How to reset AirPods to factory settings

AirPods can be incredibly convenient, switching automagically between devices linked to the same iCloud account. All of this personalization is great, until you're interested in giving away or selling your AirPods to someone else. Luckily there's a simple way to wipe your AirPods clean and restore them to factory settings.

Once the AirPods are reset, they will no longer be associated with your iCloud account, or retain any personal data. To reset AirPods to default settings, follow these steps:

1. Put both AirPods in the charging case, and leave them alone for 30 seconds
2. Open the charging case lid
3. On an Apple device previously paired with the AirPods, such as an iPhone: Navigate to Settings -> Bluetooth
4. Tap the blue "i" button next to your Airpods and choose Forget This Device, then confirm
5. Press the Bluetooth paring button on the back of the case, and hold it for 15 seconds or longer. Make sure the lid stays open. The Bluetooth pairing button is the small, white button that is flush with the case
6. Either the light on the front of the wireless charging case, or the light inside the AirPods case will flash white, then amber. This confirms that the AirPods have been reset

Your AirPods are now starting from scratch, which means they will no longer recognize your iCloud-linked devices. The AirPods can be paired with a new device just as if they were purchased from the Apple store for the first time.