How to Reset AirPods and AirPods Pro - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

How to Reset AirPods and AirPods Pro

by

Apple's original AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro all have a reset function that returns them to their factory settings. This can come in handy if you're handing down the wireless earphones to someone else or you're having any sort of problem with them.

Here's a video walkthrough of how to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro:


How to Reset AirPods and AirPods Pro

  1. Put your AirPods in their case and close the lid.
  2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.

  3. On your iOS device, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and tap the circled "i" icon next to your AirPods.
  4. settings

  5. Tap Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
  6. With the AirPods case lid open, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until you see the status light flashing amber. If your AirPods case charges only over a wired connection, the status light is inside the case between the AirPods. If you have AirPods Pro or your AirPods case charges wirelessly, the status light is on the front of the case.
  7. AirPods pro reset button

  8. With the case lid open, place your AirPods close to your device and follow the steps on your device's screen to reconnect your AirPods.

And that's all there is to it. Note that now the AirPods are reset they will no longer automatically recognize any of the devices linked to your iCloud account. Opening the AirPods case near an iOS device will initiate the setup process, just like the first time you used them.

Want new AirPods or AirPods Pro?

Check our constantly updated guide for best deals on AirPods.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

european union eu

EU iPhone Users Get AirPods-Like Pairing and Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 1:50 pm PDT by
iOS 26.5 introduces several interoperability changes for third-party wearables, which means European iPhone users have access to new capabilities when using non-Apple accessories. To comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple is letting third-party wearables access some features that have historically been limited to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Proximity pairing - Third-party...
AirPods Hearing Aid Thumb 1

Apple Watch Hypertension Alerts and AirPods Hearing Aid Feature Expand to More Countries

Tuesday May 12, 2026 10:53 am PDT by
Apple today said Hearing Aid features are now available for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 in Italy, Romania, and Czechia, while Hypertension alerts have expanded to Israel. The Hearing Aid option allows the AirPods Pro to be used as an over-the-counter alternative to a traditional set of hearing aids. The AirPods Pro can improve sound to mitigate mild to moderate hearing loss,...
airpods pro 3 pink

Your Next AirPods Will Have Eyes

Friday May 15, 2026 8:39 am PDT by
Apple's fourth-generation AirPods Pro could well watch the world for you, with the upcoming earbuds widely tipped to have built-in cameras. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the camera-equipped AirPods Pro have already reached "advanced" testing, suggesting that the design is virtually locked in and mass production is imminent. Each earbud is expected to feature a tiny built-in infrared...