To reset AirPods, place them in the case, then hold the setup control for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.
If your earbuds won’t pair, cut out mid-call, or refuse to switch devices, a clean reset often clears the glitch. This guide walks you through the exact reset sequence for every model, the right prep steps, and what to do when the light won’t blink. You’ll also see how to unpair and pair again without losing time. The steps below follow Apple’s current directions and reflect model-specific changes introduced with the latest generations.
How to Reset AirPods: Full Steps For Every Model
Start with the basics that apply to all models. Charge the case for a few minutes, seat both earbuds correctly, and close the lid. Wait at least 30 seconds. Open the lid beside an iPhone or iPad so the case light is easy to see. Now follow the sequence that matches your model below. The goal is the same on each: trigger an amber flash, then a white flash, which confirms a factory reset and readiness to pair. If you came here searching “how to reset airpods” for a quick handoff or a fresh start, the table right under this section gives you the fast version.
AirPods Reset Methods By Model
| Model | Quick Reset Sequence | Status Light & Timing |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st/2nd Gen) | With lid open, press and hold the back setup button ~15s | Flashes amber, then white when reset completes |
| AirPods (3rd Gen) | With lid open, hold the back setup button ~15s | Amber flash switches to white; ready to pair |
| AirPods (4th Gen) | Close lid 30s → open lid → double-tap the front of the case 3 times | Amber flash, then white confirms reset |
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | With lid open, hold the back setup button ~15s | Amber flash, then white indicates success |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | With lid open, hold the back setup button ~15s | Amber flash, then white; chime may play |
| AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) | Close lid 30s → open lid → double-tap the front of the case 3 times | Amber, then white = reset done |
| AirPods Max | Hold Noise Control + Digital Crown together ~15s | LED near the charging port flashes amber, then white |
Prep Steps That Prevent False Resets
Seat both earbuds firmly in the case so the pins make contact. If the light never changes, give the case five minutes on a charger, then try again. Keep the lid open for button-based resets. On AirPods Max, connect to power if the headset feels unresponsive. These small touches stop half-completed resets that leave pairing data behind.
Resetting AirPods On iPhone, iPad, And Mac
On Apple devices, unpairing is optional before a reset, yet it’s handy when you want a clean slate. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon beside your AirPods, then select Forget This Device. On a Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, click the “i” next to your AirPods, then choose Forget. If the earbuds won’t reconnect after a reset, follow Apple’s connection checks in Bluetooth settings and Control Center, then retry the reset sequence once more. Linking the exact checks to your device can save a wasted attempt.
Where The Status Light Lives
The light sits on the front of MagSafe/Lightning cases and inside the case for older versions. For AirPods Max, the LED is next to the charging port on the right cup. During the reset, you’re looking for an amber blink that flips to white. White means pairing mode is active and the reset worked.
Step-By-Step: Button-Based Reset (Most Models)
- Put both earbuds in the case and open the lid.
- Press and hold the back setup control for about 15 seconds.
- Release when the light flashes amber, then white.
- Hold the open case near your iPhone or iPad to start pairing.
This applies to AirPods (1st–3rd) and AirPods Pro (1st–2nd). It mirrors Apple’s core guidance and has been the reliable method for years.
Step-By-Step: Tap-Based Reset (AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3)
- Place both earbuds in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid and keep it open.
- Double-tap the front of the case three times.
- Wait for the amber flash, then white. Pair again.
These newer models switched from a long press to a double-tap pattern on the case. If nothing happens, repeat the 30-second lid-closed wait and try again with steady taps.
Step-By-Step: AirPods Max Reset
- Charge the headset for a few minutes.
- Press and hold the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown together.
- Keep holding for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then white.
- Release, then pair again near an iPhone or in Bluetooth settings on other devices.
If a soft restart doesn’t help, the full reset above clears all settings and pairing records on the headset.
Pairing Again After The Reset
With the case lid open and the light pulsing white, hold your AirPods beside your iPhone or iPad and follow the on-screen card. On Mac, open Bluetooth settings and connect. If the earbuds refuse to show up, toggle Bluetooth off and on, then try once more. When pairing completes, test audio in a music app and make a short call to confirm the mic works on both sides. If you searched “how to reset airpods” to fix switching delays, test device switching by playing audio on your iPhone and then your Mac.
Common Mistakes That Block A Reset
- Pressing too briefly: Release only after you see amber flash change to white.
- Lid closed during a button reset: Keep it open for button-based models.
- Dirty contacts: If the buds aren’t seated, the case can’t complete a reset. Wipe the pins gently.
- Low charge: Give the case a few minutes on a charger and retry.
Fixes When The Light Won’t Turn White
If the light never turns white after an amber blink, cycle the basics: reseat the earbuds, charge the case, and try again. On iPhone or iPad, remove the accessory in Bluetooth settings and reconnect after the reset. On stubborn units, remove the device from your Apple ID’s device list on iCloud and set up again. If AirPods still refuse to pair, you may be dealing with a hardware fault in the case or a battery that can’t hold a charge long enough to complete the process. At that point, contact Apple support or book a bar-coded service appointment in the app or on the web.
Quick Troubleshooting Map
| Symptom | What To Try | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Light never changes color | Charge case 5–10 minutes; reseat buds; repeat reset | Forget in Bluetooth, retry reset, then pair |
| Pairs, then drops calls | Reset again; re-enable Automatic Ear Detection | Check firmware; leave buds in case near iPhone to update |
| One side won’t play | Clean the mesh; reset; pair again | Test on another device to rule out app/device issues |
| AirPods not found in Bluetooth | Toggle Bluetooth; keep lid open with white pulse | Reboot phone; retry pairing card |
| AirPods Max unresponsive | Hold Noise Control + Digital Crown ~15s | Charge via cable and retry full reset |
| Borrowed pair still tied to someone else | Ask the owner to remove the device from their Apple ID | Remove via iCloud device list, then reset |
Handing Off Or Selling: Make The Reset Stick
If you’re gifting or selling the earbuds, do two things: reset them and remove them from your device list. That stops pairing pop-ups on your gadgets and helps the new owner pair in seconds. Sign in to iCloud’s device page, remove the accessory, then perform the reset one more time with the lid open beside the buyer’s phone. That sequence avoids awkward pairing loops and Activation Lock issues on Macs and other Apple gear tied to your account.
Re-Pair Across Your Apple Devices
After you pair on iPhone, iCloud sync usually registers the earbuds with your iPad and Mac under the same Apple ID. If they don’t appear, open Bluetooth on each device and connect once. Automatic device switching works best when each device uses the same Apple ID and Bluetooth stays enabled.
Model-Specific Notes You Should Know
AirPods (1st–3rd)
The tried-and-true button press still rules here. Hold the setup control with the lid open until amber flips to white. If you don’t see any light, the case may be out of charge or the LED is inside the case rather than on the front. A few minutes on a charger usually brings the LED back to life for a fresh reset.
AirPods (4th Gen)
This model introduces a tap-to-reset pattern on the case. Close the lid for half a minute, open it, then double-tap the front of the case three times. If the taps don’t register, repeat the 30-second wait and try deliberate taps. The light should flash amber, then white.
AirPods Pro (1st–2nd)
Use the classic 15-second hold on the setup control with the lid open. If call audio still cuts out after a reset, leave the case near your iPhone for a while to pick up a firmware update. A short wait can restore smooth switching and audio routing.
AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
Like AirPods 4, this model uses the tap-based pattern on the case. Close the lid for 30 seconds, open it, and double-tap the front three times. Watch for amber, then white. If nothing happens, charge briefly and retry the taps with a steady rhythm.
AirPods Max
Hold the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown together until the LED near the charging port flips from amber to white. If the headset won’t wake, plug in a cable for a minute and retry the hold. A full reset clears all pairing records and brings back the setup card on iPhone.
Why A Reset Works For Stubborn Glitches
A reset wipes pairing records and stale connection flags stored in the case or headset. That’s why it fixes “connected but silent” playback, one-sided audio, or device switching loops. It also prepares a second-hand pair for a new owner. If the same issue returns right away, test on a second device to rule out app or OS bugs. When the earbuds behave on one device but not another, reset again and pair only the problem device first to isolate the source.
When To Stop And Get Service
If the case never shows a light, even with a charge, the battery or LED may be failing. If one earbud never shows up in Bluetooth after multiple resets, that bud may not be charging. Liquid inside the case pins can also block resets. In any of these cases, book a service visit or mail-in repair. Bring the case and both buds together so the technician can test the full set.
Helpful Official References
Apple documents the reset steps for each generation. If you want the exact wording for your model, see Apple’s pages on reset your AirPods and restart or reset AirPods Max. If you’re handing them to someone else, you can remove the accessory from your device list on iCloud’s Find Devices page. These links match the steps used throughout this guide.
Quick Recap You Can Follow Next Time
One-Minute Reset Drill
- Seat both earbuds, charge a bit, and keep the lid open.
- Use the right sequence for your model (button hold or case taps).
- Wait for amber, then white.
- Pair near your phone and test audio and calls.
That’s all you need for a clean start, from AirPods 1 to AirPods Max. With the steps above and the links to Apple’s pages, you’ll reset faster and spend more time listening than fiddling with settings.