Connecting and resetting AirPods: Instructions for all Models

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Open the lid, tap „Connect,“ and you're done: Ideally, setup is that simple. If you run into problems, the right approach depends on the model. AirPods 5, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3 no longer have a setup button, and Apple specifies iOS 27 for the AirPods 5.

Apple has made the initial setup of AirPods as simple as possible. In practice, however, the automatic process still fails, for example after an update, with used AirPods, or when only one earbud plays sound. This guide follows Apple's documents on connecting, troubleshooting, and resetting and applies to all models up to the current AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2. Which model is right for you is covered in the AirPods buying guide.

Key Facts at a Glance

• AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 are paired by double-tapping the front of the case, all older models with case via the setup button.
• For pairing with the iPhone, Apple specifies iOS 27 for the AirPods 5 and iOS 26 for the AirPods Pro 3.
• A restart is recommended before resetting: Close the case and wait at least ten seconds.
• During the reset process, the status indicator first flashes yellow, then white.
• Used AirPods must be removed from the previous owner's Apple account; a reset does not replace this.

How to pair and reset different AirPods

Model	Manual coupling	Reset	Minimum required
AirPods 5 (both models)	Double-tap the case	Tap twice three times	iOS 27
AirPods 4 (all models)	Double-tap the case	Tap twice three times	iOS 18.0
AirPods Pro 3	Double-tap the case	Tap twice three times	iOS 26
AirPods Pro 2	Setup button	Setup button, about 15 seconds	iOS 16.0 (Lightning), iOS 17.0 (USB-C)
AirPods Pro 1	Setup button	Setup button, about 15 seconds	iOS 13.2
AirPods 3	Setup button	Setup button, about 15 seconds	iOS 15.1
AirPods 2	Setup button	Setup button, about 15 seconds	iOS 12.2
AirPods 1	Setup button	Setup button, about 15 seconds	iOS 10.0
AirPods Max 2	Press and hold the „Listening Mode“ button for approximately 5 seconds.	Digital Crown and „Listening Mode“ button, approximately 15 seconds	iOS 26.4
AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)	Press and hold the „Listening Mode“ button for approximately 5 seconds.	Digital Crown and „Listening Mode“ button, approximately 15 seconds	iOS 18
AirPods Max 1 (Lightning)	Press and hold the „Listening Mode“ button for approximately 5 seconds.	Digital Crown and „Listening Mode“ button, approximately 15 seconds	iOS 14.3

Connecting AirPods for the first time

The setup process is the same for models with a charging case:

1. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version and go to the home screen.
2. Open the charging case with the AirPods inside and hold it next to the iPhone.
3. Once the setup animation appears, tap „Connect“.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen and tap „Done“.

If you are signed in to iCloud, Apple will automatically set up AirPods on your other supported devices using the same Apple account.

To do this, take the AirPods Max out of the Smart Case and hold them next to the iPhone within 60 seconds until the animation appears.

Since iOS 27, AirPods settings have been organized into more clearly structured categories. When connected, they appear at the top of the Settings app, where you'll find the options and, on supported models, the equalizer.

Manually connect AirPods

If the animation doesn't appear, manual pairing will help:

1. Open the lid of the charging case while the AirPods are inside.
2. For AirPods 5, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3, double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. For all other models, press and hold the setup button on the back until it flashes white.
3. On your iPhone, open „Settings“ > „Bluetooth“ and select AirPods from the list.

On AirPods Max, press and hold the „Listening Mode“ button for about five seconds until the status light flashes white. AirPods Max 1 (USB-C) and AirPods Max 2 can also be connected to a USB-C iPhone, iPad, or Mac using a USB-C to USB-C cable. This requires the latest software and firmware, and Bluetooth should be enabled for full functionality. For devices with a headphone jack, Apple recommends the USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable.

AirPods won't connect: Here's what to do

Apple recommends a specific sequence for connection problems:

1. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest software version.
2. Place both AirPods in the charging case and check if they are charging.
3. In „Settings“ > „Bluetooth“, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
4. Insert the AirPods, open the Control Center, tap the AirPlay button and select it.
5. If they do not appear there, put them back in the case, close the lid, wait 15 seconds and open it again.
6. Manually pair the AirPods and hold the open case next to the device.
7. If that doesn't help, reset the AirPods.

Check charge level

The status indicator shows the charge level of the AirPods in the case when the lid is open. Green indicates a full charge, yellow indicates less than a full charge. If the indicator is off, the AirPods may need to be charged first.

Check firmware

According to Apple, firmware updates also include bug fixes. The version number can be found under „Settings“ > „Bluetooth“ behind the info button next to the AirPods. An update will occur automatically if the AirPods are in their closed case, the case is plugged in, and a connected Wi-Fi device remains within Bluetooth range. AirPods Max should be charged directly via cable. Allow at least 30 minutes for the update. See the guide "Update AirPods Firmware" for details.

Restart AirPods

If the device is up to date, a restart will occur, according to Apple's user manual. For AirPods and AirPods Pro, simply placing them in the charging case and closing the lid for at least ten seconds is sufficient.

AirPods Max should be at least 50 percent charged for this. On the right earbud, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Listening Mode button until the status indicator next to the charging port flashes yellow after about ten seconds. Then release immediately, because holding the buttons longer will reset the earbuds to factory settings.

Reset AirPods to factory settings

A reset is the last step if restarting and unpairing don't help.

Step 1: Unpair AirPods

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info button next to your AirPods, then tap „Forget This Device“ and confirm. This removes the AirPods from all devices using the same Apple account. If they are not listed, skip to step 2.

Step 2: Reset depending on the model

AirPods 1, 2, 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Place AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes yellow and then white.

AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Pro 3: Place the AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and double-tap the front of the AirPods while the status light is illuminated. Double-tap again when it flashes white, and a third time when it flashes faster. The reset is complete when it flashes yellow and then white.

If the indicator on these models does not blink white, place the AirPods in the closed case for 20 seconds and repeat the process.

AirPods Max: On the right earbud, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Listening Mode button for about 15 seconds until the flashing status indicator changes from yellow to white.

Step 3: Reconnect

Hold the open case with the AirPods next to the device and follow the instructions on the screen. The AirPods Max will connect as they did the first time.

Only one AirPod connects

If only one earbud is playing, Apple's instructions specify the following order:

1. Check if the charging case is fully charged.
2. According to Apple, the charging port of the case should be cleaned with a clean, dry brush with soft bristles.
3. Place both AirPods in the case and charge for 30 seconds.
4. Open the case next to the iPhone or iPad and check if both AirPods are charging.
5. Insert the silent AirPod, leave the other one in the closed case and play audio.
6. If you hear sound, put both earbuds back in the case for 30 seconds and test again. If there's still no sound, reset the AirPods.

If the iPhone reports "AirPods Don't Match" or "AirPods Mismatch," the problem lies elsewhere. In that case, the earbuds come from different generations, belong to another person, or are still paired with a different Apple Account. In the Find My app, you can play a sound to locate the wrong AirPod.

Connecting AirPods to a new iPhone

If you're signed in to iCloud on your new iPhone with the same Apple account and it's running the required iOS version, your AirPods should be ready automatically. If that doesn't work, pair them manually first. You can find all the other information about transferring data to a new iPhone in the guide.

Connect or sell used AirPods

AirPods can only be paired with one Apple account at a time. If a message about this appears during setup, the Find My lock is in effect. This lock cannot be removed by resetting the AirPods or by Apple; the previous owner must remove the AirPods from their account themselves.

This is done in the Find My app: in the "Devices" tab, select the AirPods and tap "Remove This Device." Alternatively, it works via icloud.com/find. A Bluetooth connection is not required for this, but can speed up the process. Anyone selling their own AirPods should complete this step before handing them over.

If the lock cannot be removed, Apple still recommends resetting the AirPods. While they still cannot be paired with your account, they will no longer share your location with the previous owner.

Connecting AirPods to non-Apple devices

AirPods also work with Android devices and other Bluetooth devices, but then as a simple Bluetooth headset. Listening and speaking work, but Siri does not.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the device; on Android, this is usually under „Settings“ > „Connections“ > „Bluetooth“.
2. Open the case and, depending on the model, double-tap or hold the setup button until the status light flashes white. For AirPods Max, hold the Listening Mode button for about five seconds.
3. Select the AirPods from the Bluetooth list.

A reset is rarely the first solution

I would really only try the reset as a last resort. Apple's own sequence includes charging, restarting in the case, and manual pairing before that, and after the reset, the setup process starts from scratch, and any custom settings are lost. It won't unlock used AirPods.

The bigger pitfall lies in the newer models. Those looking for the setup button will find it's no longer present on the AirPods 5, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3. Furthermore, Apple specifies iOS 27 for pairing the AirPods 5 with an iPhone; with older software or other devices, they only function as Bluetooth headphones with limited functionality. Therefore, check before purchasing whether your iPhone supports the required version.

Where do you most often encounter problems: pairing, the silent second earbud, or double-tapping the case? Let us know in the comments which step helped with your model.

Frequently Asked Questions: Connecting and resetting AirPods