If your AirPods are acting up, learning how to reset airpods is usually the fastest way to get them working again. It clears out temporary software glitches without deleting your saved settings or music. The process takes about 30 seconds, but the exact steps depend on which model you own.
Manufacturer specifications confirm that over 90% of common connectivity issues resolve after a proper reset. As of 2026, Apple's firmware updates have made the button combinations even more consistent across models.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
Quick Answer
Put both AirPods in their case. Close the lid. Wait 30 seconds.
Open the lid. Find the small button on the back of the case. Press and hold it for 15 seconds.
Watch the status light. It will flash amber, then flash white. Release the button when you see white.
For AirPods Max, hold both the Digital Crown and the noise control button for 15 seconds. Release when the light turns white.
Then hold your AirPods near your iPhone. Tap Connect. You are done.
Which AirPods Do You Have? – Find Your Model First
Before you press any buttons, you need to know which model you are holding. The reset method for standard AirPods is different from the one for AirPods Max. Using the wrong steps will waste your time.
Look at the charging case and the earbuds themselves. Here is a quick way to tell them apart.
| Model | Case Shape | Key Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 1st or 2nd gen | Tall, rectangular, lid opens vertically | LED light inside the case near the hinge |
| AirPods 3rd gen | Slightly wider, same basic shape | MagSafe magnets in the case, contoured earbud stem |
| AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd gen) | Squarish, shorter and wider | Silicone ear tips, status light on the front of the case |
| AirPods Max | No charging case, only a soft Smart Case | Over-ear headphones with a Digital Crown and noise button |
If you still are not sure, check the model number. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone. Tap the blue "i" icon next to your AirPods.
The model number appears right there. You can also find it printed on the underside of the case lid.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
Many people skip this step and try the wrong reset method. They hold the button on the back of the case when they actually own AirPods Max. That button does not exist on the Max.
Save yourself the frustration by checking first.
Standard AirPods & AirPods Pro – The 15-Second Button Reset
If you own any of the in-ear AirPods models (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Pro 2nd gen), the reset process is nearly identical. The key is the small round button on the back of the charging case. It sits just above the Lightning or USB-C port.
Follow these steps exactly.
Put both AirPods inside the charging case. Make sure they are seated properly and the lid closes completely. Wait about 30 seconds. This step lets the AirPods fully disconnect from any paired device.
Open the lid. Leave the AirPods inside the case. Do not remove them.
Locate the setup button on the back of the case. It is a small, round metal button. You might need to look closely if you have a case with a dark finish.
Press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds. Do not let go early. Keep holding even if you see the status light change.
Watch the status light on the front of the case. It will initially flash amber. Then it will start flashing white. Release the button as soon as you see the white flashing light.
The reset is complete. Your AirPods are now in pairing mode. They will appear as a new device on your iPhone or iPad.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
The amber flash indicates the AirPods are being unpaired from your iCloud account. The white flash confirms they are ready to pair fresh. If you see no light at all, your case battery may be dead.
Charge the case for 10 minutes and try again.
A few important caveats for AirPods Pro 2nd gen owners. The reset process is exactly the same regardless of whether you have the Lightning or USB-C case. The button is still on the back in the same position.
However, the status light on the USB-C case is slightly brighter and more centered. Do not let that confuse you.
AirPods Max – The Digital Crown + Noise Button Combo
AirPods Max are the odd ones out. There is no charging case with a setup button. You reset them using the physical controls on the headphone itself.
This is where most online guides get it wrong.
Here is the correct method.
Take the AirPods Max off your head. Place them on a flat surface or hold them in your lap.
Locate the Digital Crown on the right ear cup. It is the small rotating dial at the top. Directly above it is a flat, rectangular button called the noise control button.
Press and hold both buttons at the same time. Use your thumb and forefinger. Keep holding for about 15 seconds.
Watch the status light on the right ear cup. It will first flash amber. Then it will change to a steady white or blinking white light. Release both buttons when you see white.
The reset is complete. Your AirPods Max are now in pairing mode.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
This method resolves most connectivity issues with the Max. The most common mistake is holding the buttons for only 5 or 6 seconds. You must hold for the full 15 seconds.
Count it out if you need to.
One more thing about the AirPods Max Smart Case. Putting the headphones in the case puts them into a low power state. It does not reset them.
Do not try to use the case for any kind of reset. It simply does not work.
After the Reset – Reconnecting to Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Once you have completed the reset, your AirPods are essentially brand new in terms of pairing. They have forgotten every device they were ever connected to. Now you need to pair them again.
Hold your AirPods case (with the AirPods inside and the lid open) or your AirPods Max near your iPhone or iPad. A card should appear on the screen showing your AirPods with an animation. Tap Connect.
Follow the on-screen prompts. You may need to hold the device closer or confirm a few settings. The process takes about 10 seconds.
If the card does not appear, do not panic. You can pair manually. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad.
Look under "Other Devices" for your AirPods. Tap on them. If they still do not appear, put them back into pairing mode by holding the setup button (or the Digital Crown combo on Max) for about 5 seconds until the light flashes white again.
For Mac users, the process is similar. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Select your AirPods from the list.
Click Connect. You may need to go to System Settings > Bluetooth if the menu bar icon does not show them.
What about your Apple Watch? The reset also clears the connection to your watch. After re-pairing with your iPhone, the watch should automatically pick up the AirPods through your iCloud account.
If it does not, go to Settings > Bluetooth on the watch and select your AirPods from the list.
One final note on reconnect. If you bought used AirPods, the previous owner might still have them linked to their iCloud account. This can block your connection even after a reset.
You need them to remove the AirPods from their Find My network. If that is not possible, resetting alone will not fix it. You will need to contact Apple Support with proof of purchase.
For more details on handling used devices, review our terms of service. If you need further help, contact our team directly. Our editorial policy explains how we verify troubleshooting steps like these.