How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

Short answer

Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. On the iPhone, open Settings, Bluetooth, tap the info button next to the AirPods and tap Forget This Device. Open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber and then white.

A reset returns AirPods to the state they left the factory in. It cures most stubborn problems, such as one AirPod staying silent, charging that will not start, or a connection that keeps dropping. It is also what you do before you give them to someone else.

Menu names are from recent versions of iOS.

Step by step

  1. Put the AirPods in the case

    Place both AirPods in the charging case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds.

  2. Forget them on the iPhone

    Open Settings and tap Bluetooth, or tap the name of your AirPods at the top of Settings. Tap the info button next to the AirPods, tap Forget This Device and confirm. If they are not listed, go straight on.

  3. Open the lid

    Keep the AirPods in the case and open the lid. The next step depends on the model.

  4. Cases with a button: hold it for 15 seconds

    On AirPods 1, 2 and 3 and AirPods Pro 1 and 2, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The status light flashes amber and then white.

  5. Cases without a button: double-tap three times

    AirPods 4, the newest AirPods and AirPods Pro 3 have no button. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on. Double-tap again when the light flashes white. Double-tap a third time when it flashes faster. The light then flashes amber and afterwards white.

  6. If the light does not flash white

    Close the lid, wait 20 seconds, open it and repeat the step for your model.

  7. Connect them again

    With the AirPods in the open case, hold it next to the unlocked iPhone and follow the steps on the screen.

Good to know

After a reset, your settings are back to the defaults: what a press or a tap does, the name, and noise control. Set them again under Settings, your AirPods.

If you are giving the AirPods away, also remove them from your account: in the Find My app, tap Devices, your AirPods, and Remove This Device. Otherwise the new owner sees a message that they are linked to another Apple Account.

If the light never comes on, charge the case for at least 15 minutes with the AirPods inside and try again.

Other causes of connection trouble: AirPods not connecting to an iPhone: 8 fixes to try and iPhone Bluetooth not connecting: 8 fixes to try.

In short: AirPods in the case, lid closed 30 seconds, Forget This Device, lid open, hold the back button 15 seconds (or double-tap the front three times on newer cases) until amber then white. Pair again.

Sources
  • Apple Support: How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro (118531)

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