What a full AirPods reset does and when you need it
A complete reset erases all pairing information from your AirPods and returns them to factory settings. This means they forget every device they've ever connected to — your iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and any other phone or computer. After the reset, your AirPods will not automatically connect to anything until you pair them fresh.
You need a full reset when you're selling or giving away your AirPods, when they're stuck trying to connect to the wrong device, or when pairing problems won't clear any other way. A reset is different from straightforward unpairing: unpairing removes them from one device, but they stay paired to your other devices. A reset removes them from everything at once.
The reset process takes about 15 seconds and requires only your AirPods and a charged case. You don't need a computer or your phone nearby, though you will need your phone afterward to pair them again.
Key Takeaways
- A full reset erases all pairing data and returns AirPods to factory settings, disconnecting them from every device at once.
- You can reset AirPods by holding the setup button on the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- After a reset, your AirPods will not connect to any device until you pair them again using Bluetooth settings.
- A reset is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you want to erase all pairing before you start.
How to reset AirPods Pro or AirPods Max
Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Wait a few seconds, then open the lid. On the back of the case, you'll see a small circular button — this is the setup button. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds. The LED light on the front of the case will first flash amber, then flash white. When it flashes white, release the button. Your AirPods are now reset.
The amber flash means the reset is in progress. The white flash means it's complete. If the light goes back to green or orange, the reset didn't take — try again, making sure you hold the button long enough. Some people find it easier to use a fingernail or the edge of a credit card to press the small button.
How to reset standard AirPods or AirPods 2
The process is identical to AirPods Pro. Place them in the case, close the lid, wait a few seconds, then open it again. Find the setup button on the back of the case and hold it for 15 seconds. Watch for the amber flash, then the white flash. Release when you see white.
If you have an older case without a visible button, you may have first-generation AirPods. The setup button is still there — it's just less obvious. Feel the back of the case for a small indentation and press firmly into it while holding for 15 seconds.
What happens when ready after the reset
Your AirPods will not connect to anything automatically. They are now in pairing mode and waiting for a new device to claim them. If you take them out of the case, they will not play sound or respond to taps until they're paired to something.
Your phone, Mac, iPad, or other devices will no longer show your AirPods in their Bluetooth settings. If you open Bluetooth on any device you previously used with these AirPods, they will not appear in the list. This is correct — the reset worked.
How to pair your AirPods after a reset
Take your AirPods out of the case and hold them near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A setup screen should appear on that device asking you to connect. Tap "Connect" and follow the on-screen steps. The pairing usually takes 10 to 20 seconds.
If the setup screen doesn't appear, open Bluetooth settings on your device manually. Your AirPods should show up in the list of available devices with a name like "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro". Tap the name to pair. Once paired to one device, they will usually reconnect to your other Apple devices automatically if you're signed into the same iCloud account.
If you're pairing to a non-Apple device — an Android phone, Windows computer, or older Bluetooth speaker — the process is the same: open Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods in the list, and tap to connect. Non-Apple devices will not get automatic reconnection, so you may need to manually reconnect them each time.
Troubleshooting a reset that doesn't seem to work
If the light doesn't flash white after 15 seconds, your AirPods case may be too low on battery. Charge the case for at least 15 minutes and try again. A case with very little charge cannot complete a reset.
If the light flashes amber but never reaches white, keep holding the button. Some AirPods require a full 20 to 30 seconds. If you release too early, the reset will not complete and your AirPods will still be paired to your old devices.
If the reset completes (white flash) but your AirPods still connect to your old phone automatically, the issue is likely iCloud sync. Your phone is re-pairing them because you're signed into the same Apple account. Sign out of iCloud on that device, or remove the AirPods from its Bluetooth settings manually before attempting the reset again.
Resetting before you sell or give away your AirPods
Always reset your AirPods before handing them to someone else. A reset removes all your pairing data, but it does not remove your Apple ID or iCloud account information from the case itself. The new owner may need to contact Apple Support to fully clear the case if they cannot pair it to their own devices.
After you reset, unpair the AirPods from your iPhone one more time by going to Settings > Bluetooth, finding your AirPods, and tapping the "i" icon, then "Forget This Device". This extra step helps prevent the new owner from running into iCloud sync issues.
If you're concerned about privacy, you can also remove the AirPods from your Apple ID's device list. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, scroll down to your AirPods, and tap "Remove from Account". This is optional but adds an extra layer of separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a reset after I've done it?
No. A reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. Once you see the white flash, all pairing data is gone. You will need to pair your AirPods to a device again from scratch. If you reset by mistake, straightforward pair them to your phone as you normally would.
Will a reset delete my music or audio files?
No. A reset only erases pairing information — the connection between your AirPods and your devices. It does not touch any music, photos, or data on your phone, computer, or anywhere else. Your audio library remains exactly as it was.
Do I need to reset my AirPods if I'm just switching to a new phone?
No. If you're switching between iPhones and you're signed into the same iCloud account, your AirPods will automatically pair to the new phone. You only need a reset if you're switching to a different person's account, a non-Apple device, or if pairing is broken and won't repair normally.
What if my AirPods case won't hold a charge and I can't reset them?
You cannot reset AirPods with a dead case. If the case battery is completely gone, charge it for at least 30 minutes before attempting a reset. If the case will not charge at all, it may be defective, and you should contact Apple Support for a replacement.
Can someone else reset my AirPods if they have them?
Yes. Anyone with physical access to your AirPods and the case can perform a reset by holding the setup button. A reset does not require a password or Apple ID. If you lose your AirPods, you can mark them as lost in Find My to prevent someone from using them, but a reset will erase that protection.