AirPods have become one of the most popular and convenient wireless audio devices on the market. Whether you’re using them to listen to music, take calls, or engage in virtual meetings, AirPods provide a seamless user experience.
However, like any tech device, AirPods can sometimes run into connectivity issues, glitches, or malfunctions that require a reset to fix. Knowing how to reset your AirPods can be a lifesaver in these situations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about resetting your AirPods, including why you might need to reset them, the different methods of resetting, and some useful troubleshooting tips to help you get the best performance out of your device.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your AirPods
Before diving into the reset process, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to reset your AirPods. Common reasons for resetting include:
- Connectivity Issues: If your AirPods are having trouble connecting to your device, whether it’s your iPhone, MacBook, or another Bluetooth-enabled device, a reset may help resolve the issue. Connectivity problems can arise due to software conflicts, Bluetooth interference, or settings errors.
- Sound Quality Problems: If you notice distorted sound, one earbud not working, or low audio quality, a reset may help restore proper functionality.
- Battery Drain or Charging Issues: AirPods that are not charging properly, or draining battery too quickly, might benefit from a reset to clear any software bugs.
- Syncing Problems Between Devices: Sometimes, your AirPods may not sync properly with multiple devices (e.g., iPhone and MacBook). A reset can help fix this issue by clearing any saved device information.
- General Malfunctions: Occasionally, you may experience random glitches, such as one AirPod not playing sound, the automatic ear detection not working, or your AirPods failing to turn off properly. A reset can often resolve these kinds of problems.
How to Reset Your AirPods (Step-by-Step)
There are different methods for resetting your AirPods, depending on the specific model you own—AirPods (1st generation), AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. Below are the detailed steps for resetting both regular AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Method 1: Resetting Regular AirPods (1st and 2nd Generation)
- Place Your AirPods in the Case: Begin by placing both of your AirPods in the charging case. Ensure that both AirPods are properly seated inside the case.
- Open the Case Lid: Open the lid of the AirPods charging case. The LED status light should be visible either on the front of the case (for newer models) or inside the case (for older models).
- Press and Hold the Setup Button: On the back of the charging case, there is a small circular button. Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds. The LED status light should change from white to amber and then back to white, indicating that your AirPods have been successfully reset.
- Reconnect Your AirPods: Once your AirPods have been reset, you will need to reconnect them to your device. With the case lid open, bring the AirPods near your iPhone or other Bluetooth-enabled device. A prompt should appear on your device asking you to connect to the AirPods. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Method 2: Resetting AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro, with their additional features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode, follow a similar reset process to regular AirPods but with a few minor differences.
- Place Your AirPods Pro in the Case: Ensure both the AirPods Pro are in the charging case.
- Open the Case Lid: Open the lid of the charging case, and make sure that the LED light is visible.
- Press and Hold the Setup Button: On the back of the charging case, you’ll see the same setup button. Press and hold this button for about 15 seconds until the LED light flashes amber, and then flashes white. This indicates that the reset is complete.
- Reconnect Your AirPods Pro: After resetting, bring the AirPods Pro close to your iPhone or Bluetooth device. Follow the prompts on your device to pair the AirPods Pro again.
What to Do If Your AirPods Still Aren’t Working After Resetting
If you’ve gone through the reset process and your AirPods are still malfunctioning, here are a few troubleshooting tips to try:
1. Check for Firmware Updates
Make sure that your AirPods are running the latest firmware. Apple periodically releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs. To check for updates, connect your AirPods to your iPhone and ensure that your device is running the latest iOS version. Firmware updates are automatically installed when your AirPods are connected to your device and charging.
2. Forget and Re-Pair Your AirPods
Sometimes simply forgetting your AirPods from the Bluetooth settings and then re-pairing them can resolve connectivity issues. To forget your AirPods:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the list of devices, and tap the i icon next to them.
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
- Then, follow the pairing process again as you would with a fresh reset.
3. Check the Charging Case
Make sure that the charging case is working properly. If the case is not charging, your AirPods may not reset correctly. Plug the case into a charger and make sure the LED light is showing a proper charging status.
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4. Test Your AirPods on Another Device
If your AirPods are still having issues, try connecting them to another device (such as a different iPhone, Mac, or Android phone) to see if the problem persists. This can help determine whether the issue lies with your AirPods or the original device.
5. Clean Your AirPods
Dirt and debris can sometimes interfere with the performance of your AirPods, especially with the charging and connection process. Clean your AirPods using a soft, dry cloth. Be gentle around the charging contacts and speaker mesh to avoid damage.
How to Reset Your AirPods Max
AirPods Max is a bit different from the other models in terms of reset procedure. Here’s how to reset them:
- Put Your AirPods Max in the Case: Place the AirPods Max in their Smart Case to put them into low power mode.
- Press and Hold the Noise Control Button and Digital Crown: Press and hold both the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown on the right ear cup for about 15 seconds. The LED light on the right ear cup will flash amber, indicating the AirPods Max is resetting.
- Reconnect Your AirPods Max: After the reset is complete, open the Smart Case and bring the AirPods Max near your device to reconnect them as you would with other AirPods models.
How to Reset AirPods without the Case
If you’ve lost or damaged the charging case and need to reset your AirPods, it becomes a little tricky. Unfortunately, you cannot reset your AirPods without using the case. The case contains the setup button necessary for the reset process. In this case, you may need to contact Apple support or visit an Apple Store to either replace the charging case or get further assistance.
FAQs
How do I know if my AirPods have been reset?
You will know your AirPods have been reset when the LED light on the charging case flashes amber and then white, signaling that they have been successfully reset.
Can I reset my AirPods multiple times?
Yes, you can reset your AirPods as many times as needed. If you’re experiencing ongoing issues, multiple resets may help, but it’s always a good idea to try other troubleshooting methods as well.
Will resetting my AirPods delete any data?
No, resetting your AirPods will not delete any data. The reset process simply clears device connections and settings, allowing you to re-pair the AirPods with your devices.
Can I reset my AirPods without an iPhone?
Yes, you can reset your AirPods without an iPhone or any device. The reset process is done through the AirPods charging case itself.
What if my AirPods don’t turn on after resetting?
If your AirPods don’t turn on after a reset, try charging the case and AirPods for a while. If they still don’t turn on, you may need to contact Apple support for a more in-depth solution.