How to reset Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max

If your AirPods are not working properly or you want to restore them to factory settings before selling or transferring them to a new owner, you may need to reset them. Here's how to reset AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. Once reset, the device will operate the same as when you first took it out of the box.

How to reset AirPods or AirPods Pro

To reset AirPods, first place them in the charging case and close the lid. Make sure the charging case still has power and then wait 30 seconds before continuing.

After 30 seconds, open the lid of the charging box but keep the headphones in there. Now press and hold the Setup button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber then white again. When the light returns to flashing white, you can release the button.

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Note that after AirPods reset, they will still be linked to your Apple ID and iCloud account. In case you sell or give away your AirPods to someone else, you will need to forget them from your Apple device.

To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, Mac, or any Apple device where you've used your AirPods. You'll still see your AirPods listed among your saved Bluetooth devices, even if they're not connected. Tap the blue " i " button next to the device's name.

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Now tap " Forget this device " and confirm you want to " Forget device ". This will remove AirPods from any devices signed into your Apple ID account, and also remove them from your iCloud account.

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Alternatively, you can sign in to iCloud.com, go to " Find My ", find your AirPods, and then click " Erase this device " to remotely remove them from your Apple ID.

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After you reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro, they will forget all the devices they were connected to and return to factory settings. That means you'll need to re-pair your AirPods with your iPhone or other devices when you want to use the headphones.

How to reset AirPods Max

To reset your AirPods Max to factory settings, all you need to do is hold down the Digital Crown and the noise control button at the same time until the status light next to the charging port changes from flashing amber to flashing. white (about 15 seconds).

Note that AirPods Max will still be linked to your Apple ID even after resetting. To remove them from your account, go to Settings > Bluetooth on the Apple device your AirPods Max were previously paired with. You'll still see your AirPods Max listed among your saved Bluetooth devices, tap the blue "i" button next to the headphone's name.

Now tap "Forget this device" and confirm you want to "Forget device". Now you can pair your headphones with another iPhone and Apple ID as if they were brand new.

Hope you are succesful.

David Pac

Update 26 April 2024