How to Reset AirPods, AirPods (2nd Gen) & AirPods Pro

What if your AirPods won't connect or charge? We'll show you how to factory reset your AirPods; it only takes a minute or two!

By Tamlin Day Updated 01/11/2021

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You might need to know how to reset AirPods Pro, second-generation AirPods, or original AirPods to factory settings if you're troubleshooting a problem or want to give or sell your old AirPods to a new user. Let's dive in with how to do an AirPods reset, including for AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro; we'll do this from your AirPods' settings in the Settings app of your iPhone or iPad. 

Related: Apple AirPods, AirPods 2 & AirPods Pro Guide: Charging, Pairing, Setting Up, Using, More 

How to Reset & Restart AirPods, AirPods 2 & AirPods Pro

We've written several articles about AirPods, including how to change your AirPods' name and how to check AirPods' battery level. For more ways to make the most of your Apple devices, check out our free Tip of the Day. Now, if you've been wondering how to factory reset AirPods, we'll go over that process. 

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the i icon next to the AirPods you need to reset.


     
  4. Tap Forget This Device.
  5. Tap Forget Device to confirm.


     
  6. Put your AirPods in their case.
  7. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
  8. Press and hold the Setup button on the back of the AirPods case.
  9. The status light on the case will flash amber, then white to indicate that the AirPods have been reset.

Now, your AirPods are restored to the factory setting and can be connected to any iPhone.

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Topics

How-To
AirPods
Headphones

Author Details

Tamlin Day's picture

Author Details

Tamlin Day

Tamlin Day is a feature web writer for iPhone Life and a regular contributor to iPhone Life magazine. A prolific writer of tips, reviews, and in-depth guides, Tamlin has written hundreds of articles for iPhone Life. From iPhone settings to recommendations for the best iPhone-compatible gear to the latest Apple news, Tamlin's expertise covers a broad spectrum. 

Before joining iPhone Life, Tamlin received his BFA in Media & Communications as well as a BA in Graphic Design from Maharishi International University (MIU), where he edited MIU's literary journal, Meta-fore. With a passion for teaching, Tamlin has instructed young adults, college students, and adult learners on topics ranging from spoken word poetry to taking the perfect group selfie. Tamlin's first computer, a Radioshack Color Computer III, was given to him by his father. At 13, Tamlin built his first PC from spare parts. He is proud to put his passion for teaching and tech into practice as a writer and educator at iPhone Life.