You can restart your Apple AirPods and it's important to do it every now and then
Published on Jun 18, 2026 at 5:41 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jun 25, 2026 at 5:09 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Apple AirPods have become one of the most popular gadgets on the planet, but many users don’t realize they can actually be restarted just like a smartphone or computer.
While most people only think about resetting their AirPods when something goes wrong, a simple restart can often solve minor glitches before they become bigger problems.
The process takes just a few seconds and could save you the hassle of reconnecting your earbuds to all your devices.
It’s one of the easiest troubleshooting tricks every owner of Apple’s headphones should know.
Why restarting your Apple AirPods can fix common issues
Most modern gadgets rely on software to operate smoothly, and AirPods are no different.
Over time, small software bugs can appear that affect features such as noise cancellation, audio playback, or Bluetooth connectivity, but a restart essentially refreshes the system without deleting any settings or connections.
Unlike a factory reset, restarting your AirPods keeps all your existing Bluetooth pairings and Apple Account connections intact, making it the quickest first step when troubleshooting.
Many common complaints, including AirPods refusing to connect, random disconnections, or audio glitches, can sometimes be resolved with a simple restart before moving on to more drastic fixes.
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How do I do it?
If you own standard AirPods or the Pro version, restarting them couldn’t be easier.
Simply place both earbuds inside their charging case and leave them there for at least 10 seconds.
Once you take them back out, the system will have restarted, and any temporary software hiccups may be cleared, but for the Max version, the process is slightly different.
Users need to press and hold both the Digital Crown and the noise control button at the same time.
After around 10 seconds, the LED status light will flash amber, indicating the headphones have restarted.
It’s important to release the buttons as soon as the amber light appears, otherwise the headphones could begin a full factory reset instead.
If restarting doesn’t solve the problem, the next steps include unpairing and reconnecting the AirPods, updating firmware, or performing a full factory reset as a last resort.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
