Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To reset AirPods Max, you hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button together until the status light flashes amber and then white. This wipes the saved Bluetooth pairings and settings, so the headphones behave like new. A reset is the right move when the headphones won’t connect, keep dropping audio, or still show an old device in your list.

When a Reset Makes Sense

A reset is a bigger step than simply turning the headphones off. Before you start, try the simpler fixes first. Restarting your phone, toggling Bluetooth, and charging the headphones for about 15 minutes solve many issues. If those don’t help, a reset clears stored pairing data that may be causing trouble. Keep in mind that every device you paired will need to be set up again afterward.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Apple AirPods Max Deals: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026).

How to Reset AirPods Max Step by Step

The process takes less than a minute. Follow these steps with the headphones connected to power or with at least a moderate charge.

  1. Place the AirPods Max on a flat surface or hold them in your hands, and make sure they are off the case.
  2. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button at the same time.
  3. Keep holding both buttons until the status light on the headband area flashes amber, then switches to white.
  4. Release the buttons. The headphones are now reset and ready to pair again.

What the Status Light Should Show

Watch the light closely. It flashes amber first, which signals the reset is in progress. The white flashing light means the reset finished and the headphones are in pairing mode. If you release the buttons too early, nothing is erased, so simply repeat the steps.

Pairing the Headphones After the Reset

Once reset, the headphones no longer appear as connected to any device. Bring them close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and follow the on-screen prompt to pair. For Android phones or other Bluetooth devices, open the Bluetooth settings, select AirPods Max from the list of available devices, and confirm the connection. For more detail, see How to Pair AirPods Max: Step-by-Step for iPhone, Mac, and Android and How to Connect AirPods Max to iPhone: Step-by-Step Pairing Guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Releasing the buttons before the amber light appears, which means the reset never started.
  • Forgetting to remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on your phone, which can cause duplicate or stuck entries.
  • Resetting with a nearly empty battery, which can interrupt the process. Charge them first.
  • Assuming a reset fixes hardware damage. Water exposure or a faulty cable needs a different fix.
  • Skipping the simpler steps first, such as restarting the source device.

If the Reset Doesn’t Solve the Problem

If the headphones still won’t connect after a clean reset, the cause may lie with the source device or with interference nearby. Check that Bluetooth is turned on, that no other headphones are competing for the connection, and that the software on your phone is up to date. Our guide on Why Is My AirPods Max Not Connecting? Causes and Fixes walks through these causes in detail. Persistent hardware issues, such as a speaker that produces no sound, should be reviewed by Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

FAQ

Will resetting AirPods Max delete my settings?

Yes. A reset removes saved pairings and custom settings, so you will need to set up the headphones again with each device you use.

How long does the reset take?

The button hold itself takes only a few seconds, and the full reset usually completes in under a minute. Pairing afterward takes a little longer.

Do I need to reset AirPods Max before selling them?

It is a good idea. A reset removes your pairing data, which helps the next owner set them up cleanly. Remove the headphones from your Apple account as well.

Conclusion

Resetting AirPods Max takes only a hold of the Digital Crown and noise control button until the light flashes amber and then white. After that, pair the headphones again with your device. If problems continue, check the source device and related settings before assuming a hardware fault.

Ready to choose one?

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.