Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case

When you get your replacement AirPods earbuds or charging case, follow these steps to use your AirPods again on your iPhone or iPad.

If you bought new AirPods, set your AirPods up as new.

Set up your replacement AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, or a replacement charging case

  1. Put both AirPods in your charging case.

  2. Connect the case to power, close the lid and wait 20 minutes.

  3. Open the lid, then do one of the following:

    • If the status light flashes white, go to step 5.

    • If the status light doesn't flash white, continue to the next step.

  4. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. If the status light still doesn't flash white, learn what to do.

    AirPods Pro in their case with the lid open and the back button held down.

  5. With the status light flashing white, close the lid of your charging case.

  6. Before tapping Connect on the setup animation that appears on screen, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then do the following:

    • If your AirPods appear in Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm. Continue to the next step.

    • If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step.

  7. Open the lid, then go to the Home Screen on your iPhone or iPad.

  8. In the setup animation, tap Connect, then tap Done. AirPods are ready for use.

Set up your replacement AirPods 4 (all models) or a replacement charging case

  1. Put both AirPods in your charging case.

  2. Connect the case to power, close the lid and wait 20 minutes.

  3. Open the lid, then do one of the following:

    • If the status light flashes white, go to step 5.

    • If the status light doesn't flash white, continue to the next step.

  4. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on, double-tap again when the status light flashes white, then double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster. When the status light flashes amber then flashes white, proceed to the next step. If the status light still doesn't flash white, learn what to do.

    AirPods 4 in their case with the lid open.

  5. With the status light flashing white, close the lid of your charging case.

  6. Before tapping Connect on the setup animation that appears on screen, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then do the following:

    • If your AirPods appear in Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm. Continue to the next step.

    • If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step.

  7. Open the lid, then go to the Home Screen on your iPhone or iPad.

  8. In the setup animation, tap Connect, then tap Done. AirPods are ready for use.

Learn more

Identify your AirPods

Replace your AirPods or charging case

Published Date: