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How to Reset AirPods

Add AirPods to Find my iPhone

How to Reset AirPods

Like any other electronic device, you may need to reset your AirPods from time to time.

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues and sound problems or just want to start fresh with your AirPods, you can reset them quickly and easily.

Here’s how to reset AirPods:

Step 1: Put AirPods In the Charging Case

Put your AirPods in their charging case. First, close the lid. Let the AirPods stay in there for 30 seconds. Then, open the lid of the charging case.

how to reset airpods image 1
Place your AirPods in their case.

©History-Computer.com

Step 2: Go to Bluetooth

Take your iOS device and open the Settings app. First, tap Bluetooth and look for your AirPods in the list of Devices.

Then, tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods. Finally, tap Forget This Device and then tap Forget Device to confirm.

how to reset airpods image 2
You will need to then go to the Settings app.

©History-Computer.com

Doing this will disconnect the AirPods for every device where you’ve signed it using the same Apple ID. So, if you’ve used the AirPods with your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro, they’ll be disconnected from all three.

Step 3: Press the Setup Button

Open the charging case’s lid and hold the setup button for 15 seconds. The status light will turn amber and then white. That means the AirPods are now reset.

Press the set up button on your AirPod case.
Press the set up button on your AirPod case.

©History-Computer.com

If you’re using AirPods that only charge with a wired connection, you’ll see the status light on the inside of the case. It will be between the two AirPods.

But if your AirPods or AirPods Pro charge wirelessly, you’ll see the status light on the front. It will change colors to indicate the charging and connectivity status.

Step 4: Reconnect Your AirPods

Now that your AirPods are reset, you can reconnect them to all of your devices.

Open the Settings app on your iOS device and tap Bluetooth. Look for your AirPods in the list of Devices and tap the (i) icon next to them. Tap Connect and wait for your AirPods to be connected to your device.

You can also open the charging case of your AirPods and hold them close to your phone. The phone will detect them and show you a setup animation. Tap Connect. 

Reconnect AirPods.
Now that your AirPods are reset, you can reconnect them to all of your devices.

©History-Computer.com

Repeat this process for all the other devices you use your AirPods with. Once all of them are connected, your AirPods will be fully reset and ready to use.

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

How to Reset AirPods Max?

Since AirPods Max do not have a charging case, the reset process is slightly different. Here’s how to reset them:

Step 1: Forget Device

Go to the Bluetooth settings on your iOS device and look for AirPods Max in the list of Devices. Tap the (i) icon next to them and tap Forget This Device.

Step 2: Press and Hold the Volume Button

Hold the noise control and Digital Crown buttons on the left ear cup for 10 seconds. The status light will turn amber, then white. That means your AirPods Max have been reset.

How to Remove AirPods from an Apple ID?

Remember that implementing the above “how to reset AirPods” steps will not remove them from your Apple ID. AirPods are associated with a single Apple ID. So, if someone else wants to use your AirPods or you want to use AirPods someone else was previously using, you’ll have to remove the AirPods from the previous Apple ID.

Only the owner of the Apple ID that currently owns the AirPods can remove them. Here’s how to do it using your iPhone or iPad.

  • Before starting, make sure the AirPods are connected to your device. It should also be in the Bluetooth range.
  • Then, go to Find My app.
  • Tap on the Devices or Items tab.
  • Look for AirPods. Tap the AirPods icon and swipe up.
  • You’ll see the option to remove the item. Tap the Remove This Device option and confirm your choice.
You'll see the option to remove the item. Tap the Remove This Device option and confirm your choice.
You’ll see the option to remove the item. Tap the Remove This Device option and confirm your choice.

©History-Computer.com

Once done, the AirPods will be removed from the Apple ID. After this is done, you can connect the AirPods to another Apple ID. You can also remove AirPods from an Apple ID using a Mac. Here’s how:

  • Make sure the AirPods are connected to your Mac.
  • Go to Find My and then Devices.
  • Click on AirPods.
  • Click the More Info button, which looks like an (i) icon.
  • Click the Remove Device option and confirm your choice.

Why Can’t I Reset My AirPods? Troubleshooting Tips

While resetting your AirPods is usually a straightforward process, it can sometimes be difficult. Here are some troubleshooting tips if you’re having trouble resetting your AirPods.

  • Make sure you’re holding down the setup button for 15 seconds. If that doesn’t work, try resetting your AirPods using the Find My app.
  • Also, make sure your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your device. If they’re not, bring them closer and start the process again.
  • If none of these tips work, you can contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Why Reset Your AirPods

Why would you want to reset your AirPods? No doubt that AirPods are one of the most convenient and user-friendly audio devices available on the market. But like any other device, they sometimes require a reset to help them work optimally.

Here are some reasons to reset them.

Buggy Software

If you’ve recently updated the software on your AirPods, but you’re still experiencing issues with sound quality or connection, a reset could help. By resetting your AirPods, you can start from scratch and hopefully solve any software-related issues.

Freezing

Do your AirPods seem to keep freezing up? It could be due to a range of issues, from an old battery to a faulty connection.

If you believe there’s nothing wrong with the hardware, resetting your AirPods can help. Try other solutions first, such as switching the sound mode in Settings or trying another device. But if all else fails, a reset may be the solution.

Failed Connections

If you’re having difficulty connecting your AirPods to a device, resetting them could be an easy fix. It could help if you’re seeing an error message when trying to connect or if they keep disconnecting after a short period of time.

You should do this if you’re connecting your AirPods to a non-Apple device or if you’re trying to connect them to an old version of iOS.

Synchronization Issues

If your AirPods seem to be out of sync with each other, it may mean that they need to be reset. This may happen if your AirPods haven’t been used for a while and are out of sync with each other.

It can also happen if they’re connected to two different devices at the same time. Resetting them should resolve this problem.

Forget Old Settings

When you reset your AirPods, you will also reset any settings or preferences associated with them. That includes the following:

  • Press-and-hold action
  • Name
  • Double-tap action
  • Automatic ear detection
  • Set the microphone to the right, left, or automatic

Instead of changing all these settings again one by one, you can reset your AirPods and start fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my AirPods reset?

If you don’t see an amber light appear when you press and hold the setup button on your AirPods, the charging port may be dirty. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate in the port, preventing a connection with the charging case. To fix this, try using a soft-bristled brush to clean the port.

How many times can I reset my AirPods?

You can reset your AirPods as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can reset your AirPods.

Can I remove AirPods from someone else's Apple ID?

You can only do this if you have access to a device that is signed into the other person’s Apple ID account. Otherwise, the AirPods will remain linked to that account.

Can I reset my AirPods without the charging case?

No, you cannot reset your AirPods without the charging case. The setup button on the back of the case is used to reset the connection between your AirPods and your device. The AirPods Max are an exception. You have to reset them with the noise control buttons.

Can I track stolen AirPods?

You can use the Find My app to locate your AirPods if they are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The app should be set up with any of your Apple devices that you use with your AirPods.

Can I factory reset AirPods Max?

Yes, you can factory reset AirPods Max. To do so, press and hold the noise control button located on the outside of each ear cup until the LED light flashes amber and white. Your AirPods Max are now reset and ready for setup with your device.

Can AirPods be associated with multiple Apple IDs?

No, AirPods can only be associated with one Apple ID at a time. If you want to use the same set of AirPods with multiple Apple IDs, you will need to reset the AirPods for each account. Plus, you’ll have to connect them to the new Apple ID.

Can I reset my AirPods with my Mac?

Yes, you can reset your AirPods with a Mac. To do this, open the Bluetooth preferences pane and click on the “i” icon next to your AirPods. It will open a window where you can reset the connection between your device and your AirPods.

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