How to use hidden reset Apple AirPods when they are finicky

Bluetooth headphones work fine on their own. Unfortunately, it can happen that they are a bit finicky. If a simple shutdown/restore is not enough, a hidden reset must be used.

When our electronic devices get a little finicky, a simple restart can often get things right. However, not all of our gadgets necessarily have an on / off button. For example, AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones and earbuds don’t offer an obvious way to force a restart. But if your Apple AirPods aren’t working properly, you can use the hidden feature to get it all started.

Usually, you don’t need to worry about performing such a restart on headphones or Bluetooth headphones. Sometimes, when these errors fail, a simple disconnect/repair of AirPods and iPhone is enough to put everything back in place.

Unfortunately, it may happen that this does not solve all your worries. Sometimes the device still cannot detect AirPods. Other times, AirPods keep turning off. Which can be very annoying.

How to restart AirPods, Beats and other Bluetooth headphones

Take the AirPods case. In order to force a restart, you must first disconnect them from your device. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Bluetooth settings, tap (i) next to your AirPods, scroll down and select “Forget this device”then “Forget device”in the confirmation window. On a Mac, go to Bluetooth in System Preferences, right-click AirPods, and select Uninstall.

Now put the AirPods back into the charging case. Press and hold the button on the case, leaving the lid open for about 15 seconds. You should see the indicator turn orange and flash three times. Then release the button, the indicator will turn white, indicating that the AirPods are ready to pair again.

The process is the same with Beats headphones; unpair the device, place them in the case, hold the button for 15 seconds or until the indicator turns red.

On the other hand, things are a little different for AirPods Max. You still have to unpair, but instead of holding down the button for 15 seconds, you have to hold down the Digital Crown and the noise control buttons for 15 seconds until the LED flashes orange.