How to Reset Your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods can help resolve issues like connectivity problems, sound quality issues, or to prepare them for pairing with a new device.
1. Forget AirPods on Your Device
Before resetting your AirPods, it’s a good idea to remove them from the Bluetooth device list on any connected devices.
For iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:
- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your device.
- Select Bluetooth: Tap on “Bluetooth.”
- Find Your AirPods: In the list of paired devices, locate your AirPods and tap the “i” icon next to them.
- Forget This Device: Tap “Forget This Device” and confirm. This will unpair your AirPods from your device.
For Mac:
- Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Select Bluetooth: Click on “Bluetooth.”
- Find Your AirPods: In the list of paired devices, right-click (or Control-click) on your AirPods and select “Remove.”
- Confirm Removal: Click “Remove” to unpair your AirPods from your Mac.
For Android and Other Devices:
- Go to Bluetooth Settings: Open the Bluetooth settings on your device.
- Find Your AirPods: Locate your AirPods in the list of paired devices and select them.
- Unpair or Forget: Choose the option to unpair or forget the device to remove your AirPods from the Bluetooth list.
2. Place AirPods in Their Charging Case
- Open the Lid: Place your AirPods inside the charging case and leave the lid open.
3. Press and Hold the Setup Button
- Locate the Setup Button: Find the small, circular button on the back of the AirPods case.
- Hold the Button: Press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds, or until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber and then white.
4. Reconnect Your AirPods
After resetting, your AirPods will need to be reconnected to your devices.
For iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:
- Open the Case Near Your Device: Hold the AirPods case with the lid open close to your iPhone or other Apple device. A setup animation should appear on your screen.
- Tap Connect: Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your AirPods.
For Mac:
- Go to Bluetooth Settings: Open System Preferences and click on Bluetooth.
- Open the AirPods Case: With the lid open, hold the AirPods case close to your Mac.
- Pair Your AirPods: Click “Connect” next to your AirPods in the list of available devices.
For Android and Other Devices:
- Turn On Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
- Put AirPods in Pairing Mode: Open the lid of the AirPods case and press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white.
- Select Your AirPods: Go to your device’s Bluetooth settings and select your AirPods from the list of available devices to pair and connect.
Additional Tips
- Resetting AirPods Pro or AirPods Max: The process is similar for all models, but make sure to follow the specific instructions for your AirPods model as noted in Apple’s support documentation.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure your AirPods are updated with the latest firmware for optimal performance. Firmware updates are usually applied automatically when your AirPods are connected to a device.
- Charging During Reset: Keep your AirPods connected to a power source if possible to ensure they don’t lose power during the reset process.
By following these steps, you can reset your AirPods and resolve any issues or prepare them for use with a new device.
