Although AirPods is the epitome of Apple’s “it just works” attitude, they are not without flaws. You may frequently suffer connectivity, audio, and microphone problems that interfere with your ability to listen.
Apple is aware of this, which is why the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max can be reset. So you may learn how to restore the iconic wireless earphones or headsets from Apple to factory defaults in this guide.
Note: The iPad is compatible with all iPhone-related instructions.
Reasons to Reset Your AirPods
If you keep encountering a problem that you simply can’t seem to fix with normal troubleshooting, you must reset your AirPods to their factory default settings. For instance, you might possess a pair of AirPods that refuse to connect to your Apple Watch or Mac. Or they might connect but fail to output audio.
When the AirPods are reset, all of your Apple devices instantly unpair them and all customization options are reset to their default values. The actual method is not too difficult. However, you’ll need to take some time to re-adjust any settings after re-pairing them with your iPhone or Mac.
However, before you get started, you might want to try updating the device firmware, which is the program that controls the hardware in your Apple AirPods. Updated firmware versions address known problems, boost connections, and even add new functionality. Knowing how to update the firmware on your AirPods.
Take off AirPods from iPhone and Mac.
Remove your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Mac from your list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone or Mac before you reset them. Although this is optional, it does assist in resolving potential problems brought on by a faulty Bluetooth configuration.
Any other Apple devices you’ve signed into with the same Apple ID will similarly lose access to the AirPods if you remove them from one Apple device.
Take off the iPhone’s AirPods.
1. Launch the iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Select the Info icon next to your AirPods by tapping Bluetooth.
3. Select “Forget This Device.” To confirm, tap Forget Device after that.
Take AirPods off your Mac.
1. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Choose Bluetooth.
3. Choose to Remove by clicking the X-icon next to your AirPods.
Reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro.
The factory reset process is the same for the AirPods Pro, first, second, and third generations.
1. Insert your AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, or AirPods Pro inside the Charging Case, then snap the cover shut.
2. After at least 30 seconds have passed, lift the lid of the AirPods charging case.
3. For 15 to 20 seconds, press and hold the Setup button on the back of the casing. Release when the amber and white status lights start to flash quickly.
AirPods Max reset
There is a somewhat different reset process needed with the AirPods Max.
1. Give the AirPods Max a quick charge.
2. For 15 to 20 seconds, press and hold both the Noise Control and Digital Crown buttons.
When the status indicator rapidly flashes amber and then white, release the button.
Sync AirPods with your iPhone and Mac.
You must link your AirPods with an iPhone or Mac after restarting them. Once you’ve done that, all other Apple devices you’ve signed into with the same iCloud account will be automatically paired with it.
Reconnect your iPhone’s AirPods.
1. Hold your AirPods or AirPods Pro close to an iOS or macOS device while the charging case is open, and wait for the pairing animation to appear. Put your AirPods Max in the Smart Case that came with them, wait 30 seconds, then remove them.
2. Click Connect.
3. Click Done.
Sync AirPods with your iPhone and Mac.
You must link your AirPods with an iPhone or Mac after restarting them. Once you’ve done that, all other Apple devices you’ve signed into with the same iCloud account will be automatically paired with it.
Reconnect your Mac’s AirPods.
1. Click System Preferences > Bluetooth from the Apple menu.
2. Remove your AirPods or AirPods Max from their Smart Case by opening the case cover.
3. Click Connect.
[08 – Mac: Reconnect AirPods]
Changing the AirPods’ settings
Your AirPods’ settings return to their factory defaults after a reset. Go to your Bluetooth settings on the iPhone and Mac to make additional adjustments and re-configure everything as usual.
With an iPhone, access the AirPods settings
1. Join your iPhone with the AirPods.
2. Select Bluetooth in the iOS device’s Settings app.
3. Click the Information button next to your AirPods.
4. Modify the settings displayed on the screen as necessary.
On Mac, access the AirPods settings
1. Join your Mac and AirPods.
2. Select Bluetooth from the System Preferences menu on your macOS device.
3. Next to AirPods, click Options.
4. Modify the settings displayed on the screen as necessary.
4. After making the necessary changes, click Done.
Customizable AirPods Options
Here’s a quick list of what to expect depending on the model of your AirPods and the options that you can customize:
- Name: Give your AirPods a memorable name. You must control-click the AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices on the Mac and choose Rename.
Tap twice on the AirPod: Set the first and second-generation AirPods’ default double-tap response. - firmly press the AirPods: Squeezing the left and right AirPods on the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro will trigger an action.
- Automatic detection of ears: On AirPods and AirPods Pro, you can turn on or off automated ear detection.
- Connect Your iPhone or Mac: Automatically establish a connection to your Mac or iPhone when playing music.
- Microphone: On the AirPods and AirPods Pro, adjust the default microphone to the left or right.
- Noise reduction: Change the AirPods Pro’s Noise Cancellation, Off, and Transparency settings.
- The Button Cycles Through: Establish the order in which the AirPods Max’s Noise Control button alternates between the Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off settings.
- Electronic Crown: Change the way the AirPods Max Digital Crown manages volume and media playback.
- Auto-Detection of the Head: For the AirPods Max, enable or disable automated head detection.
AirPods Reset Complete
A factory reset can be quite helpful in getting your AirPods back to normal operation. Just be sure to reset them afterward.
However, you must take action if a problem continues even after a reset contact Apple Support for additional help. You might need to replace your AirPods if the issue is because of the hardware.