Quick Answer

To reset Bluetooth headphones, first forget them in every phone, tablet, or computer they have used. Turn the headphones on, then hold the model’s reset button combination—often Power plus Volume, or a case button for earbuds—until the indicator flashes. Re-pair them as a new device and test audio, calls, and automatic reconnection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Know when a reset is necessary

A reset returns many Bluetooth headphones to their original pairing state. It usually clears stored Bluetooth connections, removes connection settings, and resolves software glitches. A reset is useful when:

– The headphones will not enter pairing mode.

– They connect to the wrong phone or repeatedly disconnect.

– One earbud works while the other does not.

– Audio cuts out even after charging and restarting.

– A phone or computer cannot find the headphones.

– You are giving the headphones to another person.

– The headphones remain linked to an old device that is unavailable.

– A firmware update or companion-app change caused unusual behavior.

A reset is not always the first step. If the battery is empty, the charging contacts are dirty, or the headphones are outside Bluetooth range, resetting will not solve the underlying problem.

2. Charge and restart the headphones

Charge the headphones or earbuds before resetting. A low battery can prevent a reset combination from working or interrupt the process.

For over-ear and on-ear headphones:

  • Disconnect the charging cable unless the manufacturer specifically says to keep it connected.
  • Turn the headphones off.
  • Wait approximately 30 seconds.
  • Turn them on again and try pairing mode.

For true wireless earbuds:

  • Place both earbuds in the charging case.
  • Confirm that the case has power.
  • Clean dirt or earwax from the charging contacts.
  • Close the lid for about 30 seconds, then open it.

A simple power cycle can fix temporary firmware or Bluetooth-state errors without deleting saved connections.

3. Remove the headphones from connected devices

Before or immediately after resetting, remove the headphones from every device that may reconnect automatically. Otherwise, an old phone, tablet, laptop, or television can interrupt the setup process.

On an iPhone or iPad:

  • Open Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Tap the information button beside the headphones.
  • Select Forget This Device.
  • Confirm the removal.

On Android:

  • Open Settings > Connected devices or Connections > Bluetooth.
  • Select the headphones.
  • Tap Forget, Unpair, or the settings icon followed by Unpair.

On Windows:

  • Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  • Find the headphones.
  • Select the three-dot menu and choose Remove device.

On macOS:

  • Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Locate the headphones.
  • Select the information button and choose Forget This Device.

Also remove duplicate entries, such as separate listings for the earbuds, charging case, or a device name ending in “LE.” Do not delete unrelated Bluetooth devices unless necessary.

4. Use the correct reset method for your brand

Button combinations differ by model and generation. The following are common procedures for major brands, but the exact light pattern and button names may vary. If a method does not work, check the model-specific manual or companion app.

JBL headphones

Many JBL over-ear and on-ear models can be reset while powered on by holding Volume Up and Volume Down together for about five seconds. The headphones may turn off or announce that they have been reset.

Common steps:

  • Turn the headphones on.
  • Disconnect them from nearby phones and computers.
  • Hold Volume Up + Volume Down for approximately five seconds.
  • Wait for the headphones to power off or restart.
  • Turn them on and enter pairing mode.

Some JBL models use a different combination, such as Power + Volume Up, or require the power button to be held for several seconds. JBL earbuds generally use a reset button on the charging case or a touch-control sequence. Keep both earbuds in the case when using a case-button reset.

Sony headphones

Many Sony WH-series headphones use an initialization sequence involving the Power button and the CUSTOM or NC/AMB button:

  • Turn the headphones off.
  • Disconnect the USB charging cable.
  • Press and hold Power + CUSTOM or Power + NC/AMB for about seven seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the indicator flashes or the headphones respond.
  • Wait several seconds before turning them on again.

The button name depends on the model. On some newer Sony headphones, the noise-control button may be labeled NC/AMB. Sony true wireless earbuds often require both earbuds to be placed in the case, followed by a case-button or touch-sensor sequence. The Sony | Sound Connect app may also provide reset or initialization instructions for supported models.

Bose headphones

Bose reset procedures vary substantially between QuietComfort, Noise Cancelling Headphones, and Bose 700 models. On many older Bose headphones, holding the Power/Bluetooth switch for about 10 seconds clears the stored Bluetooth device list. Some models require a longer hold or a reset through the Bose app.

A safe general procedure is:

  • Open the Bose app and select the headphones.
  • Check Settings, Product Information, or Troubleshooting for a reset or clear-device-list option.
  • Follow the app’s instructions.
  • If the app cannot connect, try holding the Power/Bluetooth switch for 10 seconds on supported models.
  • Release the switch when the headphones announce that the device list has been cleared or the indicator changes.

Do not assume that every Bose model uses the same combination. If the headphones do not respond, consult the model’s Bose support page before repeating the procedure.

Beats headphones and earbuds

For many Beats over-ear and on-ear models, including common Solo and Studio versions, hold Power + Volume Down for approximately 10 seconds. Release the buttons when the indicator flashes.

For Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds, and many Powerbeats Pro models:

  • Place both earbuds in the charging case.
  • Leave the case open.
  • Press and hold the system button on the case for about 15 seconds.
  • Release it when the indicator flashes red and white, or shows the reset pattern specified for the model.
  • Close and reopen the case before pairing.

The correct light pattern is more important than a precise sound. If the earbuds do not reset, charge the case and repeat the process with both earbuds seated correctly.

Anker Soundcore headphones and earbuds

Many Soundcore over-ear headphones reset by holding Power + Volume Up for about five seconds. The headphones may turn off, restart, or flash the status light.

For Soundcore true wireless earbuds, the reset is often performed with both earbuds in the charging case while holding the case button for about 10 seconds. Some models instead use a touch-control sequence. Typical steps are:

  • Put both earbuds in the case.
  • Keep the lid open.
  • Hold the case button until the LEDs flash several times.
  • Remove the earbuds and wait for them to synchronize.
  • Pair them again.

Soundcore models can use different button combinations, especially between Life headphones and Liberty earbuds. The Soundcore app or model manual is the best source when the standard sequence fails.

TOZO headphones and earbuds

TOZO true wireless models commonly reset from the charging case, but the exact method differs. Depending on the model, you may need to:

– Hold the case button while both earbuds are inside.

– Touch and hold both earbuds for several seconds.

– Tap both earbud touch panels several times.

– Remove the earbuds, power them off manually, and repeat the touch sequence.

A general approach is:

  • Forget the TOZO earbuds from the phone.
  • Place both earbuds in a charged case.
  • Keep the lid open.
  • Hold the case button, if present, for approximately 10 seconds.
  • If there is no case button, use the model’s specified touch-panel reset sequence.
  • Wait for the LEDs to flash or for the earbuds to synchronize.

TOZO labels and touch controls vary widely. Do not apply a sequence from one TOZO model to another without checking the manual.

5. Clear old pairing memory if the reset did not do it

Some button resets only restart the headphones. Others clear all saved devices. If the headphones still connect to an old device, clear the pairing list manually through the companion app when available.

Look for menu options such as:

– Forget devices

– Clear pairing list

– Clear Bluetooth memory

– Remove all devices

– Restore factory settings

– Initialize headphones

After clearing the list, turn Bluetooth off on nearby devices that are not part of the new setup. This prevents automatic reconnection while you are pairing.

6. Enter pairing mode and reconnect

Once the reset is complete:

  • Turn Bluetooth off on nearby devices temporarily.
  • Turn the headphones on.
  • Hold the Power or Bluetooth button until the indicator flashes blue, white, or blue and red.
  • Turn Bluetooth on for the phone or computer.
  • Select the headphones from the list of available devices.
  • Accept any pairing confirmation.
  • Test music, phone calls, the microphone, and both sides of the headphones.

If the headphones appear with two similar names, choose the standard audio listing first. An entry labeled “LE” may be intended for app features rather than primary audio, depending on the model.

7. Reconfigure optional features

A factory reset can remove more than the Bluetooth connection. You may need to restore:

– Equalizer settings

– Noise-cancellation preferences

– Button assignments

– Multipoint connections

– Voice-assistant access

– Automatic pause settings

– Firmware or app permissions

– Earbud fit-test results

Reconnect the headphones to the manufacturer’s app after basic audio works. Update the firmware only after the headphones have a stable connection and sufficient battery.

Troubleshooting

The reset buttons do nothing

Make sure the headphones are in the required power state. Some combinations work only when powered on, while others work only when powered off. Disconnect the charging cable, charge the battery, and hold the buttons continuously for the full recommended time. Press the buttons firmly but do not use excessive force.

The headphones turn off instead of resetting

A short press may power the headphones off, while a longer hold performs the reset. Repeat the procedure and continue holding until the indicator flashes or an audio prompt confirms the action.

Only one earbud connects

Place both earbuds in the case and verify that both are charging. Forget the earbuds from the phone, reset them together, and remove any separate left- or right-earbud listing. After resetting, allow both earbuds to remain in the case briefly before taking them out together.

The headphones do not appear in Bluetooth

Confirm pairing mode rather than ordinary power-on mode. The status light normally flashes repeatedly when pairing is active. Move the headphones close to the device, turn Bluetooth off and on, and restart the phone or computer. If possible, try pairing with a second device to identify whether the problem is with the headphones or the original device.

The headphones keep reconnecting to the wrong device

Turn Bluetooth off on all previously paired devices, then reset or clear the headphone pairing list. Pair with the preferred device first. For multipoint headphones, reconnect the second device afterward through the companion app or normal Bluetooth menu.

Audio still cuts out after resetting

Check for wireless interference from routers, crowded public areas, smartwatches, and other Bluetooth equipment. Keep the source device nearby, remove obstructions, and test with downloaded audio. If interruptions happen on every device, inspect the headphones for physical damage or contact the manufacturer.

The companion app cannot find the headphones

Pair the headphones through the operating system first if the app requires an established Bluetooth connection. Grant the app Bluetooth and location permissions when requested, close other audio apps, and restart both the app and headphones. Some apps require the headphones to be in pairing mode during setup.

The reset did not solve charging problems

A reset cannot repair a damaged battery, blocked charging contact, faulty cable, or defective case. Clean the contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth, try another compatible charging cable, and inspect the indicator. Stop using the product if it becomes unusually hot, swells, or shows other battery damage.

FAQ

Does resetting Bluetooth headphones delete everything?

It normally deletes stored Bluetooth pairings and restores connection-related settings. It may also remove equalizer preferences, multipoint connections, button customizations, and app settings. It does not usually remove the manufacturer’s firmware, but firmware behavior varies by model.

Will a reset fix headphones that will not turn on?

Only if the issue is a temporary software fault or confused power state. Charge the headphones first and try a normal restart. If there is no indicator, sound, or charging response after using a known-good cable and charger, the problem may be a battery or hardware failure.

How often should Bluetooth headphones be reset?

Reset them only when necessary, such as after persistent pairing failures, before transferring ownership, or when troubleshooting repeated connection problems. Frequent resets are not required for routine maintenance and will erase saved settings.

Can I reset Bluetooth headphones without the original phone?

Yes. The reset is normally performed using the headphones’ physical buttons, touch controls, or charging-case button. The original phone is not required, although you may need access to other previously paired devices to remove old Bluetooth entries and prevent automatic reconnection.

Final Tips

– Check the exact model number before using a button combination.

– Follow the required power state: on, off, or inside the charging case.

– Hold buttons for the complete interval rather than releasing at the first light change.

– Forget the headphones from old devices after resetting.

– Keep only the device you want to pair nearby during setup.

– Reset both earbuds together instead of resetting one side separately.

– Use the official companion app for model-specific factory-reset instructions.

– Test music, calls, microphone input, and both channels after pairing.

– Reconfigure multipoint, noise cancellation, and equalizer settings after a reset.

– If resets repeatedly fail, investigate battery, charging, firmware, or hardware problems rather than repeating the same button sequence.