Reset AirPods: how to do it on every model

Your AirPods won’t connect any more, only one AirPod is playing or the status light is flashing amber? A factory reset often helps. Then you connect the AirPods again. Here’s how to do it on every model.

Before you start

  1. Put both AirPods in the charging case and charge it for a while.
  2. Remove the AirPods on your iPhone: “Settings”, “Bluetooth”, tap the (i) next to your AirPods and choose “Forget This Device”.

AirPods 1, 2 and 3, AirPods Pro 1 and Pro 2

  1. Leave both AirPods in the case and open the lid.
  2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber and then white.
  3. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and tap “Connect”.

AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3

The case on these models has no visible button. Instead, you tap the front of the case, where the status light is.

  1. Leave both AirPods in the case and open the lid.
  2. Double-tap the front of the case and repeat this until the status light flashes amber and then white. The exact steps are also in the instructions that come with your replacement part.
  3. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and tap “Connect”.

Reset Beats

  • Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds +, Powerbeats Fit and Powerbeats Pro 2: put both earbuds in the case, leave the lid open and press and hold the system button in the case for about 15 seconds, until the LED flashes red and white.
  • Beats Solo Buds: on both earbuds, press and hold the button above the logo for at least 10 seconds.

Then reconnect the Beats, as described in the guide Pair AirPods.

What the status light means

  • Flashing white: the AirPods are ready to connect.
  • Flashing amber: something went wrong while connecting. Reset the AirPods as described above.
  • Green: fully charged. Amber, not flashing: less than one full charge left.
  • No light: the battery is empty. Charge the case for a while.

Not working?

  • The status light doesn’t turn white: carefully clean the contacts inside the case and on the bottom of the AirPods with a dry, lint-free cloth and try again.
  • Only one AirPod connects: put both in the case, close the lid for about 30 seconds and reset them again. If that doesn’t help, this AirPod is probably faulty.
  • A replacement AirPod isn’t recognised: check our list of all model numbers to see whether your parts go together.

If an AirPod or the charging case is faulty, you don’t need to buy a new pair: you can get the left or right AirPod and the charging case individually from us.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the reset button on AirPods?

On AirPods 1, 2 and 3 and on AirPods Pro 1 and Pro 2, the button is on the back of the charging case. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 have no visible button; instead, you tap the front of the case.

Will resetting delete any data?

No. Only the AirPods’ connections and settings are deleted, for example their name. Afterwards, you simply connect them again.

Do I need to reset a replacement AirPod?

Yes. Resetting is how a new AirPod or a new charging case is linked once with your other parts. The steps are also in the guide Pair AirPods.