How to Reset AirPods (Every Model, Step by Step)
One AirPod will not connect, the sound only plays in one ear, the battery reading looks wrong, or you are selling or giving away your AirPods. A reset fixes most of these problems in under a minute.
The catch is that the steps are different depending on your model. Newer AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 do not reset the same way as older models, which is why so many people on Reddit say “I held the button and nothing happened.” This guide covers every model step by step, based on Apple’s official instructions.
Quick answer: To reset AirPods, first go to Settings on your iPhone, tap your AirPods and choose Forget This Device. Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds, then open it. For AirPods 1, 2 or 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. For AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, double-tap the front of the case three times instead. Then reconnect them to your iPhone.
Restart vs. Reset: Try This First
If your AirPods are just acting up, a simple restart may be enough. Put them in the case, close the lid and wait at least 10 seconds before taking them out again. A full reset erases settings like the name and button controls and unpairs them, so save it for when a restart does not help or you are handing them to someone else.
Step 1: Forget Your AirPods on Your iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your AirPods near the top (or go to Bluetooth and tap the info icon next to them).
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
Because AirPods are linked to your Apple Account, forgetting them on one device usually removes them from your other Apple devices too.
Step 2: Reset Your AirPods by Model
According to Apple’s AirPods User Guide, the steps are:
| Model | How to reset |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen) | Lid closed 30 sec, open, hold back button about 15 sec |
| AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen) | Lid closed 30 sec, open, hold back button about 15 sec |
| AirPods 4 and newer | Lid closed 30 sec, open, double-tap front of case three times |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Lid closed 30 sec, open, double-tap front of case three times |
| AirPods Max | Hold Digital Crown and noise control button about 15 sec |
AirPods 1, 2, 3 and AirPods Pro 1, 2
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid.
- Press and hold the small setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
- Release when the status light flashes amber, then white.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3
These newer cases have no setup button you hold for a reset.
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid.
- Double-tap the front of the case three times in a row.
- The light flashes amber, then white, when the reset is done.
AirPods Max
- Charge them for a few minutes first.
- Press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button together for about 15 seconds.
- Release when the light flashes amber, then white.
Step 3: Reconnect Your AirPods
With your iPhone unlocked and Bluetooth on, open the AirPods case next to it. A setup card appears on the screen. Tap Connect and follow the prompts. On Android or Windows, open Bluetooth settings, press the setup button (or follow your model’s pairing steps) and select your AirPods.
AirPods Will Not Reset? Try These Fixes
- Charge the case and AirPods for at least 15 to 30 minutes first.
- Clean the case contacts and AirPods stems. Dirt can stop them from charging or being detected. See our guide on how to clean AirPods.
- Make sure both AirPods are seated properly in the case.
- Check your model. Holding the button does nothing on AirPods 4 and Pro 3.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS.
- Contact Apple Support if the light stays amber or one AirPod is never detected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resetting AirPods delete anything important?
It resets the name, button controls and pairing. Your music and phone data are not affected.
How do I reset AirPods without the case?
You cannot. The case is needed for a reset on every model except AirPods Max.
How do I reset AirPods without a phone?
You can perform the reset steps on the case without a phone, but you will need a device to pair them afterward.
Should I reset AirPods before selling them?
Yes. Remove them from Find My, forget them on your devices, then reset them so the buyer can pair them easily.
The Bottom Line
To reset AirPods, forget them on your iPhone, close them in the case for 30 seconds, then hold the back button for 15 seconds (older models) or double-tap the case front three times (AirPods 4 and Pro 3). Wait for the light to flash amber, then white, and reconnect.
Want more phone and gadget help? See how to stop spam calls on iPhone and how to screen record on a Mac.
Steps are based on Apple’s instructions at the time of writing and may change with new models or software updates.
