Restore AirPods to factory settings and disconnect all connections

Anyone who owns the AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max knows better than anyone that they are perfect to use. The accessory is automatically connected to your known devices, but sometimes problems can arise. In that case, you can restore the AirPods to factory settings.

You should especially do this if the AirPods can no longer be properly connected to your devices or you can no longer adjust the settings. Resetting to factory settings is also interesting if you want to delete all connections at once. You can then reconnect the earphones or perhaps resell them.

Restore AirPods or AirPods Pro to factory settings

Suitable for AirPods 3 or older and all AirPods Pro models

1. Place both AirPods in the charging case
2. Close the case and wait 30 seconds
3. Open the case

Now go to Settings ▸ Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad and tap the i button next to the AirPods in the list. Select ‘Forget this device’ and confirm. On your Mac you can do this via  ▸ System Preferences ▸ Bluetooth and click on the cross next to the AirPods.

4. Then close and open the case of the AirPods
5. Press the case configuration button
6. Continue pressing this button for at least 15 seconds until the status light flashes orange
7. The AirPods will now be fully restored
8. You can then re-pair the AirPods with your device

The configuration button can be found on the back of the AirPods 3rd generation, AirPods Pro 2 or older.

The light on the charging case will now first flash orange, as soon as it flashes white the AirPods have been restored (reset). This means that all connections are broken. Close the case and open it again, you will notice that you have to reconnect the Pods. You can read exactly how to do this in this AirPods manual.

Reset AirPods 4th Generation

The AirPods 4th generation (both models) have a hidden pressure-sensitive button. This makes recovery work slightly differently.

• Place the AirPods in the charging case
• Wait at least 30 seconds
• Open the cover
• Double-tap the front of the case three times

If you have successfully reset the AirPods to factory settings, the status light will flash orange and then white.

Restore AirPods Max

• Charges the AirPods Max
• Press the noise control button and Digital Crown
• Press these buttons for 15 seconds until the LED flashes orange and then white
• Release the noise control button and Crown

The headphones will now be fully restored and all connections will be lost. After this, you can reconnect the AirPods Max to your devices.