Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To factory reset AirPods, you remove them from every device linked to your Apple ID, then press and hold the setup button on the charging case until the status light flashes amber and then white. This wipes the pairing data and settings stored in the earbuds, so they behave like new. The process takes about a minute, and it is the right fix when the AirPods won’t connect, keep disconnecting, or still show an old owner’s name.

Before You Start

A reset erases pairing information, custom settings, and any saved preferences for noise control or press-and-hold actions. Your music, podcasts, and call history are stored on your phone, so they are not affected. Keep the AirPods and their charging case together, and make sure both have enough battery. Apple’s guidance suggests keeping the case plugged in or fully charged during the reset.

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

How to Factory Reset AirPods Step by Step

  1. Open the lid of the charging case and keep both earbuds inside.
  2. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods, and choose Forget This Device. Confirm the prompt. If you use a Mac or another Apple device, remove the AirPods there too.
  3. Keep the lid open. On the back of the case, press and hold the setup button until the status light blinks amber, then white. This usually takes about 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Close the lid, wait about 30 seconds, then reopen it with the earbuds inside.
  5. Bring the case close to your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the AirPods again as new.

Resetting AirPods Max and Other Models

AirPods Max do not have a case with a setup button, so the reset works differently. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button together for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. Then remove the headphones from your device list, as described above. Owners often report that the light sequence can take a few tries, so repeat the press if nothing changes. For more detail on this model, see How to Reset AirPods Max: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.

What to Do If the Reset Doesn’t Work

If the light never changes, check that the case has charge and that the setup button is held long enough. Restarting your iPhone and trying again often clears the problem. If only one earbud responds, a separate issue may be involved, and Only One AirPods Is Working? How to Fix It in 7 Steps covers that case. When a pair still fails after a full reset, it may be time to check warranty options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the Forget This Device step, which can leave the old pairing active and cause reconnection loops.
  • Releasing the setup button too early, before the status light turns white.
  • Closing the lid too soon after the reset, which can interrupt the process.
  • Resetting only the earbuds while leaving the case out of the process.
  • Forgetting to remove the AirPods from other Apple devices signed in to the same account.

A small, soft cloth helps keep the setup button and charging contacts clean, which can prevent the reset light from being hard to see or the case from failing to respond. View on Amazon

A short Lightning or USB-C cable keeps the case charged during the reset, so battery level never interrupts the process. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does a factory reset delete my music or settings on my phone?

No. A reset only clears data stored in the AirPods and their case. Your music, apps, and contacts remain on your iPhone or other device.

How do I know the reset worked?

The status light on the case flashes amber and then white during the process. After setup, the AirPods should appear as new in your Bluetooth list, with no old name or settings.

Do I need to reset AirPods before selling them?

Yes, it is a good idea. A reset removes your Apple ID link and personal settings, so the next owner can set them up cleanly.

Conclusion

A factory reset clears old pairings and settings, which fixes many connection problems in just a few minutes. Remove the AirPods from all your devices first, then hold the setup button until the light changes. Once they are reset, set them up again as new to start fresh.

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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.