Why won’t my replacement AirPod pair?

A replacement AirPod usually will not pair for one of a few reasons: the model does not match, one earbud is not charging, the AirPods need to be set up again, or the replacement is still associated with another Apple Account. Work through the checks below in order before assuming the replacement is faulty.

Check your AirPods model first

1. Check that the replacement is the correct model

Start with the model number printed on the AirPod, not just the generation name. AirPods from different generations can look very similar, but they are not automatically compatible with each other.

For example, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation use different earbud and charging-case model numbers. AirPods Pro 2 also has separate Lightning and USB-C versions.

2. Make sure both AirPods are charging

Place both AirPods in the charging case and make sure each earbud is actually charging. A replacement that is not making contact with the case may not be ready to pair.

• Place both earbuds firmly in the case.
• Close the lid briefly, then reopen it.
• Check the charge status on your iPhone or iPad where possible.
• If one side does not show a charge, inspect the case for debris and make sure the earbud is seated correctly.

3. Try pairing again

Make sure Bluetooth is switched on, then place both AirPods in the charging case. Close the lid for about 15 seconds and open it again.

AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3

With the lid open, double-tap the front of the charging case until the status light flashes white. Hold the open case near your device and follow the onscreen setup instructions.

AirPods 1, 2, 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2

With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white. Hold the open case near your device and follow the onscreen instructions.

4. Remove the old connection and reconnect

If the AirPods still appear in Bluetooth but will not connect correctly, remove the old connection before setting them up again.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and go to Bluetooth.
2. Tap the information button next to your AirPods.
3. Choose Forget This Device and confirm.
4. Return both AirPods to the case and reconnect them using the correct pairing method for your model.

5. Reset the AirPods

If pairing again does not work, a full reset can clear the existing setup. The reset method is different on newer AirPods.

AirPods 1, 2, 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2

1. Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
2. Forget the AirPods in Bluetooth if they still appear there.
3. Open the case lid.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber and then white.
5. Keep the lid open, hold the case near your device and follow the onscreen steps.

AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3

1. Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
2. Forget the AirPods in Bluetooth if they still appear there.
3. Open the case lid.
4. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on.
5. Double-tap again when the light flashes white.
6. Double-tap a third time when the light flashes faster.
7. When the light flashes amber and then white, hold the open case near your device and follow the onscreen steps.

6. Check for an Apple Account or Find My message

AirPods that are associated with another Apple Account may show an alert during setup or appear as mismatched in Find My. For Find My features, AirPods can be associated with only one Apple Account at a time.

If a ReSet replacement shows a message saying it is linked to another Apple Account, take a screenshot of the message and contact Product Issue Support. Do not keep repeating the reset process, because a reset does not remove an existing Apple Account association.

7. Give an incomplete setup a moment to finish

Sometimes only one earbud pairs at first or Find My reports that setup is incomplete. Keep both AirPods together in the charging case, make sure your device software is up to date, and allow a few minutes for the setup to complete before starting over.

Apple, AirPods and AirPods Pro are trademarks of Apple Inc. ReSet is independently operated and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Apple Inc.