If your AirPods Pro have suddenly stopped connecting, one side is silent, or they are acting like they forgot how to pair, the fix is almost always a reset. In our research, the vast majority of Bluetooth glitches resolve after a proper reset sequence. The trick is knowing which kind you actually need.
There are two distinct reset paths for AirPods Pro. Picking the wrong one wastes time. One is a simple reconnect that clears the Bluetooth cache.
The other is a full factory wipe that erases all settings and ties to your iCloud account. As of 2026, this distinction matters more than ever because the 2nd generation models have different firmware behavior. Let us walk through the exact steps so you are back to normal audio in under two minutes.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA)
Quick Answer
A factory reset wipes all pairings. Open the case. Press and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds.
Watch the status light flash amber, then white. Close the lid. Reconnect to your iPhone.
A soft reset just reconnects. Forget the device in Bluetooth settings. Put the buds back in the case.
Open the lid near your phone. Tap Connect.
Use a factory reset when audio cuts out or one bud stays silent. Use a soft reset for routine pairing issues.
Is a Reset Even What You Need?
Not every weird AirPods behavior needs a reset. Let us save you some time. If your AirPods Pro make a crackling noise during phone calls or while audio plays, that is a known hardware issue.
Resetting will not fix it. Apple has a service program for affected units manufactured before October 2020.
If your AirPods Pro will not charge, check the charging case first. A dead case cannot complete a reset. Plug it in with a Lightning or USB-C cable.
Let it charge for at least 15 minutes. If the case itself does not hold a charge, you need a replacement.
Here is what a reset actually fixes:
- AirPods will not connect to your iPhone or iPad
- One AirPod connects but the other does not
- Audio keeps cutting out or stuttering
- AirPods appear in Bluetooth but produce no sound
- Volume controls or noise cancellation do not respond
- The status light blinks white but your phone never sees the AirPods
And what it will not fix:
- Physical damage from drops or water exposure
- Battery degradation where one bud dies after 30 minutes
- Microphone failure during calls
- Crackling or static that worsens with movement
- A charging case that refuses to hold power
If your issue is in the first list, keep reading. If it is in the second list, you are looking at a repair or replacement.
Soft Reset: When You Just Need to Reconnect
Think of a soft reset as the refresh button. It does not erase anything permanently. It clears the Bluetooth handshake between your AirPods and your device.
This is usually enough when your AirPods act flaky after an iOS update or when they will not auto-switch between your iPhone and Mac.
Here is the step-by-step:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods Pro in the device list.
- Tap the blue i icon next to their name.
- Scroll down and tap Forget This Device.
- Confirm when prompted.
That is step one done. The AirPods are now disconnected from your account.
Now place both AirPods back in the charging case. Close the lid. Wait at least 30 seconds.
This brief pause lets the internal electronics fully power down.
Open the lid. Hold the case next to your iPhone. A setup animation should appear on your phone screen.
Tap Connect and follow the prompts.
That is it. Your AirPods are paired again with a fresh Bluetooth connection.
This method works for both 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro. The steps are identical. The only difference is that 2nd generation models connect to your iCloud account automatically once you sign in.
First generation models might need the full setup animation.
When should you start here? Always. A soft reset is faster and less disruptive than a factory reset.
Only move to the full wipe if the soft reset does not solve the problem.
Factory Reset: The Full Wipe (For Stubborn Problems)
When the soft reset fails, you need the nuclear option. A factory reset completely erases all stored pairings, custom settings, and iCloud linkage. It returns your AirPods Pro to the exact state they were in when you first opened the box.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
Step 1: Forget the Device in Bluetooth Settings
This is the step most people skip. Do not skip it. If you factory reset without forgetting the device first, your iPhone can still see the old pairing data.
It might reconnect with the same glitch.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the i next to your AirPods. Tap Forget This Device.
Confirm.
Step 2: Put Both AirPods in the Case
Make sure both buds are snug in their charging slots. Close the lid. Wait 30 seconds.
This lets the AirPods fully disconnect from each other and power down.
Step 3: Hold the Setup Button
Place the case on a flat surface with the lid facing up. Find the small round button on the back of the case. It sits right below the hinge.
Press and hold that button.
Keep holding it for a full 15 seconds. Do not let go early. Count it out in your head or set a timer on your phone.
Step 4: Watch the Status Light
While you hold the button, watch the status light on the front of the case. Here is the sequence you need to see:
- Initially the light might be green, off, or solid amber
- After about 5 seconds, it turns solid amber
- After about 10 seconds, it starts flashing white
- Keep holding until it flashes white
Once you see white flashing, release the button. If the light never turns white, start over and hold for the full 15 seconds again.
Step 5: Close the Lid
Close the charging case lid. Wait 10 seconds. The reset is complete.
Step 6: Reconnect to Your iPhone
Open the lid near your unlocked iPhone. A setup animation should appear. Tap Connect.
Follow the on-screen setup steps.
If no animation appears, close the lid. Wait 10 seconds. Try again.
If it still does not work, charge the case for 15 minutes first.
Decision Branch 1: One AirPod Isn't Working
This is the most common complaint we see in user reports. One AirPod connects fine. The other stays silent or shows "Not Connected" in Bluetooth settings.
Before you reset, try these targeted fixes.
Check the Fit
Pull out the silent AirPod. Remove the silicone ear tip. Check that the black mesh at the bottom of the stem is not clogged with earwax or debris.
If it is, clean it gently with a dry, soft toothbrush. No water. No alcohol.
No compressed air. A clogged mesh blocks sound entirely.
Charge the Dead Bud
Put both AirPods in the case. Close the lid. Charge for at least 15 minutes.
Open the case and check the battery status on your iPhone. If the dead bud still shows 0 percent, the battery may be dead. For AirPods Pro, individual bud batteries degrade faster than the case.
If your unit is over two years old, this is likely the cause.
Reset Just the Bud
Sometimes only one bud needs a reset. Take the working AirPod out of the case. Place the non-working bud in the case.
Close the lid. Hold the setup button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes white. Reopen the lid.
The non-working bud should now appear in Bluetooth as available.
Still Nothing?
If one bud remains completely unresponsive after these steps, it may be a hardware failure. Apple's service program for AirPods Pro covers sound issues on units manufactured before October 2020. Check your serial number against that program on Apple's official support site.
If your unit qualifies, you may receive a replacement free of charge.
Decision Branch 2: The Status Light Isn't Doing What It Should
The status light is your main source of feedback during a reset. When it behaves unexpectedly, the process can feel like a guessing game. Let us decode what each light color means and what to do when it does not follow the expected pattern.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
Solid Green Light
A solid green light means the case has a good charge and the AirPods are fully charged inside. This is normal. If you see green but the AirPods still will not connect, the issue is not power related.
Try the soft reset first.
Solid Amber Light
A solid amber light means the case is charging or the AirPods need a top up. This is also normal during a reset sequence. You should see amber after holding the button for about 5 seconds.
If the light stays amber and never turns white, the reset is stalling.
Flashing White Light
A flashing white light means the AirPods are in pairing mode. This is what you want to see after holding the button for 15 seconds. If you see white flashing without pressing anything, your AirPods are trying to connect to a nearby device.
Close the lid to stop it.
Flashing Amber Light
A flashing amber light is a warning. It usually means there is a pairing error or a firmware issue. If you see flashing amber during a reset, start over from the beginning.
Forget the device in Bluetooth first. Then try the factory reset again.
No Light at All
If the status light does not turn on when you open the case or press the button, the case battery is likely dead. Plug the case into a charger using the Lightning or USB-C port. Let it charge for at least 30 minutes.
Then try again.
If the light still does not come on after charging, the case itself may be faulty. This requires a repair or replacement.
The Light Flashes White but Nothing Happens
This is a common frustration. You hold the button. The light flashes white.
But your iPhone never shows the setup animation. Here is why this happens.
First, your AirPods are still paired with your iPhone from before. The white flashing means they are in pairing mode, but your phone sees them as already connected. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Tap the i next to your AirPods. Tap Forget This Device. Then try the setup animation again.
Second, Bluetooth interference could block the connection. Turn off Bluetooth on any nearby devices. Move away from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or other electronics.
Try again.
Third, your iPhone might need a quick restart. A simple reboot clears Bluetooth cache and often fixes the handshake issue.
Decision Branch 3: Your AirPods Are Still Tied to Someone Else's iCloud
This situation comes up most often with secondhand AirPods Pro. You buy a used pair. You bring them home.
They connect for a moment. Then a message pops up saying they are linked to another Apple ID.
This is not the same as Activation Lock on an iPhone. You can still use the AirPods for audio. But you cannot use Find My features.
And the previous owner can still see their location if the case is open.
Here is what to do.
Ask the Previous Owner to Remove Them
The cleanest solution is to ask the seller to remove the AirPods from their Apple ID. They need to open the Find My app on their device. Go to the Devices tab.
Select the AirPods Pro. Scroll down and tap Remove This Device. That is it.
Once removed, the AirPods will be free for you to use fully.
If You Cannot Reach the Seller
If the seller is unresponsive or you bought them from a pawn shop, you have limited options. The AirPods Pro do not support a manual iCloud unlock like iPhones do. Apple does not offer a removal service for AirPods tied to another account.
You can still use them as standard Bluetooth earbuds. The pairing and reset process works exactly as described in this guide. But you will not get Find My support.
And you should know that the original owner can still track them.
How to Check Before You Buy
If you are shopping for used AirPods Pro, check for iCloud linkage before you pay. Ask the seller to open the Find My app and show you the Devices list. If the AirPods appear there, ask them to remove them.
Do not complete the purchase until they confirm removal.
Our editorial policy requires us to note that buying Apple devices still tied to another account carries a risk. The original owner could report them lost. That would make them unusable for normal pairing.
Common Mistakes That Mess Up a Reset
Even with clear steps, people slip up. These are the most frequent errors we see in troubleshooting reports.
Holding the Button for Too Short
Fifteen seconds feels like a long time when you are doing nothing else. Most people release after 5 or 10 seconds. That is not enough.
The AirPods need a sustained press to enter factory reset mode. Count to 15 out loud. Do not stop early.
Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))
Not Opening the Lid
The status light only works when the lid is open. If you try to reset with the lid closed, the button does nothing. Always open the lid before you press the button.
Forgetting to Forget
The factory reset erases pairings from the AirPods themselves. But your iPhone still remembers them. If you do not tap "Forget This Device" first, your iPhone tries to reconnect using the old, glitchy pairing data.
The reset will not stick. Always forget the device in Bluetooth settings before you start the factory reset.
Skipping the 30 Second Wait
After you forget the device and put the AirPods in the case, you need to wait. Thirty seconds lets the internal circuits fully discharge. If you rush this step, the AirPods may not enter reset mode properly.
Trying to Reset One AirPod at a Time
Both buds must be in the case for a factory reset. If you leave one out, the reset only affects the bud inside. The other remains paired with its old settings.
This creates a mismatch that causes connectivity issues.
Using the Wrong Case
AirPods Pro 1st generation cases are not interchangeable with 2nd generation buds. If you mix them up, the reset may fail. Check the model number on the inside of the lid.
It should match your AirPods generation. Apple's support pages list the model numbers for each generation.
Not Charging First
A low case battery can interrupt the reset process. If the case has less than 20 percent charge, the status light may not respond correctly. Charge the case to at least 50 percent before attempting a reset.
Assuming a Reset Fixes All Issues
This is the biggest mistake of all. A reset cannot fix a dead battery. It cannot repair a damaged microphone.
It cannot restore a bud that was dropped in water. If the problem is hardware, no amount of resetting will help. Know when to move on to a repair.
Before You Give Up: Last-Resort Checks
You have tried both resets. The status light behaves. Your iPhone shows the animation.
But something still feels off. Here are the final things to check before you call it quits.
Check Your Firmware Version
Outdated firmware can cause persistent glitches. Open Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the i next to your AirPods.
Look for the Firmware Version field.
The latest version as of early 2026 is 6A303 for 1st generation and 6B34 for 2nd generation. If your firmware is older than these, update it.
Firmware updates happen automatically when your AirPods are in the case, charging, and near your iPhone. There is no manual update button. If your firmware is stuck on an old version, connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Put them back in the case. Plug the case into power. Keep your iPhone nearby for 15 to 30 minutes.
Check again.
Try a Different Device
Borrow a friend's iPhone or an iPad. Open the case near it. The setup animation should appear.
If it does, the reset worked. The issue is on your original device, not the AirPods.
If the animation does not appear on any device, the AirPods themselves have a problem.
Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone
Sometimes the issue is on the phone side, not the AirPods. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.
You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward. But it can fix stubborn Bluetooth issues.
Inspect the Charging Contacts
Open the case. Look inside at the metal charging pins at the bottom of each slot. If they look tarnished or corroded, the case may not be charging the buds properly.
Clean them gently with a dry cotton swab. Do not use liquid or abrasive tools.
Contact Apple Support
If nothing works, it is time to reach out to Apple. The company offers free diagnostics at any Apple Store. You can also start a support request online.
If your AirPods are under warranty or covered by the service program, repairs or replacements may be free.
For full transparency, please review our disclaimer about device troubleshooting. It covers the limits of self-service fixes and when professional help is necessary.
Quick Branching Decision Guide
Use this table to match your exact problem to the correct reset path.
| Your Symptom | Start Here | If That Fails |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods won't connect after iOS update | Soft reset | Factory reset |
| One AirPod is silent | Check ear tip mesh, then soft reset | Factory reset, then service program check |
| No status light on the case | Charge case 30 minutes first | Replace case |
| Light flashes white but no setup animation | Forget device, then retry | Restart iPhone, then factory reset |
| AirPods tied to someone else's iCloud | Ask original owner to remove them | Use as standard Bluetooth (no Find My) |
| Audio cuts out every few minutes | Soft reset | Factory reset, then firmware update |
| Volume controls not working | Soft reset | Factory reset |
| AirPods won't charge in case | Clean charging contacts, check case battery | Replace case |
| Crackling noise during calls | Do not reset | Check Apple service program instead |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my AirPods Pro without an iPhone?
You cannot perform the full setup process without an iPhone or iPad. But you can still do the hardware factory reset. Open the case.
Hold the button on the back for 15 seconds. Wait for the amber then white flash. The AirPods are now reset.
Pair them with any Bluetooth device by putting them in pairing mode and selecting them from the Bluetooth menu.
Do I lose my ear tip fit test results after a reset?
Yes. A factory reset clears all custom settings. This includes the ear tip fit test calibration, noise control preferences, and any personalized spatial audio settings.
You will need to run the fit test again and reapply your preferences after the reset.
How often should I reset my AirPods Pro?
Only when you have a problem. There is no benefit to periodic resets. If your AirPods are working normally, leave them alone.
Will a reset fix a battery that drains quickly?
No. A reset does not affect battery health. If your AirPods Pro lose charge faster than they used to, the lithium-ion batteries inside have degraded.
Apple charges a fee for battery replacement out of warranty. Consider replacement if your AirPods cannot hold a charge for at least two hours of continuous use.
Can I reset AirPods Pro through the Find My app?
Not directly. The Find My app can remove the AirPods from your Apple ID. But that is a separate function from a reset.
Use the button on the case for the actual reset.
My AirPods Pro still show up on my old iPhone after I reset them. Why?
Your iPhone remembers the AirPods even after a factory reset. You need to manually forget the device in Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Tap the i next to your AirPods. Tap Forget This Device. This clears the old profile from your phone.
Do 1st generation and 2nd generation AirPods Pro reset the same way?
Mostly yes. The button location and the 15 second hold time are identical. The only difference is that 2nd generation models connect to your iCloud account silently after a reset.
First generation models require the on-screen setup animation every time.
How long does a complete factory reset take?
About 90 seconds from start to finish. The button hold takes 15 seconds. The wait times add another 40 seconds.
The setup animation takes about 30 seconds. Plan for two minutes total.
If you still have questions or run into a problem we did not cover, feel free to reach out through our contact page. We update this guide regularly based on user feedback and new firmware releases.