If your AirPods keep dropping the connection, won’t pair with a new device, or you’re passing them on to someone else, a reset usually fixes it. The exact button combo depends on which model you own — AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max — and there’s a difference between a quick soft reset and a full factory reset. Here’s exactly how to reset AirPods across all models, step by step, plus what a reset clears and the mistakes to avoid.
- Soft reset vs. full reset: a soft reset is just putting the AirPods in the case to charge; a full reset wipes the pairing and returns them to factory state.
- AirPods & AirPods Pro: with the earbuds in the case, hold the setup button on the back ~15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- AirPods Max: hold the noise-control button and the Digital Crown together for ~15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- Before a full reset, “forget” them on your iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > (i) next to your AirPods > Forget This Device.
- A reset clears pairings and custom settings — AirPods store no personal data, so there’s nothing to back up, but you will re-pair and reconfigure them.
The short answer: For AirPods and AirPods Pro, put them in the case, open the lid, and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber then white. For AirPods Max, hold the noise-control button and Digital Crown for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. First, forget the AirPods in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings.
How to reset AirPods: step by step
A full factory reset is the fix for persistent pairing problems and the required step before selling your AirPods. Follow the method for your model.
- Charge the AirPods. Put both earbuds in the case (or charge AirPods Max) for a few minutes so a low battery doesn’t interrupt the reset.
- Forget the device on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info (i) button next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, and confirm.
- AirPods & AirPods Pro — hold the setup button. With the earbuds in the case and the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds.
- AirPods Max — hold both controls. Press and hold the noise-control button and the Digital Crown together for about 15 seconds.
- Watch the status light. Release when the light flashes amber and then white. That white flash confirms the reset. (On AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, if it doesn’t flash white, tap the button once more until it does.)
- Re-pair. Open the case lid next to your iPhone (or hold AirPods Max close) and follow the on-screen setup prompt to connect again.
| Model | What to press (~15 seconds) |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st–3rd gen) | Setup button on the back of the case, lid open |
| AirPods Pro (1st–2nd gen) | Setup button on the back of the case, lid open |
| AirPods 4 / AirPods Pro 3 | Setup button; if no white flash, tap once more until amber then white |
| AirPods Max | Noise-control button + Digital Crown together |
In every case, the light flashing amber then white is your signal the reset worked.
What this reset does (and what you’ll lose)
Unlike a phone or watch, AirPods don’t store photos, messages, or accounts, so a reset doesn’t put personal data at risk — there’s nothing to back up. What a full reset clears is the pairing relationship and the custom settings tied to it.
What is cleared: the Bluetooth pairing with your devices, your custom AirPods name, double-tap and press-and-hold actions, noise-control preferences, and any fit or ear-tip settings. Because AirPods are tied to the Apple Account they were set up with, a full reset plus forgetting the device is also what lets a new owner pair them. What is kept: firmware stays current, and because the settings are re-created automatically when you re-pair to your own iPhone, you’ll usually find most preferences restored. A soft reset — simply placing the earbuds in the case for 15–30 seconds to charge, or restarting your phone — clears temporary glitches without undoing any pairing, and is worth trying first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Releasing the button too early — hold for the full ~15 seconds (up to 30 if nothing happens) and wait for the amber-then-white flash.
- Skipping “Forget This Device” — if you don’t forget the AirPods on your iPhone first, they may silently re-pair and the reset won’t stick.
- Resetting with a dead case battery — charge the case for a few minutes first, or the light won’t respond.
- Doing a full reset for a minor glitch — try a soft reset (pop them in the case, restart your phone) before wiping the pairing.
- Wrong button on AirPods Max — you must hold the noise-control button and Digital Crown together, not either one alone.
What’s the difference between a soft reset and a factory reset on AirPods?
A soft reset is simply putting the AirPods back in their case (or letting AirPods Max sit) for 15–30 seconds and restarting your connected device — it clears temporary audio or connection glitches without changing any settings. A factory reset uses the setup button (or the button-plus-crown combo on AirPods Max) to fully unpair the AirPods and erase their custom settings, returning them to the state they shipped in. Try the soft reset first; use the factory reset for stubborn problems or before giving the AirPods away.
How to reset AirPods FAQ
How do I reset AirPods Pro?
Put both earbuds in the case with the lid open, then press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and then white. Forget the AirPods in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings first.
How do I reset AirPods Max?
Press and hold the noise-control button and the Digital Crown at the same time for about 15 seconds, until the LED flashes amber and then white.
Where is the setup button on AirPods?
It’s the small, round, slightly recessed button on the back of the charging case. Open the lid first, then press and hold it.
Do I need to reset AirPods before selling them?
Yes. Forget them in Bluetooth settings and do a full factory reset so they’re unpaired from your Apple Account and the new owner can set them up.
My AirPods light stays green and won’t flash white — what now?
Make sure the case has charge, keep holding up to 30 seconds, and confirm you forgot the device first. If it still won’t flash white, charge longer and retry, or contact Apple Support.
Will resetting my AirPods delete anything important?
No. AirPods store no personal data, so a reset only clears the pairing and custom settings. There’s nothing to back up beforehand.
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting, and will a reset fix it?
Disconnections often come from Bluetooth interference or software hiccups. A soft reset or restarting your phone fixes many cases; a full factory reset is the next step if the problem persists.
Sources & last update: Based on Apple’s standard guidance and common practice; exact light behavior and steps vary by AirPods model — check your device. Last reviewed and updated November 2026.