How to Factory Reset Apple AirPods

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Factory Resetting Apple AirPods

Factory resetting your Apple AirPods can resolve various issues, such as connectivity problems, audio glitches, or if you're planning to sell or give them away. This guide will walk you through the steps to factory reset your AirPods, ensuring they're ready for a fresh start.

Why Factory Reset Your AirPods?

Factory resetting your AirPods can help in several situations:

  • Troubleshooting: Resolving connectivity or audio issues.
  • Selling/Gifting: Preparing your AirPods for a new user.
  • Sync Issues: Fixing problems when switching between multiple Apple devices.

How to Factory Reset Your AirPods

The process to reset AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each model.

Factory Reset AirPods and AirPods Pro

  1. Place AirPods in the Charging Case
    • Ensure both AirPods are in the charging case and the lid is closed.
  2. Wait for 30 Seconds
    • Leave the AirPods in the case for at least 30 seconds to ensure they are turned off and disconnected.
  3. Open the Lid
    • Open the lid of the charging case but keep the AirPods inside.
  4. Forget AirPods on Your Devices
    • On your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
    • Find your AirPods in the list of devices, tap the "i" icon next to them, and select "Forget This Device."
    • Confirm the action to remove the AirPods from your device's memory.
  5. Reset the AirPods
    • With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds. The status light on the front of the case will flash amber and then white, indicating that the AirPods have been reset.
  6. Re-Pair Your AirPods
    • After the reset, close the lid of the charging case and then reopen it near your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair your AirPods with your device.

Factory Reset AirPods Max

  1. Forget AirPods Max on Your Devices
    • On your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
    • Find your AirPods Max in the list of devices, tap the "i" icon next to them, and select "Forget This Device."
    • Confirm the action to remove the AirPods Max from your device's memory.
  2. Reset the AirPods Max
    • Ensure your AirPods Max are charged.
    • Press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber and then white.
  3. Re-Pair Your AirPods Max
    • After the reset, bring the AirPods Max near your device and follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair them with your device.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues during the reset process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure Adequate Battery: Make sure your AirPods or AirPods Max have sufficient battery charge before attempting a reset.
  • Clean the Charging Case and AirPods: Dirt or debris in the charging contacts can prevent a proper reset. Clean them gently with a dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Update Firmware: Ensure your device's iOS or macOS is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.

Factory resetting your Apple AirPods is a straightforward process that can resolve various issues and prepare the device for a new user. Whether you have AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you reset and re-pair your AirPods easily.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

If your AirPods have stopped responding or refuse to pair with your devices properly, it may be time to perform a factory reset in order to get things working properly. This guide will take you through the steps to perform a factory reset on your Apple AirPods.

Apple AirPods.

2. Factory Reset

  1. Press and hold the setup button for at least 15 seconds.
AirPods case with Setup button highlighted on side. Illustration.
  1. Hold the button until the status light starts flashing amber a few times and then flashes white.
AirPods case with inside status light flashing amber. Illustration.
  1. You AirPods have now been fully reset. You will need to re-pair your AirPods to your devices in order to use them again.

3. Pair Bluetooth Devices to Your Apple AirPods Wireless Headset

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