How to Reset Your AirPods

Pairing problems, one side not syncing, or a replacement AirPod that won't connect? A factory reset fixes most of it. Find your model below, watch the video, and follow the steps.

Before you reset: on your iPhone go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i) next to your AirPods, and tap Forget This Device. Then put both AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.

AirPods Pro 3

No button on this case — the reset is done by double-tapping the front of the case.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
3. Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
4. Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
5. When the light flashes amber, then white, the reset is done — hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.
6. Pro 3 quirk: after the reset, leave the case open for about 30 seconds — pairing starts on its own after that pause. Don't close the lid right away.
7. No white flash? Close the lid for 20 seconds and run the taps again.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods Pro 3 reset video

AirPods Pro 2

This case has a setup button on the back — the reset is a long press.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
3. Keep holding until the status light flashes amber, then white.
4. Release — the reset is done. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods Pro 2 reset video

AirPods Pro 1

Same back-button reset as the Pro 2 — one long press.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
3. Keep holding until the status light flashes amber, then white.
4. Release — the reset is done. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods Pro 1 reset video

AirPods 5 (both models)

Same double-tap reset as the Pro 3 — tap the front of the case.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
3. Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
4. Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
5. When the light flashes amber, then white, the reset is done — hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.
6. No white flash? Close the lid for 20 seconds and run the taps again.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods 5 reset video

AirPods 4 (with ANC and without ANC)

Same double-tap reset — tap the front of the case, just below the status light.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
3. Double-tap again when the status light flashes white.
4. Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
5. When the light flashes amber, then white, the reset is done — hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.
6. No white flash? Close the lid for 20 seconds and run the taps again.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods 4 reset video

AirPods 3

This case uses the setup button on the back — the reset is a long press.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
3. Keep holding until the status light flashes amber, then white.
4. Release — the reset is done. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods 3 reset video

AirPods 2 (and AirPods 1)

Same back-button reset — one long press. On the wired charging case, the status light is inside the case, between the AirPods.

1. Open the lid with both AirPods in the case.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
3. Keep holding until the status light flashes amber, then white.
4. Release — the reset is done. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.

Q: I'm getting an "AirPods Mismatch" error on my phone — what do I do?

That means the two AirPods aren't on matching firmware yet — common with a single replacement AirPod. The fix:

1. Delete them from your phone: Settings > Bluetooth, tap the (i), then Forget This Device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case together, close the lid, plug the case in, and leave them together at least 30 minutes — they need time side by side to sync and match firmware.
3. Do one full reset using the steps above, then pair again.

Patience is the key — if the error comes back, they haven't finished matching yet. Leave them together longer and run the reset once more.

🎥 Watch the AirPods 2 reset video

Still not syncing?

Make sure both AirPods and the case have some charge, and that you're using the correct case for your model — different generations don't cross-pair. Check our Compatibility Guide if you're not sure which model you have, or reach us any time at support@jays-electronics.com — every part we sell is covered by a 1-year warranty.