# Complete Guide to Factory Resetting Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
If you have **AirPods** or **AirPods Pro**, you might sometimes face issues like connection difficulties, audio lags, or charging problems. You may also wish to reset them prior to giving them away. Luckily, **factory resetting** your AirPods is a simple task, and this guide will take you through the procedure for all AirPods versions, including the newest **USB-C AirPods Pro 2**.
## Reasons for Factory Resetting Your AirPods
There are various reasons for wanting to reset your AirPods or AirPods Pro:
– **Connection Problems**: If your AirPods fail to connect correctly to your devices, a reset can resolve the issue.
– **Audio or Charging Issues**: Problems with sound quality or battery life are often fixed with a reset.
– **Preparation for Transfer**: If you’re passing on your AirPods to another person, a factory reset will unlink them from your Apple ID.
No matter the model—be it the **first-generation AirPods** or the **latest USB-C AirPods Pro 2**—the resetting procedure is straightforward and efficient.
## Steps to Factory Reset AirPods or AirPods Pro
### Detailed Instructions:
1. **Place AirPods in Their Case**: Ensure both AirPods are inside the case and close the lid.
2. **Wait for 30 Seconds**: This allows the AirPods to disconnect and reset properly.
3. **Open the Lid and Place AirPods in Your Ears**: This ensures they are ready for reconnection.
4. **Access Bluetooth Settings**: On your iPhone or iPad, go to **Settings > Bluetooth**. Alternatively, navigate to **Settings > [Your AirPods]**.
– If your AirPods show as connected, tap the **More Info** button (the “i” icon) next to them, then select **Forget This Device**. Confirm your choice by tapping again.
– If your AirPods are not listed, move on to the next step.
5. **Press the Setup Button**: With the lid open, press and hold the **setup button** on the back of the charging case for approximately 15 seconds. The **status light** on the front will flash **amber**, then **white**.
6. **Reconnect Your AirPods**: With the lid still open, bring your AirPods near your iPhone or iPad. Follow the prompts on the screen to reconnect.
### Important Reminder:
AirPods can only be linked to **one Apple Account** at a time. If you’re using AirPods that were owned by another person, they must remove the AirPods from their Apple account prior to your usage.
## Factory Resetting AirPods Max
Given that **AirPods Max** come in a different design, the reset method varies slightly:
1. **Charge the AirPods Max**: Confirm they have enough battery by charging for several minutes.
2. **Press and Hold the Noise Control Button and Digital Crown**: Hold both until the **LED flashes amber**.
3. **Factory Reset**: To perform a factory reset, press and hold the **Noise Control Button** and **Digital Crown** for 15 seconds until the LED flashes **amber**, then **white**.
4. **Reconnect**: Post-reset, you can reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
## Updating AirPods Firmware
Sometimes, upgrading your AirPods to the most recent firmware can fix bugs or enhance performance. Here are the current firmware versions for various AirPods:
– **AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)**: 7A305
– **AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning)**: 7A305
– **AirPods Pro 1**: 6A326
– **AirPods 4**: 7A304
– **AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation**: 7A304
– **AirPods 3**: 6A326
– **AirPods 2**: 6A326
– **AirPods Max (USB-C)**: 7A291
– **AirPods Max (Lightning)**: 6A326
– **AirPods 1**: 6.8.8
### How to Check Your AirPods Firmware Version:
1. Open **Settings** on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to **Bluetooth**.
3. Tap the **“i”** icon next to your AirPods to check the firmware version.
### How to Update AirPods Firmware:
Although there is no official method to manually initiate AirPods firmware updates, Apple mentions that these updates are automatically applied when the AirPods are connected via Bluetooth to
