How to reset your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max

If you’re shipping your AirPods to a new home, it’s helpful to wipe them clean for a new owner. We’re not just talking about wiping them down for sanitation but also separating them from your iCloud. Luckily, the process is straightforward, and it just requires a button on the charging case. Here’s how to reset your AirPods for a new owner.

Whether you have a pocket-friendly pair of AirPods or the budget-busting AirPods Max, we have you covered. There aren’t many moving parts on Apple’s headphones, so we’ll keep things as clean as possible.

How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro on iPhone

The two smaller pairs of Apple headphones sport almost the same designs. They come with pocket-sized charging cases that should fit right into your pocket. Make sure that your AirPods or AirPods Pro are at least partly charged, then follow these steps:

1. Put your AirPods in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the case and wear the AirPods.
4. Open your device’s Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods.
5. Tap the blue “i” icon next to your AirPods.
6. Tap “Forget this device” and confirm the decision.
7. Put your AirPods in the case and keep the lid open.
8. Press and hold the Setup button and wait for 15 seconds.
9. Once you see the case’s LED light flash amber, your AirPods are reset.

You can now pair your AirPods to a new device or pack them away to ship to a new home. Be careful not to open the charging lid too close to your phone, or they may pair right back where they started.

How to reset AirPods on Android

Although the listening experience is hamstrung, resetting your AirPods or AirPods Pro on Android is virtually identical to doing so with an iPhone.

1. Put your AirPods in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the case and wear the AirPods.
4. Open your device’s Settings > Connections >Bluetooth > AirPods.
5. Tap the Settings cog icon next to your AirPods.
6. Tap “Forget” or “Unpair” and confirm the decision.
7. Put your AirPods in the case and keep the lid open.
8. Press and hold the Setup button and wait for 15 seconds.
9. Once you see the case’s LED light flash amber and then white, your AirPods are reset.

How to reset AirPods Max on iPhone

If you splashed the cash for the premium AirPods Max, the steps are a bit different. After all, they pack a different set of buttons for you to work with. Once again, make sure that your headphones are charged, then follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and Noise Control buttons. (Buttons shown in the image above.)
2. Wait until the white LED light flashes amber and then white.
3. Release both buttons.

How to reset AirPods Max on Android

Likewise to resetting the AirPods on Android, resetting the AirPods Max on Android is identical to doing so with an iPhone.

1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and Noise Control buttons.
2. Wait until the white LED light flashes amber.
3. Release both buttons.

There you go, one reset pair of AirPods Max. The process is just as easy, though you have to grab two buttons instead of one. Once again, please don’t keep your old phone too close to your AirPods Max, or they may try to pair back up.

Resetting your AirPods isn’t just helpful when sending them to a new owner. You can also reset them to your AirPods problems. If you’re having trouble getting a connection, using noise cancellation, or something else, resetting your AirPods might be your only solution. Luckily, you can re-pair them easily, and your experience using them won’t change.

Top AirPods reset questions and answers