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First try the quick connection checks; reset only if they do not work. AirPods reset controls depend on the model: most use the setup button on the back of the case, while AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use taps on the front. A successful reset is confirmed when the status light flashes amber, then white.
Try these checks before resetting
- Make sure both AirPods are in the case and charging, and that the iPhone is up to date.
- Check that Bluetooth is on. Open Control Center, tap the audio-output control, and select your AirPods if they appear. Test playback.
If the AirPods are still listed in Bluetooth settings but will not connect, forget the existing pairing before resetting.
Forget the existing iPhone pairing
- On the iPhone previously paired with the AirPods, open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Under My Devices, tap the info button next to the AirPods, then tap Forget This Device and confirm.
If the AirPods are not listed, skip this step and reset them.
Reset the AirPods using the control for your model
For the earbud models below, place both AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid before starting the model-specific sequence. If the light does not flash amber and then white, close the case for 20 seconds, reopen it, and try the matching sequence again.
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#1 Best Overall
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
AirPods 1, 2, or 3; AirPods Pro 1 or 2
- With the case open, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds.
- Wait for the status light to flash amber and then white. The white flash indicates the reset sequence has completed and the AirPods are ready to pair.
AirPods 4 (all models) or AirPods Pro 3
- With the case open, double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
- When the light flashes white, double-tap the front again.
- When the light flashes faster, double-tap the front a third time.
- Wait for the light to flash amber and then white.
AirPods Max
Do not use the earbud-case steps for AirPods Max. Apple documents a separate procedure: releasing the Digital Crown and listening-mode button when the light flashes amber restarts them; continuing until the light flashes white performs a factory reset. See Apple’s AirPods Max restart, unpair, or reset instructions.
Reconnect AirPods to the iPhone
- Leave the AirPods in their open case and hold it near the iPhone.
- Follow the onscreen setup steps.
If no setup animation appears, put the AirPods into pairing mode with the control for their model, then open Settings > Bluetooth and select the AirPods when they appear. Apple also documents a manual pairing route for iOS 27 and later.
Rank #2
Sale
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
If the AirPods still will not connect
- Check again that both AirPods are charging in the case and Bluetooth is enabled.
- In Control Center, select the audio-output control and try choosing the AirPods directly.
- For another pairing attempt, close the case for 15 seconds, reopen it, and enter pairing mode: double-tap the case front on AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3; use the rear setup button on the other earbud models covered above. Keep the open case near the iPhone and follow the prompt. If the animation is absent, select the AirPods in Settings > Bluetooth.
- If the reset light never reaches white, repeat the model-specific reset after closing the case for 20 seconds.
These steps do not establish one cause for persistent connection failures. If they do not restore the connection, contact Apple Support. If you are setting up replacement AirPods or a replacement case, use Apple’s replacement-part setup instructions; that process includes connecting the case to power and waiting 20 minutes, which is not a routine reset requirement.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with MagSafe Charging Case (Renewed)
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #4
Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case - White (Renewed)
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Rank #3
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
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