A reset clears your earbuds' saved pairings and re-syncs the left and right earbuds with each other. It often fixes pairing problems or one earbud not connecting. The exact buttons and timings differ between brands and even between models, so treat this as a general guide and confirm the steps in your manual or the brand's app.
When a reset helps
- The earbuds don't appear when you try to pair them.
- They connect, but only one side plays, or the two earbuds keep disconnecting from each other.
- They keep connecting to an old device.
- You want to pair them fresh, for example before handing them to a family member.
Before you reset
- Charge both earbuds in the case for a while, and make sure the case itself has charge.
- Remove the earbuds from every device they were paired with. On Android, open Bluetooth settings, tap the gear icon next to the earbuds and tap Forget or Unpair. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button (i) and tap Forget This Device. On Windows 11, use Remove device in Bluetooth settings; on a Mac, use Forget This Device.
- Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices you aren't using, so the earbuds don't reconnect to them during the reset.
- Check that the charging contacts on the earbuds and in the case are clean, so both earbuds sit and charge properly.
Common reset methods
Manuals usually describe one of these. Follow the one for your model.
Button on the case
With both earbuds in the case and the lid open, press and hold the case button for several seconds (often 10 seconds or more) until the light flashes in the pattern the manual describes.
Touch controls or buttons on the earbuds
Touch and hold the touch areas (or press the buttons) on both earbuds for several seconds, or tap them a set number of times, until the lights flash. Some models need the earbuds in the case for this, others outside it.
Through the companion app
Some brands place a reset or factory-settings option inside their app.
Avoid guesswork: on some models, the same press-and-hold can also switch the earbuds off or start the voice assistant.
Example: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Apple's steps for the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Case (USB-C) are:
- Put the AirPods in their charging case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
- Open the lid. If the AirPods are still listed on your iPhone, forget them as described above.
- With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front flashes amber, then white.
- Keep the lid open, hold the case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.
Some other AirPods models use a different method, so check Apple's instructions for your model.
After the reset
- Put both earbuds back in the case and close the lid for a few seconds.
- Open the case or enter pairing mode, and pair the earbuds as a new device.
- Set up your app preferences again, as a reset usually clears custom EQ and touch-control settings.
If one side still doesn't work, see One Earbud Not Working? Try These Fixes.
Quick answers
Will a reset delete my settings?
Usually, yes. Saved pairings are cleared, and custom settings such as EQ or touch controls often go back to default.
How do I know the reset worked?
Most earbuds flash a specific light pattern, which the manual describes. Afterwards, they show up as a new device ready to pair.
My earbuds have no button on the case. How do I reset them?
Usually with a touch-and-hold or tap sequence on the earbuds, or from the companion app. Check the manual for your exact model.
Need more help? Visit our Help Centre or browse wireless earbuds.
