Are your AirPods giving you trouble—disconnecting mid-call, one side not working, or refusing to pair with your iPhone? If you’ve been frustrated and unsure what to do, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who loves music on the go, getting your AirPods back to perfect working condition is crucial.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to reset your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max—step by step. No tech jargon, no confusing instructions—just simple, actionable tips so your AirPods work like new again. If you want fast, reliable fixes and to stop struggling with connectivity issues, this guide is for you.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your AirPods
Before learning how to reset AirPods, it’s important to understand why a reset can help. Common reasons include:
- AirPods not connecting to devices
- One AirPod not charging or playing sound
- Audio stuttering or lag during music or calls
- Firmware updates failing to install
- Noise cancellation or microphone issues in AirPods Pro or Max
Resetting your AirPods essentially restores them to factory settings, clearing glitches, connection errors, or minor software bugs. It’s often faster and cheaper than troubleshooting every problem individually or buying a new pair.
How to Reset AirPods (1st & 2nd Generation)
Resetting standard AirPods is simple. Follow these steps:
- Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings → Bluetooth. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods and select Forget This Device. Confirm your choice.
- On the back of the AirPods case, press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds.
- The status light will flash amber, then white, indicating your AirPods are reset.
- Reconnect your AirPods by placing the case near your device and following the on-screen instructions.
✅ Tip: After resetting, AirPods forget all previously paired devices, so you’ll need to pair them again.
How to Reset AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro users may experience slightly different issues due to noise cancellation, transparency mode, or firmware updates. Here’s how to reset them:
- Put your AirPods Pro in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- On your device, go to Bluetooth settings, tap the “i”, and select Forget This Device.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect your AirPods Pro by placing them near your device and following the prompts.
💡 Resetting AirPods Pro can fix:
- Connectivity issues
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) problems
- One-sided audio or uneven sound
How to Reset AirPods Max
AirPods Max has a slightly different procedure because they are over-ear headphones. Follow these steps:
- Make sure your AirPods Max are charged for at least 5 minutes.
- Press and hold the noise control button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the LED flashes amber and then white.
- Reconnect AirPods Max to your device via Bluetooth settings.
💡 Tip: Resetting AirPods Max resolves microphone, sound, and firmware issues.
Common AirPods Issues and How Resetting Helps
Resetting your AirPods can solve many common issues. Here’s what you can expect:
| Issue | How Reset Fixes It |
|---|---|
| AirPods not connecting | Clears previous pairings, allowing fresh connection |
| One AirPod not working | Resets charging and pairing logic |
| Audio lag or stuttering | Refreshes firmware and device sync |
| ANC or transparency mode malfunction | Resets internal settings |
| Firmware update failures | Enables proper device recognition and installation |
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Before Reset
Sometimes, a reset isn’t needed immediately. Try these steps first:
- Check your AirPods battery – ensure both the case and AirPods are charged.
- Clean AirPods and case – debris can prevent charging or sound output.
- Toggle Bluetooth off/on on your device.
- Restart your device – often solves temporary connectivity issues.
- Update your device to the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version.
If none of these steps work, it’s time to reset your AirPods.
Tips for a Successful AirPods Reset
- Always wait 30 seconds after closing the lid before resetting.
- Ensure all devices using AirPods are disconnected before reset.
- After reset, forget device on all devices to avoid auto-reconnect issues.
- Keep your AirPods firmware updated to prevent frequent resets.
How to Pair AirPods After Reset
After resetting, your AirPods are ready to pair:
- Open the case near your iPhone or iPad.
- A setup animation appears on your device screen.
- Tap Connect and follow on-screen instructions.
- For AirPods Max, select them in Bluetooth settings to connect.
✅ Tip: Resetting and pairing can improve audio quality, connection stability, and battery efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will resetting AirPods delete my music?
No. Resetting AirPods does not affect your music or playlists, it only clears connection settings.
2. How often should I reset AirPods?
Only when problems persist, such as connectivity issues or audio glitches. Frequent resets are unnecessary.
3. Can I reset AirPods without my iPhone?
Yes. Holding the setup button on the case resets them, but pairing requires a device afterward.
4. AirPods still not working after reset—what now?
Try cleaning AirPods and charging case, update your device, or contact Apple Support for a replacement.
5. Does reset fix battery problems?
It can sometimes help with battery reporting issues, but physical battery degradation cannot be fixed by a reset.
6. Can I reset AirPods for someone else’s device?
Yes, as long as the AirPods are not connected to your Apple ID. Use the Forget This Device option on all previous devices.
7. How do I know my AirPods reset successfully?
The status light will flash amber, then white. This indicates the AirPods are ready to pair again.
8. Does resetting AirPods delete custom settings?
Yes, any custom noise control, EQ, or Siri settings will be reset. You can reconfigure them after pairing.
9. Will resetting AirPods Pro fix ANC problems?
Yes. Resetting often solves Active Noise Cancellation and transparency mode issues caused by software glitches.
10. Can I reset AirPods multiple times?
Yes. You can reset AirPods as many times as needed, but persistent issues may require contacting Apple.
Additional Tips for AirPods Maintenance
- Clean your AirPods regularly to prevent audio or charging issues.
- Keep firmware updated for the latest performance improvements.
- Store AirPods in the case to preserve battery life.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, which can degrade performance.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your AirPods is a quick, safe, and effective solution for most common problems. Whether you own AirPods 1st generation, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, following these steps will restore proper function.
Remember: resetting doesn’t delete music, but it does clear device connections, so you’ll need to reconnect afterward. Combine a reset with proper maintenance and firmware updates to ensure your AirPods always perform at their best.
