If you’re having trouble with AirPods Max connecting to your iPhone and other devices or experiencing other issues, there are a couple of solutions to try. Follow along for how to reboot and reset AirPods Max.
AirPods Max don’t have a dedicated power button, so there’s no option to power cycle them like you would an iPhone, iPad, or more traditional device.
However, Apple’s made it easy to force reboot or reset AirPods Max if you’re having connectivity or other problems with the headphones.
How to reboot and reset AirPods Max
Force reboot
- The least invasive step is to reboot your AirPods Max
- Press and hold the Digital Crown and the Noise control button until you see the status light flashes amber (on the bottom of the same earcup)
- Hold your AirPods Max upside down to easily keep an eye on the status light
Reset AirPods Max to factory settings
If rebooting didn’t solve your issue, here’s how to reset them:
Hold your AirPods Max upside down to easily keep an eye on the status light
Apple says before resetting AirPods Max to factory settings, charge them “for a few minutes”
Press and hold the Digital Crown and the Noise control button for 15 seconds
Hold your AirPods Max upside down to easily keep an eye on the status light
You should see the status light flash amber, then white (on the bottom of the same earcup)
After successfully resetting AirPods Max, you can repair them with your iPhone and other devices
Also, if you’re hoping the latest AirPods Max firmware update might help with battery life issues, check out more on that in our coverage here:
- Apple releases AirPods Max firmware update as users complain of battery drain issues
Also, here are some further tips on getting the elusive firmware to install:
- How to use the Magic Keyboard shortcuts on the iPad Air and iPad Pro
- 7 tips and tricks for typing faster and more accurately on your iPhone
- iPhone: How to improve Face ID with a mask, including new Apple Watch Unlock feature
A new firmware is out for AirPods Max. To get them to update:
1 – Connect to your iPhone2 – Listen to audio for at least 30 seconds3 – Pause playback, then put the AirPods Max in the Smart Case4 – Plug the AirPods Max into power and leave both AirPods Max and iPhone nearby
— AirBuddy (@airbuddyapp) March 10, 2021