AirPods won’t reset? 4 causes & solutions

Do you want to reset your AirPods but somehow it just won’t work? Don’t worry — in this article we’ll show you step by step how to solve the problem. Whether you want to sell them, pair them again, or simply troubleshoot: you’ll find the answers here.

What should you do if you can’t reset the AirPods?

First, check whether you completed the reset process correctly:

• Place the AirPods in the charging case — put both in, close the lid.
  

• Wait at least 30 seconds — yes, just a little patience.
  

• Open the lid — now it’s time to get started.
  

• Press and hold the setup button on the back — for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber and then white.

If that doesn’t work or the LED doesn’t flash as described, there may be other causes. Let’s continue.

4 causes & solutions: Why won’t my AirPods reset to factory settings?

1. Battery almost empty?

If the AirPods or the case have hardly any power left, the reset won’t complete properly.

• Put the AirPods in the case and charge them for at least 15 minutes.
  

• Then open the lid and hold the case near your iPhone — that way you can check the charge status.

Reading tip: Battery drains quickly? Here’s what you can do.

2. Contacts dirty?

Often underestimated: a bit of dirt on the charging contacts is enough.

• Take a dry, lint-free cloth (e.g. a microfiber cloth) and carefully clean the contacts on the AirPods and in the case.

Reading tip: How to clean AirPods properly.

3. Bluetooth acting up?

A poor connection can also prevent the reset from going through.

• Turn Bluetooth off and on again briefly on your iPhone or iPad.
  

• Remove the AirPods in the Bluetooth settings (“Forget This Device”) and then start the reset process again.

4. Outdated software?

The AirPods firmware or an old version of iOS can also cause issues.

• Check whether an update is available on your iPhone/iPad — if so, install it.
  

• The AirPods firmware updates automatically when they are in the case and connected — just leave them near your device.

Reading tip: Force firmware update.

How do you reconnect the AirPods?

Once the reset was successful, you can easily reconnect the AirPods:

1. Open the case with the AirPods in it and hold it next to your iPhone.
   

2. A popup appears on the screen — just tap "Connect" and follow the instructions

If nothing happens: check Bluetooth or restart the iPhone.

What to do if only one AirPod won't reset? 

Only one of the two AirPods is acting up? There are solutions for that too:

• Try putting only the problematic AirPod in your ear — does it work on its own?

• Clean the AirPod and the case thoroughly again.

• Run the reset again — sometimes it works on the second try.

If that still doesn't work, it's best to contact Apple Support if you still have warranty. 

By the way: If your single AirPod absolutely won't reset or is defective, you don't have to replace the whole set right away. In our online shop you can also get individual AirPods — unlike the manufacturer, who usually only sells complete sets. That saves you real money. Of course, these are original products with full warranty.

How can found AirPods be reset?

You found AirPods or bought them used and want to reset them? Unfortunately, it's not quite that easy:

• The AirPods may still be linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID account.
  

• As long as that is the case, you can reset them, but you cannot use them fully (e.g. because of “Find My” and device protection).
  

• The person must first remove them from their account — only then will you have full access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you reset AirPods?

The reset deletes all existing connections. The AirPods are then restored to factory settings and must be paired again. Practical if you want to sell or give them away, for example.

How do you perform a hard reset on AirPods?

Here’s how you can perform a hard reset on AirPods: 

• Place the AirPods in the charging case

• Leave the lid open

• Press and hold the setup button on the back until the LED flashes yellow, then white

• Done — your AirPods have now been reset to factory settings.

AirPods Pro 2 won’t reset? The solution

If you’re having trouble resetting your AirPods Pro 2 to factory settings, do the following:

1. Place both AirPods Pro 2 in the charging case and close the lid.
   

2. Wait about 30 seconds so the AirPods can connect properly with the case.
   

3. Open the lid without removing the AirPods.
   

4. Press the small button on the back of the charging case — and keep it pressed.
   → Important: Keep the button pressed for at least 15 seconds.
   

5. Watch the LED indicator on the front of the case (or inside, depending on the model):

• It should first light up yellow/orange.

• Then it will start flashing white — that’s your sign that the reset was successful.
  

6. Release the button. Your AirPods Pro 2 are now reset.
   

Tip: If the LED does not respond, check whether the case and the AirPods are sufficiently charged, and whether the contacts are clean. You can also try using a different charging cable or charger as a test.

AirPods Pro won’t reset? The solution

If you have an older Pro model and it won’t reset, try the following:

• Remove AirPods from all devices (“Forget This Device”).

• Clean the charging case, charge it, and press and hold the setup button for a long time.

• Still having problems? Check for a firmware update or contact Apple Support.