How to reboot and reset AirPods Max to fix strange glitches

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How to reset AirPods Max
Get your AirPods Max working normally again.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Are your AirPods Max malfunctioning? Most problems can be fixed with a simple reboot or reset. We’ll show you the steps you need to follow when your pricey headphones start acting up.

Like other AirPods — and indeed most wireless devices — AirPods Max can suffer strange connectivity issues and weird streaming glitches from time to time. But there’s not need to panic; they’re likely absolutely fine.

A simple reboot or reset is usually all it takes to restore normal operation. And fortunately for you, both processes are fairly quick and simple.

How to reboot AirPods Max

The first thing you’ll want to try when your AirPods Max aren’t acting quite right is a reboot. It’s the quickest option, and it won’t reset anything. Your existing Bluetooth connections will remain intact.

Just follow these steps to reboot AirPods Max:

  1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button until the status light on the bottom of the right ear cup flashes amber.
  2. Wait for your headphones to boot up again.
How to reset AirPods Max: Press and hold the Digital Crown and noise control button
Press and hold the Digital Crown and noise control button.
Photo: Apple

Once this process is complete, you can continue using your AirPods Max as normal. You won’t need to reconnect any of your devices. If this doesn’t fix your AirPods Max problems, however, you’ll need to perform a restore.

How to reset AirPods Max

A reset is a little more invasive; it returns your AirPods Max to factory settings, unpairs them from your iCloud account, and wipes all the devices you’ve connected. But it is the best way to fix common glitches.

Follow these steps to reset AirPods Max:

  1. Charge your AirPods Max for a few minutes to ensure they have enough battery life for a complete reset.
  2. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the noise control button for 15 seconds until the status light on the bottom of the right ear cup flashes amber and then white.
  3. Wait for your headphones to reset and then boot up again.

Once this process is complete, you can set up AirPods Max again as if they were brand-new. Reconnect them to your Apple devices (and any non-Apple devices) to continue using your headphones as normal.

Still got problems?

If a complete reset doesn’t fix the problems you’ve been experiencing with AirPods Max, you may have a more serious fault. You’ll need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

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