AirPods pair to the case automatically when you first open the box

When you buy new AirPods, they arrive already paired to their charging case. You do not need to do anything to connect them — the pairing happens at the factory. The case and the AirPods communicate wirelessly so the case knows when to charge them and when they are in use.

If you buy a replacement AirPod (a single earbud to replace a lost one), that AirPod also arrives pre-paired to your case. Apple ships them this way so you can use them when ready. The only time you need to manually pair an AirPod to a case is if the pairing breaks — usually because the AirPod was reset or the case was reset separately.

Key Takeaways

  • New AirPods arrive already paired to their case and need no setup to work together.
  • If an AirPod stops charging or the case stops recognizing it, you can re-pair them by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds.
  • The setup button is a small indent on the back or bottom of the case, depending on which AirPods model you own.
  • Re-pairing erases all pairing data from the case, so you will need to pair your AirPods to your phone or other devices again afterward.

Where to find the setup button on your case

Every AirPods case has a small button on the back or bottom used for pairing and resetting. On AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro (2nd generation), the button is a small indent on the back of the case. On standard AirPods and AirPods Max, the button is on the bottom. The button is roughly the size of a pencil tip and slightly recessed so you do not press it by accident.

You will need a thin object to press it — a paperclip, the tip of a pen, or a SIM card ejector tool works well. Your finger is too large to reach into the indent reliably. Before you press the button, make sure both AirPods are inside the case and the case is closed.

How to re-pair an AirPod to the case

Hold the setup button for 15 seconds without releasing. The LED light on the front of the case will flash amber, then white. When the light turns white, release the button. The case has now reset and forgotten all pairing data — both AirPods are now unpaired from the case and from any devices they were connected to.

The AirPods and case will automatically re-pair to each other within a few seconds. You will see the LED flash white again to confirm the pairing is complete. At this point, the AirPods are paired to the case but not to your phone or other devices. You will need to pair them to your devices again using Bluetooth settings, just as you would with brand-new AirPods.

When you actually need to re-pair an AirPod to the case

Most people never need to do this. The case and AirPods stay paired for years unless something goes wrong. You might need to re-pair if an AirPod stops charging when you place it in the case, or if the case stops recognizing that an AirPod is inside. You might also need to re-pair if you reset an individual AirPod using your phone's Bluetooth settings — resetting the AirPod breaks its connection to the case.

If only one AirPod is not charging, try cleaning the charging contacts first. The metal contacts on the bottom of each AirPod and inside the case can get dirty or corroded, which prevents charging. Use a dry cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe the contacts gently. If cleaning does not work, then try re-pairing the case.

What happens when you reset the case

Resetting the case erases everything — both AirPods unpair from the case, and the case unpairs from your phone, your computer, your watch, and any other device it was connected to. You will lose the case's connection to all of them. This is why you should only reset the case when you are sure it is necessary.

After you reset, you will need to pair the AirPods to your devices again. On an iPhone or iPad, open Bluetooth settings, look for your AirPods in the list of available devices, and tap to connect. On a Mac, go to System Settings, then Bluetooth, and do the same. The AirPods will remember all your devices once they are paired again, so you only have to do this once per device.

If re-pairing does not fix the problem

If the AirPod still will not charge after you re-pair the case, the problem is likely a hardware issue — either the charging contacts are damaged, the battery inside the AirPod is failing, or the case's charging circuit is broken. Cleaning the contacts is worth trying, but if that does not work, the AirPod or case may need to be replaced.

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with your AirPods and case. Bring your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Apple can test the AirPods and case to confirm whether they are defective, and may offer a replacement under warranty or at a reduced cost if they are out of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reset the case if I buy a replacement AirPod?

No. A replacement AirPod arrives already paired to your case. Just put it in the case and it will charge when ready. You do not need to press the setup button or do anything else.

What if I lost one AirPod and want to use the case with a different pair?

You will need to reset the case so it forgets the old AirPods. Hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the light turns white. Then put your new AirPods in the case and they will pair automatically.

Can I pair one AirPod to multiple cases?

No. Each AirPod can only be paired to one case at a time. If you try to pair it to a different case, it will unpair from the first one. You cannot split a pair of AirPods between two cases.

Will resetting the case delete my music or settings?

No. Resetting the case only erases the wireless pairing between the case and your AirPods. Your phone, music, and all your device settings stay exactly the same. You will just need to re-pair the AirPods to your devices using Bluetooth.