How do I factory reset and rename my AirPods?

Factory resetting your AirPods can help resolve connectivity or pairing issues. It erases all stored settings and returns them to their default factory settings. Renaming your AirPods allows you to customize them and helps identify them if you have multiple sets. Resetting and renaming AirPods is quick and easy to do through your Bluetooth settings.

When to Factory Reset AirPods

Below are some common reasons you may want to reset your AirPods:

• You’re experiencing pairing issues or connection problems
• One AirPod isn’t working properly but the other is fine
• Your AirPods are experiencing audio quality or volume issues
• You want to use your AirPods with a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac
• You’re selling or gifting your AirPods and want to erase personal data

Resetting your AirPods essentially gives them a fresh start, which often resolves many minor glitches or bugs. It’s one of the first troubleshooting steps to try if you’re having problems.

How to Factory Reset AirPods

You’ll find the reset option in your Bluetooth settings on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac your AirPods are paired with. Here are the steps:

On iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
3. Scroll down and tap Forget This Device.
4. Open the lid on your AirPods case and hold down the button on the back until the status light flashes amber, then white. This resets them.
5. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open it again. The AirPods will be in pairing mode.
6. On your iPhone or iPad, go back to Bluetooth settings. Your AirPods should appear, ready to pair. Tap them.

On Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Bluetooth.
2. Hover over your AirPods and click the “x” icon to remove them.
3. Open the lid on your AirPods case and hold down the button on the back until the status light flashes amber, then white. This resets them.
4. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open it again. The AirPods will be in pairing mode.
5. Go back to Bluetooth settings on your Mac. Your AirPods should appear, ready to pair. Click Connect.

That’s all there is to it! Your AirPods are now reset to their factory settings and ready to use.

How to Rename AirPods

Along with resetting your AirPods, you can give them a custom name. This can help identify them if you have multiple pairs. Here’s how to rename them on iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

On iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods and tap the “i” icon next to them.
3. Tap Name and enter the name you want.

On Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Bluetooth.
2. Hover over your AirPods and click the “i” icon.
3. Type the new name in the Name field and hit Enter.

The name you give your AirPods will now appear whenever they are visible for pairing. This makes it easy to identify them if you own multiple sets.

Tips for Resetting and Renaming

Here are some handy tips for resetting and renaming your AirPods smoothly:

• Reset both AirPods, not just one. Factory resetting applies to both earbuds.
• You may need to reset your charging case too. Hold down the button on back until the status light blinks amber, then white.
• Your AirPods automatically reconnect after resetting. There’s no need to re-pair unless you’re switching devices.
• Give your AirPods unique names like “John’s AirPods” or “AirPods Pro 2” to identify them.
• Reset your AirPods before selling or gifting them to wipe your personal data.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having issues resetting or renaming your AirPods, here are some troubleshooting suggestions:

Issue	Fix
AirPods won’t reset	Check that both AirPods are in the case when resetting. Make sure you hold the reset button long enough until the light flashes. Try resetting the charging case too.
AirPods not appearing for pairing	Close the lid for 30 seconds after resetting, then reopen. On your device, turn Bluetooth off and back on to refresh. Update your device’s software in case of bugs.
AirPods reconnect to old device	On old device, tap Forget This Device to unpair them. Reset AirPods again after unpairing. Pair to new device immediately after resetting.
Can’t rename AirPods	Make sure your AirPods firmware is up-to-date. Try rebooting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Reset your AirPods and pair them again.

Following these troubleshooting tips should help get your AirPods reset and renamed if you encounter any issues during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods lose their charge when you reset them?

No, resetting your AirPods does not affect the charge level. However, you should check that they have sufficient charge before resetting in case the battery runs out during the process.

Can you reset AirPods without a device?

No, you need an iPhone, iPad or Mac paired to your AirPods in order to be able to reset them via the Bluetooth settings menu. There is no manual reset button on the AirPods themselves.

Do AirPods reset when you reset your iPhone?

No, factory resetting your iPhone does not also reset paired AirPods. You have to manually reset the AirPods through the Bluetooth settings menu if desired.

Why do my AirPods have a different name after resetting?

If your AirPods show a strange name after being reset, like “My AirPods” or a string of numbers and letters, that means the default name has reverted. Simply rename them again in Bluetooth settings.

How do I reset AirPods Pro or 3rd gen AirPods?

Resetting any AirPods model is the same process. Open the case, hold the button on the back until the light flashes, and use Bluetooth settings to pair again. The process works on all generations of AirPods.

Conclusion

Factory resetting and renaming AirPods is a straightforward process that can be done in just a couple of minutes through your device’s Bluetooth settings menu. Resetting clears out bugs and glitches, while custom naming helps identify your AirPods. Remember to reset both earbuds at the same time and re-pair them to your device afterwards for best results.