Resetting AirPods can solve connection problems, strange pairing behaviour and some settings issues, but it is worth trying a simple restart first. Apple separates restarting, unpairing and a full factory reset, and the exact reset method now depends on which AirPods model and charging case you have. Before you begin, make sure the iPhone, iPad, Mac or other device you are using is up to date. Charge the AirPods and case if the battery is very low.
Try a restart before a factory reset
For AirPods and AirPods Pro, put both earbuds into the charging case and close the lid for at least 10 seconds. Open the case and test them again. That simple restart is enough for some temporary faults and does not require you to rebuild the pairing from scratch. AirPods Max use a different restart method: Apple instructs you to hold the Digital Crown and the listening-mode button together until the status light flashes amber, then release.
Do not keep holding the buttons if you only want a restart, because continuing can trigger a factory reset.
Unpair AirPods from an iPhone or iPad
If restarting does not solve the problem, remove the pairing before resetting. Open Settings on the iPhone or iPad and tap the AirPods name near the top of the screen. If it is not shown there, look in the Bluetooth settings. Choose Forget This Device and confirm. On current Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account, forgetting the AirPods can remove them from the other linked devices as well.
You will need to pair them again afterwards.
Reset AirPods 1, 2 or 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2
For these models, Apple uses the setup button on the back of the charging case. Put both AirPods in the case. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. Watch the status light. A successful reset is indicated when the light flashes amber and then white. Once it flashes white, the AirPods are ready to pair again.
Bring the open case close to your iPhone or iPad and follow the onscreen pairing instructions, or connect through Bluetooth on another device.
Reset newer buttonless AirPods cases
Newer AirPods models use a case interaction rather than the traditional rear setup button. Apple's current AirPods User Guide says that AirPods 4 and newer buttonless-case models can be reset by putting the AirPods in the case, closing the lid for 30 seconds, opening it and then using the required series of double taps on the front of the case. For AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3, Apple specifies three timed double taps on the front of the open case: first while the status light is on, a second when it flashes white, then a third when the flashing speeds up. Wait for an amber flash followed by white before trying to pair again. Earlier AirPods and AirPods Pro 1 or 2 instead use the rear setup button.
A successful factory reset still ends with the status light flashing amber and then white. If you are unsure which model you have, identify the AirPods first rather than assuming the method used by an older pair.
Reset AirPods Max
AirPods Max do not use a charging case reset. Apple recommends charging them to at least 50 per cent where possible before restarting or resetting. To reset AirPods Max to factory settings, press and hold the Digital Crown and the listening mode button at the same time. Keep holding until the status light changes from flashing amber to flashing white. Apple states this takes around 15 seconds.
Release the buttons once the white flash appears. You can then connect the headphones again to your Apple device or another Bluetooth device.
What a factory reset does
A reset clears the current pairing state and returns the AirPods to factory pairing behaviour. That means you should expect to reconnect them afterwards. It can also remove some customised settings that were associated with the previous pairing. A reset does not repair a physically damaged battery, broken speaker, liquid damage or a defective charging case. If one earbud is dead because it is not charging, solve the charging problem rather than repeatedly factory-resetting the pair.
If the reset does not work
First check that both AirPods are actually seated and charging in the case. Clean obvious debris from the case wells and charging contacts using an appropriate dry cleaning method. Do not pour liquid into the charging case. Charge the case for a while, then try the reset again. If the status light never behaves as Apple describes, check whether you are using the instructions for the correct model.
Also try a different charging cable or power source if the case itself appears flat.
If only one AirPod works
A reset can help when the two earbuds have lost their shared pairing state, but first confirm that both appear to be charging. Place both in the case and check the battery display on a paired Apple device if possible. Clean the charging contact area carefully if one side does not register. After both earbuds have charge, perform the reset and pair them again. If the same earbud remains completely absent afterwards, the issue may be hardware or battery-related rather than software.
If AirPods keep disconnecting
Resetting is one troubleshooting step, not the whole diagnosis.
Also check:
- whether the source device is fully updated;
- whether the AirPods have enough charge;
- whether the issue happens with more than one device;
- whether Bluetooth is unstable only in one location;
- whether automatic switching between Apple devices is being mistaken for a disconnect;
- whether the problem began after physical damage.
Testing with another phone, tablet or computer is useful. If the fault follows the AirPods to every device, the headphones are the more likely cause.
If someone else's AirPods will not pair
A factory reset does not necessarily remove the previous owner's Apple Account association. AirPods can be associated with an Apple Account and Find My. If you bought or received used AirPods, the previous owner may need to remove them from their account before all ownership-related features work normally. Do not assume a reset bypasses Activation Lock-style ownership protections where they apply. Ask the previous owner to remove the AirPods from their Apple Account or Find My using Apple's official instructions.
A sensible troubleshooting order
Start with the least disruptive step:
- Charge the AirPods and case.
- Restart the AirPods.
- Check the paired device is up to date.
- Forget or unpair the AirPods.
- Factory-reset using the method for the exact model.
- Pair again.
- Test with another device.
- Seek Apple support if the same fault remains.
That sequence avoids wiping the pairing every time an earbud briefly misbehaves while still giving you a clear path to a full reset when it is genuinely needed.
Sources checked: Apple UK: Reset AirPods and AirPods Pro and Apple UK: Reset AirPods Max.