From 87b63b12ff01eb5583d48c8d3cf25ed61e787cda Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Jesse Squires Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:12:04 -0800 Subject: [PATCH] [new post] airpods --- _posts/2023-11-14-fix-airpods-reset.md | 33 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 33 insertions(+) create mode 100644 _posts/2023-11-14-fix-airpods-reset.md diff --git a/_posts/2023-11-14-fix-airpods-reset.md b/_posts/2023-11-14-fix-airpods-reset.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6bb2d4c --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2023-11-14-fix-airpods-reset.md @@ -0,0 +1,33 @@ +--- +layout: post +categories: [software-dev] +tags: [airpods] +date: 2023-11-14T12:21:41-08:00 +title: How to fix malfunctioning AirPods by resetting them +--- + +A few weeks ago my AirPods Pro 2 (with Lightning, not USB-C) suddenly started acting buggy and weird. The case no longer made the chime sound when plugging them in to charge. I stopped getting "Left Behind" notifications from the Find My app. After updating to iOS 17, I could not get them to install [the latest firmware](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/09/airpods-pro-2-firmware-6b32/), which enables the new features for Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume. I had been trying for weeks to [follow the magic steps that will trigger a firmware update](https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/update-airpods/) with no luck. Even worse, after a full charge of both the AirPods and the case, the batteries for all of them would drain to zero percent within 2-3 days. + + + +I have no idea what triggered all of these issues, but my current theory is that I interrupted a firmware update that put them in an inconsistent state. But, who knows. In any case, I'm happy to report that a hard reset seems to have fixed all of these problems! If you've been experiencing any of these (or similar) issues with your AirPods, you should try resetting them. + +I found [this support guide from Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463) on how to reset your AirPods, which states _"You might need to reset your AirPods if they won't charge, or to fix a different issue."_ It isn't clear to me exactly what resetting does --- aside from the obvious steps of completely unpairing them, removing them from your iCloud account, forgetting them in your Bluetooth settings, and then repairing them. I suspect it might also restore the last-known good firmware? + +Here are the steps [from the support guide](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463): + +> 1. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid. +> 1. Wait 30 seconds. +> 1. Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears. +> 1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods]. +> 1. If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm. +> 1. If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step. +> 1. Put your AirPods in their charging case, and keep the lid open. +> 1. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white. +> 1. Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the steps on your device's screen. + +Note that on step (8), it took longer than 15 seconds for me. It was more like 30 seconds. The light on the case was initially white, and _then_ amber, then white again. Make sure you hold the button until you see the amber light, and then white. + +After following these steps, I then tried to [trigger a firmware update](https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/update-airpods/) following the random magic steps that people have experimented with to make this happen implicitly. I wish Apple would just add an "Update Firmware" button in the Settings! Anyway --- the firmware update installed successfully almost immediately and the case even chimed after it completed! + +As far as I can tell, my AirPods are as good as new.