Resetting AirPods 4 works differently than resetting older AirPods. Apple changed the procedure starting with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, so the old 15‑second button hold is gone. The new method uses three quick double‑taps on the front of the case, timed with specific light flashes.
Start with a free online headphone test that checks left and right channels, stereo order, bass, and treble. For an Apple-supported check, select your AirPods using the AirPlay button in Control Center and play audio with the volume turned up.
You would reset your AirPods 4 if you are dealing with persistent connection glitches or charging problems. You can also try resetting if your AirPods still won’t update their firmware after completing the update steps, then try updating again. If you are selling them, you also need to remove them from your Apple Account through Find My. The reset starts with a 30-second wait, followed by three double‑taps timed to the status light and pairing them again.
Before You Start
Make sure the case is charged. The status light needs to be visible during the reset sequence, and a dead case won’t show the flashes that confirm success. If you are selling them, remove them from your Apple Account separately: open Find My, select the Devices tab, tap your AirPods, then swipe up. Tap Remove This Device, then tap Remove to confirm. If you are resetting to fix a glitch, leave time to re‑pair afterward.
The base AirPods 4 case uses USB‑C charging only, while the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation includes a wireless charging case that also works with Qi‑certified chargers and the Apple Watch charger. Use a USB‑C cable to recharge the case if needed. Before resetting, put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure both are charging.
Run the Double‑Tap Reset
Place both AirPods 4 into the case and close the lid for 30 seconds first. On your paired iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth. If your AirPods appear under My Devices, tap the More Info button next to them, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm. If they aren’t listed, continue to the next step. Open the lid and look at the status light on the front of the case.
While the light is on, double‑tap the front face of the case (the area right above the light, not the lid). The light should flash white in response. Now double‑tap a second time while the light is flashing white. The light will flash faster. Finally, double‑tap a third time when the light flashes faster. The light then flashes amber, then white again. That sequence, amber then white, confirms a successful factory reset.
If the status light doesn’t flash white, put your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid for 20 seconds. Open the lid and repeat the three double‑taps on the front of the case: while the light is on, when it flashes white, and when it flashes faster. Watch for amber flashes followed by white.
Confirm the Reset Worked
Check that the status light flashed amber, then white after the third double‑tap. That is the signal to reconnect your AirPods. With both AirPods in the case and the lid open, place the case close to your iPhone and follow the steps on its screen. If you are selling them, also check that you completed the separate Apple Account removal in Find My.
If your AirPods still won’t connect, make sure both AirPods are charging and Bluetooth is on. Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest software, then put both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 15 seconds, and open it again before trying to pair.
Re‑Pair to Your iPhone
After a successful reset, the AirPods 4 are ready to pair again. Hold the open case with your AirPods inside next to your iPhone until the setup animation appears. Follow the on‑screen instructions, then tap Done. Once set up with your iPhone, your AirPods connect automatically to your other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network during pairing so you can access Find My features.
If the setup card doesn’t appear, make sure Bluetooth is on in Settings > Bluetooth and your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Double‑tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white, then hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the on‑screen steps. If you bought the AirPods used, the previous owner needs to remove them from their Apple Account before you can pair them to yours.
What You’ll Need to Re‑Configure
After re‑pairing, check your personal settings. Wear your AirPods and make sure they’re connected, then open Settings and tap their name near the top of the screen. Under Press and Hold AirPods, choose Left or Right to review the stem action; if those options aren’t visible, first tap Controls & Gestures. You can also turn Automatic Ear Detection on or off, first opening Audio & Routing if needed.
If you were experiencing one earbud disconnecting, check that both AirPods are charging and your device is running the latest software. After pairing, put your AirPods in your ears, open Control Center, and tap the AirPlay button. If your AirPods appear in the list, select them and play audio with the volume turned up to check the connection. If they still won’t connect, repeat the pairing steps above, then try resetting again.