How to Reset Your AirPods to Factory Settings
Understanding Why You Might Need to Reset Your AirPods
AirPods occasionally experience issues that a factory reset can resolve. Common problems include connectivity troubles where your AirPods won't pair with your device, audio quality problems such as sound cutting out or uneven volume between left and right pods, or general responsiveness issues where the touch controls stop working properly. Some users also reset their AirPods when they plan to sell them, give them away, or switch to a new primary device and want to clear all previous pairing information.
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A factory reset returns your AirPods to their original state as they came from the box. This process erases all stored pairing information and removes any customized settings you've created. Unlike restarting, which temporarily refreshes the device, a reset completely wipes the internal memory related to connections and configurations. Understanding this distinction matters because you'll lose all your previous pairings after a reset, meaning you'll need to pair them again with your devices.
Apple has documented that a factory reset can fix connectivity issues in approximately 70% of reported AirPods problems according to their support data. The process takes only a few minutes and requires no special tools or technical knowledge. Most importantly, resetting poses no risk to your AirPods themselves—the physical hardware remains completely intact, and the battery health is not affected by the reset process.
Practical takeaway: Before resetting, determine whether your issue truly requires a factory reset or if a simpler troubleshooting step like forgetting the device and re-pairing might resolve it. Try basic fixes first: fully charge your AirPods, restart your connected device, and check that Bluetooth is enabled.
What You Need Before Starting the Reset Process
Preparation ensures your reset goes smoothly without interruptions. First, locate your AirPods charging case and both AirPods themselves—you'll need the case to complete the reset, as the reset button is located on the back of the case. Make sure your AirPods are fully charged or at least have enough battery to complete the process, though the actual reset uses minimal power. You don't need a computer, specialized software, or any external devices beyond what you already have.
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Next, have your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Apple device nearby, though it doesn't need to be connected to the AirPods during the reset. This device will be useful for confirming that the reset worked by attempting to pair your AirPods again afterward. If you're resetting AirPods because you're giving them to someone else, make sure you have that person's Apple ID information or know their device type so you can complete the pairing process after the reset.
Consider taking a moment to write down any important information about your AirPods before resetting, such as their serial number. You can find this information in your iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth, then tapping the information icon next to your AirPods name. While not essential for the reset itself, this information proves useful if you ever need to contact Apple Support or sell your AirPods, as it confirms you're the original owner.
Make sure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted for the next 5-10 minutes. The reset process itself takes roughly 2-3 minutes, but having uninterrupted time reduces the chance of mistakes and allows you to complete the re-pairing process immediately after if desired. Keep your AirPods away from water and extreme heat during this time.
Practical takeaway: Charge your AirPods completely before beginning. A full battery ensures the reset completes successfully and allows you to immediately test whether the reset solved your connectivity issues.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Resetting Your AirPods
The reset process involves a specific sequence of actions with your charging case. Begin by placing both AirPods inside the charging case and closing the lid. Wait approximately 30 seconds with the lid closed to ensure the AirPods enter their dormant state. This initial step is important because it prepares the AirPods for the reset command you're about to send through the case.
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Next, open the charging case lid while keeping the AirPods inside. Locate the small button on the back of the charging case—this is the setup button. Press and hold this button for approximately 15 seconds. You'll notice the LED light on the front of the case begins to flash amber or orange, which indicates the reset is in progress. Continue holding the button even after the light starts flashing; don't release it until the light changes color again.
After about 15 seconds of holding the button, the LED light will change from amber to white, then back to amber again. When you see this color sequence, release the button. The white flash indicates that your AirPods have been successfully reset to factory settings. The amber flashing that follows means the AirPods are now in pairing mode and ready to connect to a device. This entire process typically takes 15-20 seconds of button holding.
Leave the charging case lid open after the reset. Your AirPods will remain in pairing mode for approximately 15 minutes, during which time you can pair them with any Apple device. If you don't pair them within this window, they'll exit pairing mode, but you can simply repeat the reset process to return them to pairing mode. Some users report that holding the button for closer to 20 seconds ensures the reset completes fully, so err on the side of holding it slightly longer rather than releasing too early.
Practical takeaway: Watch the LED light color changes carefully. The white flash is your confirmation that the reset succeeded—without seeing this white light, the reset may not have completed properly and you may need to try again.
Re-Pairing Your AirPods After the Factory Reset
After a successful reset, your AirPods exist in a blank state with no memory of previous devices. Re-pairing them takes just a few moments. While the AirPods remain in pairing mode (indicated by the amber flashing light), unlock your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and open the Bluetooth settings. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth.
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Within the Bluetooth menu, you should see your AirPods listed as "AirPods" without any additional identifier. Tap or click on this entry to begin pairing. Your device will connect to the AirPods and display a setup screen showing an image of your AirPods. If you're pairing with an iPhone that's signed into an iCloud account, your device will ask if you want to set up these AirPods. Select "Set Up" to complete the pairing process and configure your preferences for that device.
Once paired with your primary Apple device, your AirPods will automatically connect to all other devices signed into the same iCloud account. You won't need to manually pair them again with your iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch as long as they use the same Apple ID. If you're setting up the AirPods for someone else or a different iCloud account, they can simply go through the same pairing process on their device, and the AirPods will become associated with their account.
Test the AirPods immediately after pairing by playing audio from your device. Check that both the left and right pods produce sound and that the volume is balanced between them. Try using the touch controls by tapping to play or pause, and double-tapping to skip tracks. These quick tests confirm that the reset resolved your original issue. If you still experience problems after re-pairing, the issue may be hardware-related rather than a software connectivity problem.
Practical takeaway: Complete the re-pairing process while the AirPods are still in pairing mode to avoid needing to reset them again. The amber flashing light indicates they're ready to connect, so pair them immediately rather than waiting.
Troubleshooting If Your Reset Doesn't Work Properly
If the LED light on your charging case doesn't turn white during the reset process, the reset may not have completed successfully. Try the process again, but this time hold the button for a full 20-30 seconds rather than just 15 seconds. Some AirPods models require longer button presses, and holding it slightly longer won't harm your device. Make sure you're actually pressing the small button on the back of the case and not accidentally touching the front of
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.