Trying to figure out how to turn off your AirPods Max? It can be a little confusing since these headphones don’t have a regular power button like most others. Instead, Apple built in special sensors and modes that handle power on their own, which leaves many people wondering if they’re ever really “off.”
The good news is, you can still control when your AirPods Max go into low-power or ultra-low-power mode — and it only takes a few simple steps. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how it works, why Apple designed it this way, and share a few tips to make sure you get the best battery life out of your headphones.
Quick Answer:
You can’t fully power down AirPods Max with a button, but you can put them into special low-power modes to save battery. The fastest way is to place them in the Smart Case — this puts the headphones in low-power mode right away. After about 18 hours inside the case, they switch to ultra-low-power mode, which shuts off Bluetooth and Find My so the battery drains much slower.
If you leave AirPods Max out of the case, they’ll still go into low-power mode after 5 minutes of sitting still, and into ultra-low-power mode after about 72 hours.
Keep reading to learn the exact steps, plus extra tips to make your AirPods Max battery last even longer.
How to Put AirPods Max in Low-Power Mode
Apple designed the AirPods Max to save battery automatically, even though there’s no power button. The easiest way to get them into low-power mode is by placing them in the Smart Case that comes with the headphones. As soon as they’re inside, the AirPods Max go into low-power mode right away. And if you want them to last even longer, keeping the mesh clean is just as important as saving battery.
But what if you don’t have the case handy? No problem. If you set your AirPods Max down on a table or desk and leave them still, they’ll enter low-power mode on their own after about 5 minutes of no movement.
This feature is handy because it means your headphones won’t waste energy if you forget to put them back in the case. It’s Apple’s way of making sure the battery lasts longer, whether you’re careful about storage or not.
How to Put AirPods Max in Ultra-Low-Power Mode
Ultra-low-power mode is Apple’s way of saving the most battery on your AirPods Max. In this state, the headphones shut down things like Bluetooth and Find My tracking, so almost no power is being used.
There are two ways to get your AirPods Max into this deeper sleep mode:
- With the Smart Case – Place your AirPods Max in the case and leave them there. After about 18 hours, they’ll automatically switch into ultra-low-power mode.
- Without the Smart Case – If you don’t use the case, the headphones need to sit completely still for around 72 hours before they enter ultra-low-power mode on their own.
It’s worth knowing this difference because using the Smart Case speeds up the process by days. If you travel often or want to squeeze as much battery life as possible, keeping the case close by is the smarter choice and so is regularly cleaning the ear cups while your headphones are stored.
How to Disconnect AirPods Max From Your Devices
While you can’t shut down AirPods Max with a power button, one quick way to stop them from staying connected is by unpairing them from your device. This doesn’t technically “turn them off,” but it does cut the Bluetooth link and helps reduce battery drain when you’re not using them.
Here’s how to do it on the devices most people pair with AirPods Max:
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods Max in the list and tap the little (info) button next to it.
- Choose Forget This Device.
- Confirm by tapping Forget Device again.
On a Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
- Go to Bluetooth.
- Look for your AirPods Max, then right-click (or Control-click).
- Select Remove or Forget Device, and confirm.
Why This Helps
Unpairing your AirPods Max makes sure they’re not constantly trying to connect in the background, which can save a bit of battery life. It’s especially useful if you switch between different headphones or only use your AirPods Max once in a while.
How to Factory Reset AirPods Max
If you really want to cut off all connections and give your AirPods Max a fresh start, you can do a factory reset. This doesn’t just disconnect them — it completely wipes the settings so your headphones act like brand new. The catch is that you’ll need to pair them again afterward, but it can help if you’re having issues or want to save battery without leaving them connected.
Steps to Reset AirPods Max
- Hold down the Digital Crown and the Noise Control button at the same time.
- Keep holding for about 15 seconds.
- Watch the LED light: it will flash amber first, then white.
- Once you see the white light, release the buttons — the reset is complete.
- Place your AirPods Max in the case or set them aside until you’re ready to pair again.
When Should You Use This Option?
- If your AirPods Max are not responding or acting glitchy.
- When you want to unlink them from all devices quickly.
- Before selling or giving them away.
A factory reset is a bit extreme for everyday battery saving, but it’s a reliable backup option when other methods aren’t enough.
Does the Magnet Trick Really Work?
You might have seen people online suggesting that you can use a fridge magnet or small magnet to “turn off” AirPods Max by placing it near the earcup sensors. The idea is that the magnet fools the headphones into thinking they’re in the Smart Case.
We tested this method, and here’s the truth: magnets don’t actually power off the AirPods Max. At best, they may trigger the low-power mode. While that sounds handy, it comes with risks. Apple doesn’t recommend it, and there’s no proof it’s safe for the sensors in the long run.
More importantly, using magnets could cause damage that isn’t covered under Apple’s warranty. That means a quick trick might end up costing you expensive repairs.
The safest move? Stick to the official methods — using the Smart Case or letting the headphones rest until they enter low-power or ultra-low-power mode naturally. That way, you’ll save battery without risking your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About AirPods Max
Do you need to turn off AirPods Max?
Not really. AirPods Max don’t have a power button, so you don’t have to switch them off manually. But leaving them “always on” can slowly drain the battery. To keep them healthy, it’s better to let them enter low-power or ultra-low-power mode when you’re not using them.
Is there an on/off switch on AirPods Max?
No, Apple didn’t include a physical on/off switch on the AirPods Max. Instead, the headphones rely on sensors and software to manage power automatically.
Do AirPods Max shut off by themselves?
They never fully shut down on their own, but they do enter low-power mode after about 5 minutes of no movement. If you leave them in the Smart Case, they go into low-power instantly, and ultra-low-power mode after 18 hours. Once they wake up, you can easily pair them again — whether with an iPhone or even a PC. Here’s how to connect AirPods Max to a computer if you need a quick guide
How do I turn on AirPods Max?
There’s no button to press. AirPods Max are always “on” as long as they have battery. Just pick them up or place them on your head, and they’ll be ready to connect. If they don’t turn on, it usually means the battery needs to be charged.
Can I turn off AirPods Max location tracking?
Yes. Location features like Find My can be turned off, but you’ll need to do it from your Apple device, not the headphones. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My on your iPhone or iPad, then adjust the settings for your AirPods Max. Keep in mind, turning this off makes it harder to track them if they’re lost.
Conclusion:
Turning off AirPods Max isn’t as straightforward as pressing a button, but once you understand Apple’s power modes, it becomes simple. Whether you use the Smart Case for instant low-power mode or let the headphones rest until they switch to ultra-low-power mode, you’ll save battery and get more life out of your headphones.
And if you’re thinking about other noise-canceling options, check out our guide to the best ANC headphones under $200 — perfect if you want high-quality sound without paying Apple’s premium price.
With these tips, you’ll not only know how to “turn off” your AirPods Max the right way, but you’ll also get more value out of them for years to come.
