Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

A factory reset wipes the pairing data and settings stored on your AirPods Pro and returns them to their original state. You’ll use it when the earbuds won’t connect, one bud has gone silent, or you’re handing them to someone else. The process takes about a minute, but you’ll need to re-pair the earbuds to every device afterward.

Before You Start

Make sure both earbuds have some charge, and keep them in the charging case with the lid open. Low battery is a common reason a reset appears to fail, so charge them for a few minutes first if the case is nearly empty. Also note that a factory reset removes the earbuds from your Apple Account, so you’ll need to set them up again from scratch.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

How to Factory Reset AirPods Pro Step by Step

  1. Open the lid of the charging case and place the case with the earbuds inside.
  2. On the iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and tap the info icon next to your AirPods Pro. Choose Forget This Device, then confirm.
  3. Close the lid, wait about 30 seconds, then open it again and keep the earbuds in the case.
  4. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber and then white.

How to Tell the Reset Worked

When the light flashes white, the earbuds are ready to pair again. Bring the open case close to your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to connect them as new hardware.

Resetting AirPods Pro on a Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings, select Bluetooth, and hover over the AirPods Pro entry until an info button appears. Click it and choose Forget This Device. After that, use the same case button steps above, then reconnect through the Bluetooth menu. The Mac will show the earbuds as available once the white flashing light appears.

Troubleshooting When the Reset Doesn’t Work

If the light never turns white, the most common causes are a low battery or a dirty setup button. Clean the case contacts with a dry cloth and try again after charging for at least 15 minutes. If one earbud still cuts out after a successful reset, the problem may be hardware, and it’s worth reading about Only One AirPods Is Working? How to Fix It in 7 Steps before contacting support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Closing the lid too soon. Wait a full 30 seconds so the case registers the change.
  • Holding the setup button only briefly. It needs a sustained press of about 15 seconds.
  • Forgetting the device on your phone first. Skipping that step can leave a stale pairing behind.
  • Trying to reset with the earbuds outside the case. The reset is run from the case.
  • Assuming a reset fixes a worn battery. For battery concerns, see How Long Does AirPods Pro 3 Battery Life Last? Real Numbers and Fixes.

A soft, dry microfiber cloth helps keep the case contacts and the setup button clean, which prevents many failed resets. A compact USB-C charging cable is useful if the case needs a top-up before you begin. If the case itself is damaged, How Do You Get an AirPods Pro Case Replacement? Steps and Options walks through your choices.

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FAQ

Will a factory reset delete my music or data?

No. A reset only clears the pairing and settings stored on the earbuds. Your music, apps, and other content stay on your phone or computer.

Do I need to reset both earbuds?

The reset applies to the pair as a unit, so you only need to run it once from the case. Both earbuds are cleared together.

Can I reset AirPods Pro without a phone?

You can start the case-button reset without a phone, but you’ll need a device to set the earbuds up again afterward.

Conclusion

Forgetting the device, then holding the case button until the light flashes white, covers most cases of a factory reset. Give the earbuds a few minutes of charge first and you’ll avoid the most common failures. Once reset, pair them again as new hardware and test both earbuds before you rely on them.

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.