How to Factory Reset AirPods

Co-authored by Josef Storzi and Ellie Salyers

Last Updated: October 16, 2024 References

Are you trying to factory reset your AirPods? You may want to do this if your AirPods aren’t working properly or if you want to sell them. This wikiHow article will give you a few easy steps on how to reset your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Resetting Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

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Now close the lid on the charging case and wait 30 seconds.
Be sure to not remove the AirPods from their case.

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This app is gray with a gear icon inside.
This is located near the top, and it has a blue icon with the bluetooth symbol inside. ^{[1]
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This button is the blue circle icon with an “i” inside. Only tap on the one that corresponds to the name of your AirPods.
This is the button in blue text.
This will appear in red text at the bottom of your screen.
Now, go back to your AirPods (with the lid still open) and press the circular button located on the back of the case.
The LED light, located on either the front or the top of the case, will flash yellow and then white. You have now successfully factory reset your AirPods.
If you want, follow these steps on how to pair your AirPods to your iPhone . To set the AirPods up, simply open the case next to your phone and follow the prompts on the screen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Resetting Your AirPods Max

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To do so, plug your Lighting cable into the right earphone. Now plug the other side of your cable into a USB outlet. You only have to charge them for a few minutes. ^{[2]
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These are located at the top of the right earphone. ^{[3]
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The LED light, located near the bottom of the right earphone, should flash yellow and then white. You have now successfully factory reset your AirPods Max.
To do so, simply take your AirPods Max out of their case and hold them close to the iOS device with which you want to pair them. After a pop-up window appears on your device, you should tap Connect to pair them. ^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preparing Your AirPods to Sell

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If you're looking to sell your AirPods, follow these steps make sure they're ready to sell. First, make sure your AirPods are in their case.
Go to icloud.com . On your preferred web browser, go to icloud.com . You can use your phone or computer.
This is the icon with the green circle inside.
This is located at the top of the page. If you're using a phone, this step is unnecessary.
You'll see a list of all your devices underneath "My Devices." Simply select the AirPods that you want to sell. ^{[5]
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This is located near the bottom of the page.
This confirms that you want to remove the device from your iCloud.
Type in your Apple ID password and press Return. Your AirPods are now successfully unpaired from your iCloud and all of your iCloud devices.
Our final tip is to simply clean your AirPods before selling.