How to Reset AirPods
Fix connection issues by resetting your AirPods to factory settings
⚡Quick Answer
Place AirPods in the charging case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then open and hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. Re-pair with your device from scratch — the whole process takes under 2 minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Place AirPods in Case and Close the Lid
Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds. This brief rest clears any active Bluetooth session and prepares the firmware for a clean reset.
Open the Lid and Hold the Setup Button
Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. Keep your finger pressed firmly — releasing too early will abort the reset sequence before it finishes.
Wait for the Amber Then White Flash
Release the button when the status light flashes amber, then white — this two-color sequence confirms the factory reset is complete. If you only see white, the reset may not have triggered; repeat from step 1.
Re-pair with Your Device
Open Bluetooth settings on your device and pair the AirPods as if they were new. On iPhone, bringing the open case near the phone will trigger an automatic pairing prompt for the fastest setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting AirPods delete anything?
No data is stored on AirPods — resetting only clears pairing info so you can connect fresh. Music preferences, EQ settings, and Siri personalisation are managed by your iPhone or Apple ID, not the earbuds themselves, so nothing is lost.
My AirPods won't show the amber light. What now?
Keep holding the **setup button** for the full 15 seconds without releasing; the amber flash can be very brief and easy to miss. If it still doesn't appear, check that both AirPods are seated correctly in the case and the case has at least some charge before trying again.
Do I need to reset both AirPods together?
Yes — always reset them together in the case since they pair as a **single unit**. Attempting to reset one AirPod independently is not supported; the reset process always applies to both earbuds simultaneously.
Will I need to re-pair with all my other devices too?
Yes — a factory reset removes pairing data for every device the AirPods were connected to. You will need to pair them again on each device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.), but they will sync across your Apple devices automatically once reconnected to one device signed into your **iCloud** account.