So you’ve tried resetting your AirPods or AirPods Pro in their charging case by holding down the setup button for a few seconds, but the AirPods won’t reset. You’ve tried a couple more times but the status light never flashes amber.
This shows that there is a problem.
We understand how frustrating and unsettling this can be, that’s why we’ve recommended a couple of fixes that would hopefully help you enjoy the clear, loud and rich sound delivered by Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro without any glitches.
Now let’s look at these solutions in greater depth.
Solution 1: Clean Charging Case and AirPods
Check and clean the point where the AirPods make contact with the charging case. Dirt accumulated overtime may restrict communication between your AirPods and point that makes contact with the charging case.
We recommend cleaning your AirPods from time to time. You don’t have to wait until there is a problem before doing this. Cleaning sometimes fixes the problem assuming the charging case and the AirPods are not faulty.
You could use a cotton wipe to clean the contacts in the bottom of the AirPods’ charging case. A soft, dry, lint-free cloth is acceptable, too. Using a little alcohol to clean the contact points won’t hurt.
After cleaning, place the AirPods in the charging case and try resetting. This should fix the problem. If this doesn’t work, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Let AirPods’ Battery Run Dry and Charge AirPods from Scratch
Resetting AirPods entails holding down the setup button for few seconds. However, if you’ve done this without getting the desired result, try letting the AirPods’ battery run dry. Now place the AirPods in the charging case, close the case and charge.
Sometimes, letting the charging case battery run dry and charging it fully solves the problem, too.
Just know: When it runs dry, the charging case can juice the AirPods back up in about 20 to 30 minutes. Again, a fully charged case can recharge your AirPods approximately three to four times.
Now try resetting the AirPods or AirPods Pro – the amber light should appear. This solves the problem for most people.
Solution 3: Replace Charging Case
If your charging case is faulty, your AirPods won’t reset. We recommend inspecting the AirPod’s charging case thoroughly to be sure that the AirPod isn’t faulty, or the chip that makes contact with the AirPods or AirPods Pro isn’t corroded. Check left and right internals.
It’s worth nothing that if one of your AirPods is faulty (say, the left AirPods) and your charging case has no issues, your AirPods won’t reset. So your AirPods and the charging case must be in good working condition for reset to work.
Solution 4: Make Sure AirPods are Properly Seated in the Charging Case
Examine the AirPods’ charging case and make sure the AirPods are properly seated in the case without obstructions. We recommend pushing the AirPods all the way into the case.
Sometimes, removing the AirPods from the charging case and putting it back after some time fixes this problem.
Be sure to place both AirPods or AirPods Pro in the case before resetting.
Solution 5: Delete AirPods’ Bluetooth Profile and Re-pair
One common solution to AirPods won’t reset is deleting the AirPods Bluetooth profile and re-pairing the AirPods to your devices.
Using the “forget this device” option and re-pairing fixes the problem most times. Be sure to “forget” both AirPods.
Solution 6: Try Different AirPods
To rule out faulty AirPods or AirPods Pro as a possible cause for this problem, we recommend borrowing a friend’s AirPods and resetting the AirPods. If you’re able to reset the AirPods you borrowed, then yours might be faulty. A defective AirPod won’t reset.
Solution 7: Contact Apple Support
If all else fails and none of this helps, you might consider reaching out to Apple support. Apple has trained technicians who have handled this issue in the past. So they will hopefully proffer a solution.
It might take some time for the manufacturer to assess the problem, fix and ship the AirPods back to you. But the wait is worth it.
You may get a new pair if your warranty has not expired.
AirPods Won’t Reset FAQs
How do I force AirPods to Reset?
To reset your AirPods, place them in the charging case and hold down the setup button until the status light starts flashing amber a few times and then flashes white. You’ve reset your AirPods. You have to re-pair your AirPods to your devices to use them once more.
Why won’t my AirPods stop flashing white?
A white flashing light implies that your AirPods are ready to connect to your iPad, iPhone, Mac, or other compatible devices. A solid white light indicates an issue with communication between your AirPods and the charging case.
Why are my AirPods failing to connect?
Your AirPods won’t connect if they are not charged, or if Bluetooth isn’t turned on. Of course, naturally, your AirPods won’t connect if they are defective.
Why are my AirPods’ lights flashing orange?
An orange flashing implies that you need to setup your AirPods. A solid orange light indicates that your AirPods’ battery is very low and needs to be juiced up.
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at why AirPods won’t reset and proffered solutions that would hopefully help you enjoy your Apple AirPods without any problems. If your AirPods won’t reset, one of the fixes we’ve recommended should help you resolve the problem. We hope this helps.
