How to Reset AirPods Max Like an Apple Genius

Resetting Apple AirPods Max
Resetting Apple AirPods Max

Here’s your one-stop guide on how to reset AirPods Max like a pro!

The ground-breaking AirPods Max, Apple’s first wireless over-ear headphones, are one of Apple’s biggest innovation in the AirPods line in recent times. However, like most tech devices, these premium headphones are not immune to performance issues.

And, like most tech, restarting and resetting the headphones usually solves a variety of issues, such as inconsistent connectivity, low volume, and similar problems. But how do you do that?

The minimalist design of the AirPods Max and the lack of some traditional features – such as a dedicated power button – are bound to confuse some users. Especially, as a new user, if you don’t know how to reset your AirPods, the problems you experience with your headphones will persist — rendering them unusable.

We understand that, and we’re here to save you the hassle of trying to find out these answers all by yourself. Here’s a handy guide on how you can reset AirPods Max without having to contact Apple Support (just yet). Let’s dive in!

The Difference Between Restarting and Resetting Your Airpods Max

Restarting refers to the action of turning a device off and on again to start on a clean slate. This simple action helps remove temporary memory logs or caches in your AirPods Max’s firmware that may be causing the problems.

Meanwhile, a factory reset or hard reset pertains to deleting all the device’s data. This can solve major software issues by restoring a device to its default out-of-the-factory state.

A restart can also be called a “soft reset” or “reboot”, as used by Apple in their manuals. In their manuals, Apple also uses the term “reset” to refer to factory resetting the AirPods Max. This discussion will use the terms “restart” and “reset” to refer to rebooting and factory resetting, respectively, for ease of understanding.

In the case of AirPods Max, a restart is a quick way to address problems like sound quality drops and inconsistent Transparency Mode.

On the other hand, a reset deletes all the data to restore the headphones’ software to a version that is free from issues. After resetting, you’ll need to spend some valuable time pairing the headphones again and restoring your preferred settings.

When troubleshooting your AirPods Max, we recommend that you restart the headphones first. Restarting is much simpler and can save you the hassle of going through the more tedious – and admittedly risky – process of resetting.

How to Restart AirPods Max

Today, most headphones are restarted or reset by pressing the power button for several seconds. However, the AirPods Max use different ways of doing so, which have been discussed below.

For the uninitiated, the Digital Crown and the Noise Control button are the two parts of the AirPods Max that initiate restarting or resetting. The Digital Crown is the circular dial beside the headband of the headphones. Meanwhile, the Noise Control button is the round rectangle button near the headband of the AirPods Max.

AirPods Max Buttons (From: Unsplash)
AirPods Max Buttons (From: Unsplash)
The Digital Crown is mainly used to make the AirPods louder, whereas the Noise Control button lets users switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.

Here’s how to reboot your AirPods Max:

  1. Press and hold the Noise Control Button and the Digital Crown for around 12 seconds.

    Noise Control Button and the Digital Crown on AirPods Max (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLCqZM0Zbt4
    Noise Control Button and the Digital Crown on AirPods Max (From: Youtube/Unboxingalism)
  2. Release the buttons once the AirPods Max’s LED flashes amber.

    AirPods Max amber status light (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)
    AirPods Max amber status light (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)

Do not hold the buttons for too long, or you’ll reset your headphones instead, and you’ll have to re-pair them
.

The following section will discuss the process of resetting better.

How to Reset AirPods Max

The process of resetting AirPods Max is similar to restarting. The main difference between the two processes is that you’ll need to hold the Noise Control Button and the Digital Crown 3 seconds longer to initiate a reset. If your goal is only to restart the headphones, keep your eye on the LED light.

If your AirPods Max suddenly turn off during a factory reset, you’ll risk corrupting the firmware of the headphones. As a rule of thumb, make sure that your battery is at least 50% power or higher before resetting.

Here’s how to reset your AirPods Max:

  1. Press and hold the Noise Control Button and the Digital Crown and wait for the LED light to turn amber.

    Rebooting AirPods Max (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)
    Rebooting AirPods Max (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)
  2. Wait three more seconds and release the buttons once the LED light turns white.

    Status light turns to white (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)
    Status light turns to white (From: Youtube/Unboxingaliism)

What if You Can’t Reset AirPods Max?

Resetting is the go-to solution for AirPods Max owners whenever they experience issues with the headphones. But what if you have a problem resetting the headphones?

Surprisingly, problems with resetting AirPods Max are not that uncommon. In many cases, the LED light never turns white, even after pressing and holding the buttons for more than 15 seconds. If you’re experiencing this, the best way forward is to contact Apple Support.

You can also try cleaning your AirPods Max to cover all bases.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Apple Support page and click on AirPods.

    Apple Support page
    Apple Support page
  2. Click More.

    More AirPods options
    More AirPods options
  3. Scroll down and type in your problem regarding resetting your AirPods Max.

    Typing the main problem on Apple Support
    Typing the main problem on Apple Support
  4. Choose between two options from Apple Support: chat or call.

    Choosing Apple Support communication options
    Choosing Apple Support communication options

After contacting Apple Support, depending on the severity of your case, you might get your AirPods Max replaced or repaired. After using Apple Support services, Apple will extend your warranty for 90 more days or the remaining term of your warranty — whichever is longer.

Conclusion

The AirPods Max headphones, while fabulous and convenient to use, are not perfect. From time to time, you’ll likely experience issues — some minor, some not — with these headphones.

Hopefully, with the tips we’ve shared in this article, basic troubleshooting will no longer be a problem. You’ll be able to solve most of your issues by performing a restart, and even a reset, where needed. This way, you’ll be able to use your AirPods Max with your devices anytime, anywhere, and without any glitch. You can be your own Apple Genius!

Were you able to successfully reset your AirPods Max? How did resetting help you? Comment down below to talk to us!

1 comment

  1. nice one, this will defend my headphones once the lizard hivemind takes over. I can kill all the reptilians I want while listening to wicked songs. Thanks again.

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