Unpair Or Reset Your AirPods
If your AirPods aren’t working properly, the first step is to ensure that the device they’re paired with is up-to-date. If everything is updated, you can try unpairing, restarting, or resetting your AirPods.
Before diving into the steps to unpair or reset your AirPods, you may want to ensure they’re clean and functioning optimally. Check out our other support article on how to properly clean your AirPods to keep them in top condition, learn more.
Unpair AirPods
On iPhone Or iPad
Unpairing your AirPods can help resolve connection issues. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap on the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen, then tap Forget This Device. This action will remove your AirPods from all devices associated with your Apple ID.
On Apple Watch
If you are using an Apple Watch, open the Settings app, go to Bluetooth, tap the Actions Available button next to your AirPods, and then tap Forget Device to remove the AirPods from all devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID.
On Mac
For Mac users, select the Apple menu, then choose System Settings. Find the name of your AirPods in the sidebar (you may need to scroll), and click Forget this Device.
On Apple TV
On Apple TV, navigate to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and choose Forget this Device.
Note: After unpairing your AirPods, you’ll need to pair them with a device associated with your Apple ID to use them again.
Restart AirPods
Restarting your AirPods can help resolve minor issues. For all generations of AirPods and AirPods Pro, place the AirPods in their case, close the lid, and wait for at least 10 seconds before using them again.
If you are using AirPods Max, press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button simultaneously on the right headphone until the status light next to the charging port flashes amber (this takes about 10 seconds). Release the buttons immediately.
It’s important to note that if you hold the buttons for more than 10 seconds, your AirPods Max will return to factory settings.
Reset AirPods To Factory Settings
If your AirPods aren’t functioning correctly after restarting them, you can reset them to their factory settings. For all generations of AirPods and AirPods Pro, place the AirPods in their case, close the lid, and wait for 30 seconds. Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.
If you’re using AirPods Max, press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button simultaneously on the right headphone until the status light next to the charging port changes from flashing amber to flashing white (this takes about 15 seconds).