How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro.
AirPods may be a great example of Apple’s “it just works” philosophy in practice, but they’re not without problems. Connectivity, audio, and microphone issues can often crop up and ruin your listening experience.
Read:How to fix AirPods not connected to Windows 10?
Apple is aware of this, which is why you have the option to reset your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. So, in this guide, you will learn how to factory reset your legendary Apple wireless headphones or headset to default.
Note. All instructions for iPhone apply to iPad.
Why You Must Reset Your AirPods
You should reset your AirPods to factory settings if you keep encountering a persistent problem that you simply can’t fix with standard troubleshooting. For example, you may have a pair of AirPods that refuse to connect to your Apple Watch or Mac. Or they can connect but not output sound.
Resetting AirPods automatically disconnects them from all your Apple devices and returns all customization options to their default settings. The procedure itself is relatively simple. But you will have to take the time to change any settings again after re-pairing them to your iPhone or Mac.
However, before you get started, you might want to try updating the software that powers your Apple AirPods hardware—the device’s firmware. Newer firmware versions fix known issues, improve connectivity, and even add additional features. Learn how to update the firmware on your AirPods.
Remove AirPods on iPhone & Mac
Before resetting your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Mac, we recommend that you remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone or Mac. This is optional, but helps resolve potential issues caused by corrupted Bluetooth configuration.
Deleting AirPods from one Apple device will also delete them from all other devices you are signed in to with the same Apple ID.
Deleting AirPods on iPhone
1. Open the Settings app on iPhone.
2. Tap Bluetooth and select the Info icon next to your AirPods.
3. Click “Forget this device”. Then click “Forget device” to confirm.
Remove AirPods on Mac
1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Select Bluetooth.
3. Click the X next to your AirPods and select Delete.
Reset AirPods & AirPods Pro
First, second and third generation AirPods and AirPods Pro use the same reset procedure.
1. Place your AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, or AirPods Pro headphones into the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds and open the lid of your AirPods charging case.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds. Release when the status light flashes amber quickly and then white.
Reset AirPods Max
AirPods Max require a slightly different reset procedure.
1. Charge your AirPods Max in a few minutes.
2. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the Noise Control button for 15-20 seconds.
3. Release when the status light flashes amber quickly and then white.
Reconnect AirPods to iPhone & Mac
After resetting your AirPods, you must pair them with your iPhone or Mac. Once you do this, you’ll automatically connect it to any other Apple devices you’re signed in to with the same iCloud account.
Reconnect AirPods to iPhone
1. Hold your AirPods or AirPods Pro with the charging case open near your iOS or macOS device and wait for the pairing animation. If you’re using AirPods Max, place them in the Smart Case, wait 30 seconds, and then remove.
2. Click Connect.
3. Click Done.
Reconnect AirPods to Mac
1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences > Bluetooth.
2. Open the lid of the AirPods case or remove the AirPods Max from the smart case.
3. Select Connect.
[08 – Reconnect AirPods on Mac]
Re-adjusting AirPods Settings
Resetting your AirPods returns all settings to factory defaults. You can set everything up as usual again and make further changes by going to Bluetooth settings on iPhone and Mac.
Accessing AirPods settings on iPhone
1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
2. Open the Settings app on your iOS device and select Bluetooth.
3. Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods.
4. Make any changes to the options presented on the screen.
Accessing AirPods settings on Mac
1. Connect AirPods to your Mac.
2. Open the System Preferences app on your macOS device and select Bluetooth.
3. Select Options next to AirPods.
4. Make the necessary changes and select Done.
Customizable settings for AirPods
Depending on the model of your AirPods, here is a summary of the options you can customize:
Name: Add a recognizable name for your AirPods. On a Mac, you must Control-click AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices and select Rename.Double-tap on AirPod: Set the default double-tap action for 1st and 2nd generation AirPods.Press and hold AirPods: Set the action when squeezing the left and right AirPods on AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.Auto Ear Detection: Turn automatic ear detection on or off on AirPods and AirPods Pro.Connect to this iPhone . /Mac: Automatically connects to your iPhone or Mac when playing audio.Microphone: Set the default microphone to the left or right on AirPods and AirPods Pro.Noise Control: Switch between noise cancellation, off , and transparency options for AirPods Pro.Button toggles: Specify the order in which the Noise Control button toggles between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off. on AirPods Max.Digital Crown: Change the way Digital Crown controls volume and media playback on AirPods Max.Auto head detection: Turn auto head detection on or off for AirPods Max.
AirPods Fully Reset
A factory reset can be instrumental in getting your AirPods back to normal. Just remember to reconfigure them later.
However, if the issue persists regardless of the reset, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance. You may need to replace your AirPods if the problem is hardware related.
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro