How to Reset AirPods (All Models): Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

If your AirPods won’t connect, keep disconnecting randomly, or you’re planning to sell them, a factory reset is often the fastest fix. Resetting AirPods removes saved Bluetooth connections and returns them to their default settings, allowing you to set them up like a brand-new pair. Apple has also updated its reset instructions for newer models, including AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset every AirPods model, what happens during a reset, how to remove them from your Apple ID before selling them, and what to do if the reset process doesn’t work.

A reset returns your AirPods to factory settings and removes all paired Bluetooth devices.

However, there is one important thing to know. Resetting AirPods does not remove them from your Apple Account (Apple ID). If you’re selling or giving them away, you’ll also need to remove them from Find My and your Apple account to avoid Pairing Lock issues.

A reset can help fix:

• AirPods not connecting to iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, or Windows devices
• Random disconnects during calls or music playback
• One AirPod is not producing sound
• AirPods are showing the wrong device name
• Bluetooth pairing issues
• Problems after switching Apple Accounts
• Preparing AirPods for sale or gifting

Method 1: How to Reset AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation)

This method works for AirPods with a physical setup button on the back of the charging case.

1. Charge both the AirPods and charging case to at least 50%.
2. Place both AirPods inside the charging case.
3. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
4. Open the charging case lid.
5. Locate the setup button on the back of the case.
6. Press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds.
7. Continue holding until the status light flashes amber and then white.
8. Release the button.
9. Close the lid.

Your AirPods have now been reset and are ready to pair again.

Method 2: How to Reset AirPods Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation)

AirPods Pro models follow the same process as standard AirPods because they also include a setup button on the charging case.

1. Place both AirPods Pro earbuds in the charging case.
2. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back.
5. Keep holding until the indicator flashes amber and then white.
6. Release the button.

The reset is complete.

Method 3: How to Reset AirPods 4

AirPods 4 introduced a different reset method because the charging case no longer includes a physical setup button. Apple now uses a touch-based reset process.

1. Ensure the AirPods and case have sufficient battery.
2. Place the AirPods in the charging case.
3. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
4. Open the lid.
5. Double-tap the front of the case.
6. Wait for the status light to flash white.
7. Double-tap the front again.
8. Wait until the light flashes faster.
9. Double-tap a third time.
10. The light should flash amber and then white.

Once the white light appears, the reset is complete.

Method 4: How to Reset AirPods Max

AirPods Max uses onboard buttons instead of a charging case.

1. Charge AirPods Max to at least 50%.
2. Press and hold the Noise Control button and Digital Crown simultaneously.
3. Continue holding for approximately 15 seconds.
4. Watch the LED status light near the charging port.
5. Release both buttons when the light flashes amber and then white.

Your AirPods Max are now restored to factory settings.

How to Pair AirPods After Resetting

After a successful reset, you’ll need to reconnect your AirPods.

For iPhone or iPad

1. Unlock your device.
2. Open the AirPods case near your device.
3. Wait for the setup animation.
4. Tap Connect.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Mac

1. Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Put AirPods into pairing mode.
3. Select your AirPods from the list.
4. Click Connect.

For Android or Windows

1. Open Bluetooth settings.
2. Put AirPods into pairing mode.
3. Select AirPods from available devices.
4. Complete pairing.

Method 5: Remove AirPods From Apple ID Before Selling

Resetting alone is not enough if you’re transferring ownership.

On iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Tap the i icon next to your AirPods.
4. Select Forget This Device.
5. Confirm your choice.

On Mac

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods.
4. Click the information button.
5. Choose Forget This Device.

Through Find My

1. Open the Find My app.
2. Select your AirPods.
3. Choose Remove This Device.
4. Confirm removal.

This prevents the next owner from seeing messages stating that the AirPods are linked to another Apple Account.

Troubleshooting AirPods That Won’t Reset

If resetting doesn’t work, try these fixes.

1. Fully Charge Everything

• Charge the case and AirPods for at least 15 minutes.
• Use a certified charging cable.

2. Clean the Charging Contacts

• Wipe the AirPods and case contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
• Remove dirt or debris that may block charging.

3. Remove Old Bluetooth Connections

• Forget the AirPods on all connected devices.
• Restart those devices.
• Try the reset again.

4. Update Device Software

• Install the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, or Android updates.

5. Reduce Wireless Interference

• Move away from crowded Bluetooth environments.
• Try the reset in another room.

6. Contact Apple Support

If the status light never appears or the AirPods remain unresponsive after multiple attempts, a hardware issue may be present.

FAQs

Summary

1. Reset AirPods to fix connection, audio, and pairing problems.
2. AirPods 1, 2, 3, and AirPods Pro use the setup button on the case.
3. AirPods 4 use Apple’s newer tap-based reset method.
4. AirPods Max require holding the Noise Control button and Digital Crown.
5. Resetting does not remove AirPods from your Apple Account.
6. Remove AirPods from Find My before selling or gifting them.
7. Charge and clean your AirPods if the reset process fails.
8. Contact Apple Support if hardware issues persist.

Conclusion

Knowing how to reset AirPods can solve most connectivity and pairing issues in just a few minutes. Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn Bluetooth problem, setting up a new device, or preparing your AirPods for a new owner, following the correct reset method for your model is important.

Just remember that a factory reset does not remove Apple’s Pairing Lock, so always remove the AirPods from your Apple Account before selling or giving them away. With the right steps, your AirPods should be working like new again.