If your AirPods won’t connect, keep disconnecting, or the audio is glitchy, a reset (factory reset) will often fix the problem.
Below is a simple, step‑by‑step guide on how to reset:

  • AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen)
  • AirPods Pro (1st & 2nd gen)
  • AirPods Max (different process – see separate section)

# When You Should Reset Your AirPods

Resetting can help if you have:

  • AirPods not pairing with iPhone, iPad, or Mac
  • Only one AirPod working or charging
  • Poor sound quality or crackling audio
  • Random disconnects or connection drops
  • AirPods showing the wrong name or device in Bluetooth settings
  • You’re selling or giving your AirPods to someone else

If simple reconnection doesn’t work, a full reset is usually the next best step.

# How to Reset AirPods / AirPods Pro (All Generations)

These steps work for:

  • AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
  • AirPods Pro (1st & 2nd generation)

# 1. Forget the AirPods from Your Device

On your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Find your AirPods in the list (e.g., “John’s AirPods Pro”).
  4. Tap the “i” icon (info button) next to them.
  5. Tap Forget This Device → Forget Device to confirm.

On a Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu  → System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
  2. Click Bluetooth.
  3. Find your AirPods, click the “i” / options button or right‑click.
  4. Select Remove or Forget.

This step removes the AirPods from your Apple ID’s Bluetooth devices so you can set them up as new.

# 2. Put the AirPods in the Charging Case

  1. Put both AirPods in the case.
  2. Close the lid.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds.

This makes sure they fully power down and are ready to reset.

# 3. Press and Hold the Setup Button

  1. Open the lid of the charging case (AirPods inside).
  2. Locate the setup button on the back of the case.
  3. Press and hold the button for about 15 seconds until the status light:
    • Turns amber (orange)
    • Then flashes white
  • On MagSafe / Wireless Charging Case: the light is on the front.
  • On older cases: the light is inside the case, between the AirPods.

Once the light flashes white, your AirPods are fully reset to factory settings.

# 4. Reconnect Your AirPods as New

To pair again with your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Keep the lid open with the AirPods inside.
  2. Hold the case near your unlocked iPhone/iPad.
  3. A setup animation should appear on screen.
  4. Tap Connect and follow the prompts.

On Android or other devices:

  1. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white.
  2. On your phone / computer, go to Bluetooth settings.
  3. Select your AirPods from the list and pair.

After reconnecting to one Apple device signed into your Apple ID, your AirPods typically auto‑sync to your other devices (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch) using iCloud.

# How to Reset AirPods Max

AirPods Max use buttons on the earcup instead of a case button.

# Soft Reset (Reboot AirPods Max)

First try a simple restart:

  1. Make sure your AirPods Max have some charge.
  2. Press and hold the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown together.
  3. Release when the status light near the charging port flashes amber.

If problems remain, do a full factory reset.

# Factory Reset AirPods Max

  1. Charge your AirPods Max for a few minutes.
  2. Press and hold Noise Control + Digital Crown together.
  3. Keep holding for about 15 seconds until the status light:
    • Flashes amber and then
    • Flashes white

This removes them from your Apple ID and resets them to factory settings.

To set them up again, bring them near your iPhone or iPad and follow the on‑screen steps.

# Common Problems a Reset Can Fix

Resetting AirPods often resolves:

  • AirPods not connecting to iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch
  • Only one AirPod producing sound
  • Microphone issues (people can’t hear you clearly)
  • Incorrect battery level display or one AirPod draining faster
  • Static, crackling, or distorted audio
  • AirPods stuck on “Connecting…” in Bluetooth settings
  • Siri not responding via AirPods

If you still have issues after a reset, check for firmware or iOS updates, and clean your AirPods and case carefully. Apple’s official AirPods cleaning guide is here:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210712

# Extra Tips Before You Reset

Before doing a full reset, try these quick checks:

  1. Toggle Bluetooth off and on

    • On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → Off, wait a few seconds, then turn it On again.

  2. Put AirPods back in the case

    • Close the lid, wait 15–30 seconds, then try to reconnect.

  3. Restart your phone or device

    • A simple reboot often clears temporary Bluetooth glitches.

  4. Charge everything

    • Make sure both AirPods and the case have enough battery.

If none of these solve the issue, the factory reset steps above are the right move.

# When Resetting AirPods Doesn’t Work

If your AirPods still don’t work correctly after a reset, consider:

  • Checking Apple’s support articles:
  • Inspecting for physical damage or water exposure
  • Testing with another device (e.g., another iPhone or laptop)
  • Contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store / authorized service provider

Apple can run diagnostics and tell you whether the battery, case, or one of the AirPods needs service or replacement.

# Quick Summary: How to Reset AirPods

  1. Forget AirPods from Bluetooth settings on your device.
  2. Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
  3. Open the lid, press and hold the setup button for ~15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white.
  4. Reconnect by holding them near your iPhone or pairing through Bluetooth settings.

Following these steps will perform a full factory reset on your AirPods or AirPods Pro, resolving most connection and audio issues.