hold the Setup button — you should be able to feel when it is pressed down. Keep holding the button down and watch the indicator light on your charging case, which should start pulsing white. After around 15 seconds, you should see the light flash amber, then change to white. When this happens, you can let go of the setup button. Your AirPods have now been reset.
See also: How to make your AirPods louder: 5 tricks
Android device users
If you use an Android phone, here’s how to reset AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Step 1: Grab your charging case and place your AirPods or AirPods Pro inside if you haven’t already done so.
Step 2: Close the case, and wait for around 30 seconds to a minute. Apple advises doing this so that if one of your AirPods has lost all battery life, it can recharge a little and be recognized by the case before the reset begins.
Step 3: Go to Settings > Connected Devices.
Step 4: Hit the cog icon next to your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Step 5: Tap Forget and then Forget device to confirm.
How to Reset AirPods Max
Step 1: First, make sure that you charge the AirPods Max for a few minutes so that there is power.
Step 2: Find the Digital Crown and the noise-control buttons, both on the same side of one earcup. At the bottom of this earcup, you will find the status light.
Step 3: Press down and hold both the Digital Crown and Noise control buttons for around 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber and then white again.
Step 4: Release the buttons to finish resetting the AirPods Max.
Once you have reset the AirPods Max, you will then need to pair them up with your iCloud account again. This is easy though, as it should connect with your iPhone when it’s nearby. A reset of AirPods Max to factory settings should alleviate any problems you were having. If they arise again, you can simply try resetting them again.
FAQ
Q: What happens when you reset AirPods?
Once you reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro, the wireless earbuds will no longer automatically recognize any devices paired to your iCloud account. Opening an AirPods case near an iOS device will begin the setup process just as if you were using it for the first time.
Q: Which AirPods models can you reset?
You can factory reset the original AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro two, or AirPods Max.