Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Knowing how to turn off AirPods Max saves battery and keeps the headphones from staying connected when you are finished listening. Apple’s AirPods Max do not have a traditional power button, so the method you use depends on whether you want to fully power down, pause playback, or simply let the headphones sleep. This guide covers the three methods that work and what to do when the headphones refuse to shut off.

Turn Off AirPods Max with the Digital Crown

The fastest way to power down is through the Digital Crown on the right ear cup. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the status light is no longer visible, which tells you the headphones are switching off. You can also simply take the headphones off your head, since they will automatically pause audio and enter a low-power state after a short period of being worn-free.

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Confirm the headphones are off

Listen for the chime that plays when the headphones disconnect, and check that audio no longer routes to them. If your iPhone or Mac still shows the AirPods Max as connected, wait about 30 seconds and check again, since the status can lag briefly.

Let AirPods Max Turn Off Automatically

AirPods Max enter a low-power state on their own when they are not in use. Apple specifies that the headphones switch to standby after roughly a few minutes of being off your head, and they can also drop to a very low battery draw when placed in the Smart Case. This is not a full shutdown, but it conserves battery without any action on your part. Placing the headphones in the case is the most reliable way to stop drain when you are done for the day.

Use the Smart Case to Put AirPods Max to Sleep

The Smart Case is the simplest way to make sure the headphones stay off. Place the ear cups inside the case and close the cover. The case signals the headphones to enter their lowest power mode, and they will not stay connected to your device in the background. Keep in mind that closing the case does not disconnect Bluetooth on every device, so you may still need to switch audio output manually if another device tries to reconnect.

Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Pause playback and remove the headphones from your head.
  2. Press and hold the Digital Crown until the status light goes out.
  3. Place the ear cups in the Smart Case and close the cover.
  4. Check your iPhone or Mac to confirm the headphones show as disconnected.

Common Mistakes

  • Pressing the Digital Crown briefly. A short press may only pause or play audio. Hold it until the status light changes.
  • Assuming removal means off. Taking the headphones off pauses audio but does not always cut the connection right away.
  • Leaving the headphones out of the case overnight. Unused headphones can slowly drain, so the case is the safer option.
  • Ignoring device reconnection. Devices you previously used may reconnect automatically, so disconnect from the source if needed.

A protective case helps keep the ear cups from getting scuffed when you store them, and a dedicated USB-C charging cable lets you top up the battery after a long session. If you travel often, a padded carrying case keeps the headphones safe when they are switched off.

  • Apple AirPods Max Smart Case, which protects the ear cups and triggers low-power mode when closed. View on Amazon
  • USB-C charging cable for AirPods Max, for keeping the battery topped up between uses. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do AirPods Max have a power button?

No. AirPods Max do not have a dedicated power button. You turn them off by holding the Digital Crown or by placing them in the Smart Case.

Why won’t my AirPods Max turn off?

The headphones may still be connected to a device that is playing audio, so pause playback first. Then hold the Digital Crown again and confirm the status light goes out.

Will AirPods Max turn off on their own?

Yes. They enter a low-power state after a period of inactivity, but placing them in the Smart Case is the most dependable way to stop battery drain.

Conclusion

To turn off AirPods Max, hold the Digital Crown until the status light goes out, or place the ear cups in the Smart Case. If the headphones keep reconnecting, check the devices they are paired with and disconnect them there. Using the case consistently is the easiest habit for preserving battery life.

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Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.