Airpods Max issue

[Cmaier]

I love using Airpods Max (the over-ear headphones), but they have this thing where sometimes they go crazy and refuse to connect. You are supposed to be able to “reset” them by pressing and holding both buttons for awhile, in which case the light flashes yellow and then white.

Where the problem arises is that I’ve had two pairs and both got into a state where reset doesn’t work - you get three yellow flashes and then nothing.

In the unlikely event someone here runs into this problem, here’s a solution that worked for me (it’s strange).

Take off the headphones and place them in the freezer (not fridge) for about a half hour. An hour is better. Then take them out and let them warm up for awhile (I wrapped mine in paper towels to absorb condensation).

Then reset them. Voila.

Strange, huh?

 

[Edd]

Lightning version? Never had this issue with mine.

 

[Cmaier]

View attachment 34297

Lightning version? Never had this issue with mine.

yep. I’ve had this problem with 2 lightning units, and it worked for both.

Never had the problem with my USB-C one.

THe problem seems to occur if I don’t use them for awhile (even if they’ve been plugged in the whole time).

 

[swk9]

That sounds wild. I've been using the old version for about 4 years and I don't even know how to reset it. My only problem is that it keeps popping up on the Find my warning saying my AirPods Max is following me around.

But I live in a colder region. Is this a California issue? What prompted you to put it in a freezer?

 

[Cmaier]

That sounds wild. I've been using the old version for about 4 years and I don't even know how to reset it. My only problem is that it keeps popping up on the Find my warning saying my AirPods Max is following me around.

But I live in a colder region. Is this a California issue? What prompted you to put it in a freezer?

I hoped that this would force the voltage regulator to drop its output voltage enough to force a reset. It worked. Twice (on two different pairs). One of the pairs was sitting in a drawer because I gave up on it 2 years ago when Apple wanted 300 dollars to repair it. The freezer trick solved the problem for free.

 

[japanime]

I've had the connection issue. It's happened a couple of times just after takeoff on international flights — which is maddening.

The thing I dislike most about the AirPods Max, though, is the "canopy" headband. Mine lost all elasticity shortly after the two-year warranty expired. The cloth mesh has a rubberized material that breaks apart and leaves a white residue which, if you try to wipe away, only exacerbates the problem. And of course, Apple offers no replacement headbands.

The things are now uncomfortable to wear, with the metal part of the headband now resting atop my skull. I rarely use them anymore because of this.

 

[Cmaier]

I've had the connection issue. It's happened a couple of times just after takeoff on international flights — which is maddening.

The thing I dislike most about the AirPods Max, though, is the "canopy" headband. Mine lost all elasticity shortly after the two-year warranty expired. The cloth mesh has a rubberized material that breaks apart and leaves a white residue which, if you try to wipe away, only exacerbates the problem. And of course, Apple offers no replacement headbands.

The things are now uncomfortable to wear, with the metal part of the headband now resting atop my skull. I rarely use them anymore because of this.

Something like this might help you? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XP8FTKX/?tag=headphonesty0420-20&th=1

Unfortunately, replacing the actual mesh looks to be a $150 part if you’re out of warranty.

 

[japanime]

Something like this might help you? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XP8FTKX/?tag=headphonesty0420-20&th=1

Unfortunately, replacing the actual mesh looks to be a $150 part if you’re out of warranty.

I've seen those and thought about ordering one. But I might just sell the headphones and go back to using my wired Etymotics, which I bought almost 30 years ago and still perform like champions.

 

[swk9]

The AirPods Max headband like the one linked by Cliff has been working great for me. I've had it for years now mostly so that I can just wash the cover if it gets stinky.

I'm now on my 2nd pair of Etys in 20+ years I think, 3rd if I include a warranty replacement, and it's still my go-to listening experience when I want to immerse myself in the sound. I bought my latest one about 5 years ago and was surprised Amazon still carried the old ER4S. I've tried the new ones but felt they sounded just slightly different enough that I preferred the old one. But I suspect it's just my familiarity with the old model and the new one is likely superior in terms of sound accuracy.

But using wired earbuds does suck a lot after getting used to wireless headphones, particularly with the noisy Ety cable.

 

[japanime]

The AirPods Max headband like the one linked by Cliff has been working great for me. I've had it for years now mostly so that I can just wash the cover if it gets stinky.

I'm now on my 2nd pair of Etys in 20+ years I think, 3rd if I include a warranty replacement, and it's still my go-to listening experience when I want to immerse myself in the sound. I bought my latest one about 5 years ago and was surprised Amazon still carried the old ER4S. I've tried the new ones but felt they sounded just slightly different enough that I preferred the old one. But I suspect it's just my familiarity with the old model and the new one is likely superior in terms of sound accuracy.

But using wired earbuds does suck a lot after getting used to wireless headphones, particularly with the noisy Ety cable.

I absolutely agree regarding the convenience of wireless vs. wired. And yeah, the Etymotics cable in a noisy little monster!

Maybe I'll give the Max headband cover a chance after all.

 

[casperes1996]

I would not trust this if anyone else said this.
Mine have thankfully just worked fine so far.

But I have to ask; how did you discover that fix?

 

[casperes1996]

I hoped that this would force the voltage regulator to drop its output voltage enough to force a reset. It worked. Twice (on two different pairs). One of the pairs was sitting in a drawer because I gave up on it 2 years ago when Apple wanted 300 dollars to repair it. The freezer trick solved the problem for free.

Just read this now. Answers my question above. Makes sense I guess

 

[Cmaier]

Just read this now. Answers my question above. Makes sense I guess

I know it sounds crazy.

 

[Cmaier]

Whoa! Nice surprise software update coming for the usb-c version of these! And finally a usb-c to audio mini cable, too!

Apple announces AirPods Max update with lossless audio support - 9to5Mac

Apple has a surprise announcement for AirPods Max users today. The company says that a software update coming next month...

9to5mac.com

 

[japanime]

Whoa! Nice surprise software update coming for the usb-c version of these! And finally a usb-c to audio mini cable, too!

Apple announces AirPods Max update with lossless audio support - 9to5Mac

Apple has a surprise announcement for AirPods Max users today. The company says that a software update coming next month...

9to5mac.com

Of course, even though the two models are identical other than the type of charging port, the Lightning version apparently isn't getting the update.

 

[Cmaier]

Of course, even though the two models are identical other than the type of charging port, the Lightning version apparently isn't getting the update.

Lightning might not have enough bandwidth for some of this stuff (the new features are by-wire)

 

[Andropov]

I love using Airpods Max (the over-ear headphones), but they have this thing where sometimes they go crazy and refuse to connect. You are supposed to be able to “reset” them by pressing and holding both buttons for awhile, in which case the light flashes yellow and then white.

Where the problem arises is that I’ve had two pairs and both got into a state where reset doesn’t work - you get three yellow flashes and then nothing.

I had this issue as well. At first it was infrequent, but then it started happening more and more often. For a few months I was resetting my AirPods every time I put them on. Then, 3 yellow flashes started to happen, but I still managed to fix them one way or another and kept using them (took the headband off and then put it back on to get them to work again, or left them charging for a bit). I was using them far too much to make a trip to the Apple Store and then wait two weeks for a fix.

Then one day I couldn't get the 3-yellow flash to go away. After a few hours they went completely dead. No lights at all. I considering putting it in the freezer (I had read about the fix online) but they were under warranty so I ended up going to an Apple Store. Had to wait two weeks, but got a fully new pair, except for the ear cushions.

Still, a bit unsettling that this is so common. I guess in another two years mine will die again, no longer under warranty.

 

[Katbel]

Could this be a solution for my AirPods Pro 1 too ? After the latest firmware update the left AirPod decided to start buzzing when in NC or Transparency . This was a known issue and Apple did a free exchange with the AirPods. The recall ended in 2023. I never had the issue till recently. I tried to have it exchanged because it's exactly the same problem but no way I'm out of the grace period.

 

[Cmaier]

Could this be a solution for my AirPods Pro 1 too ? After the latest firmware update the left AirPod decided to start buzzing when in NC or Transparency . This was a known issue and Apple did a free exchange with the AirPods. The recall ended in 2023. I never had the issue till recently. I tried to have it exchanged because it's exactly the same problem but no way I'm out of the grace period.

No, it’s unlikely that this would solve that problem.

 

[japanime]

Lightning might not have enough bandwidth for some of this stuff (the new features are by-wire)

Fair point.