If you have AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, there are times when you might need to perform a factory reset on the wireless earbuds due to glitches, delays, or simply wanting to pass them on to someone new. Whether the issue stems from connectivity, charging, or sound quality, resetting your AirPods to factory settings is straightforward, and here’s the procedure.
## Simplest factory reset for any AirPods or AirPods Pro
Regardless of whether you possess the first-generation AirPods or the newest AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, there could be multiple reasons for performing a factory reset on the earbuds.
They might not function as they should, an issue might be bothering you, or you simply desire a clean slate. Luckily, resetting these earbuds is quite simple:
1. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait for 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid of the charging case and insert your AirPods into your ears.
4. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth. Alternatively, go to Settings > [your AirPods].
– If your AirPods show as connected, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, select Forget This Device, and confirm your choice.
– If your AirPods are not displayed, proceed to the next step.
5. Return your AirPods to the charging case and leave the lid open.
6. Press and hold the setup button located on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light on the front of the case turns amber and then white.
7. Reconnect your AirPods: With the AirPods still in their charging case and the lid open, hold them close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the prompts on your device’s display.
It’s crucial to note that AirPods can only be linked to one Apple Account at a time. If you wish to use AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro that have been utilized by someone else, they must first unlink the AirPods from their Apple Account.
## What about AirPods Max?
Since AirPods Max come in a distinct design, the factory reset method for these headphones differs slightly. Here’s what you need to do:
– Begin by charging them for a few minutes.
– Press and hold both the noise control button and the Digital Crown until the LED lights up amber.
– You may also reset AirPods Max to factory settings by pressing and holding the noise control button and Digital Crown for 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, followed by white.
– After resetting your AirPods Max, you can connect them to your iOS or iPadOS device, or link them to your Mac or another device.
## An update to the latest firmware might also be beneficial
Occasionally, updating your AirPods to the latest firmware may resolve any issues you are facing. Here are the most recent versions available:
– AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 7E93
– AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 7E93
– AirPods Pro 1: 6F21
– AirPods 4: 7E93
– AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: 7E93
– AirPods 3: 6F21
– AirPods 2: 6F21
– AirPods 1: 6.8.8
– AirPods Max (USB-C): 7E108
– AirPods Max (Lightning): 6F25
To check the firmware version of your AirPods, go to Settings, Bluetooth, and tap the “i” button next to the earbuds you wish to verify.
## How to update AirPods firmware?
For a number of years, there wasn’t a formal method. However, Apple now provides a support document detailing the process:
1. Ensure your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
3. Connect the charging cable to your charging case, then plug the other end into a USB charger or port.
4. Keep the charging case lid closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update.
5. Open the charging case lid to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Recheck the firmware version.
## How to remove AirPods or AirPods Pro from Apple Account
Aside from factory resetting AirPods or AirPods Pro, there are times when you may need to dissociate them from an Apple Account – whether you’re selling them or just wish to gift them. Here’s how to accomplish that:
1. Launch the Find My app, then tap the Items tab or Devices tab.
2. Select the item or device you wish to remove, then swipe up.
