How to Reset Skullcandy Wireless Earbuds – All Models
By Robert Jones · 2021-11-15
Been fiddling with Skullcandy earbuds for years. When they play up – one earbud cuts out, won't pair – a simple reset often sorts it. Here's my guide for all models.
I've been in this game for over two decades now, fiddling with all sorts of kit, from monstrous subwoofers to dainty earbuds. And honestly, no matter how fancy the tech gets, there's always one constant: things go wrong. Especially with wireless earbuds. I've had countless pairs of Skullcandy buds cross my workbench – some brilliant, some a bit… pedestrian. But one common thread? The need for a good old reset.  *How to Reset Skullcandy Wireless Earbuds – All Models — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* It happens to the best of us. One earbud cuts out. They refuse to connect to your phone after working perfectly fine yesterday. Or they just start acting a bit peculiar. Trust me, before you chuck 'em against the wall in frustration, a reset is usually your best bet. It's like giving them a swift kick up the backside and a fresh start. And while Skullcandy has a proper range of models out there, the good news is the reset process is often quite similar. So, let's get into it, shall we? **Quick Verdict: Don't bin 'em yet, a reset usually sorts most Skullcandy wireless earbud woes.** ### Why Bother Resetting? My Two Pence Honestly, I’ve done this more times than I care to count. You might be listening to your favourite album, and suddenly one earbud drops out, or the sound gets all patchy. Maybe they just refuse to pair with your phone or laptop. I had a pair of Crusher ANC 2 headphones, not earbuds, mind, but the principle was the same, that just wouldn't play ball with my work laptop last month. Tried everything. Then, a quick reset, and hey presto, problem solved. It’s a bit like rebooting your computer when it’s playing up – simple, but often effective. Think of it this way: your earbuds store connection data, settings, and sometimes even a bit of digital gunk that builds up over time. A factory reset wipes all that, bringing them back to their original, fresh-out-of-the-box state. This can clear up connection conflicts, sort out unbalanced audio, and generally just iron out any odd behaviour. Before you start looking up warranty claims or buying new ones, always, always try a reset. It's free, and takes a few minutes. ### The General Reset Routine for Most Skullcandy Wireless Earbuds This method is what I've found works for the vast majority of Skullcandy's true wireless offerings. We're talking about popular models like the Sesh Evo, Indy Evo, Push Ultra, the Grind Fuel, and even the newer Rail ANC or the more premium Crusher ANC 2 earbuds. It’s a two-pronged attack: first, you tell your device to forget them, then you actually reset the buds themselves. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll likely be back in business. #### Step 1: Tell Your Device to Forget Them (Crucial First Bit) This bit is absolutely key. If your phone, tablet, or laptop still "remembers" the earbuds, even if they’re playing up, it can interfere with the re-pairing process after a reset. You need a clean slate. So, here's how you usually do it: * **On an iPhone:** Pop into your **Settings**, then find **Bluetooth**. Scan down the list for your Skullcandy earbuds. You'll see a little "i" icon next to them; tap that. Then, just select **"Forget This Device."** Confirm it, and they're gone from your phone's memory. Simple as that. * **On an Android Device:** Go to **Settings**, then usually something like **"Connected devices"** or **"Bluetooth & device connection,"** and then **Bluetooth**. Find your Skullcandy earbuds in the list of paired devices. There'll often be a cog icon or a small arrow next to them – tap that. You should then see an option for **"Forget"** or **"Unpair."** Give it a tap, and consider them forgotten. * **On a Computer (Windows/Mac):** For Windows, head to **Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices**. Find your Skullcandy earbuds, click on them, and select **"Remove device."** For Mac, it's **System Settings > Bluetooth**, find your earbuds, click the "X" or "Forget" button next to them. Once they're gone, do yourself a favour: turn off your device's Bluetooth for a good minute or two. Just to be absolutely sure everything's cleared out before the next step. It’s like letting the system breathe for a bit. #### Step 2: The Hard Reset on the Earbuds Themselves This is where the real magic happens, resetting the earbuds to their factory defaults. The exact button presses can vary a tad between models, but the underlying principle is the same across the board. You’re essentially forcing them to clear their internal memory. 1. **Into the Charging Case They Go:** Always start by placing *both* earbuds back into their charging case. Make sure they're seated properly and the charging lights (if any) illuminate. This is often a prerequisite for a proper reset. 2. **Give 'em a Juice-Up:** A low battery can sometimes play havoc with any electronic device, and earbuds are no exception. I always recommend letting them charge in the case for at least 10-15 minutes. Even if you think they're full, a little top-up doesn't hurt and ensures they have enough power for the reset sequence. 3. **The Button Hold - The Main Event:** This is the bit that differs slightly, but generally, you'll be looking to hold down a button (or buttons) on *both* earbuds simultaneously. For most Skullcandy models, this will be the main function button on each bud. You’ll typically need to hold them for anywhere from 6 to 10 seconds. What you're looking for is a visual cue – maybe the LED lights flash red, or red and blue, or perhaps even a voice prompt saying "resetting" or "powering off." Keep an eye out for any of these indicators. Let's break down some specific popular models, as I know these can be a bit fiddly: ### Model-Specific Reset Guides While the general method often works, some models have their own little quirks. I’ve fiddled with most of these, so here’s the lowdown on the ones I get asked about most often. #### Skullcandy Sesh Evo / Indy Evo / Indy ANC / Indy Fuel Reset These are quite popular, and the process is fairly uniform across the 'Indy' and 'Sesh' lines. * **Forget first:** Do **Step 1** above (forget from your device). * **Power Off Individually:** Take *both* earbuds out of their case. Manually power them off by holding the button on each earbud for about 4 seconds. You should see a red light flash, or hear "Power Off." * **The Reset Hold:** Once both are off, hold the button on *each* earbud again, simultaneously, for about 10-15 seconds. You might see the lights flash red and blue, or just red. Keep holding until they cycle through a few flashes, then release. * **Back in the Case:** Pop both earbuds back into their charging case. Close the lid for 5 seconds, then open it. They should now be in pairing mode (often indicated by a flashing blue/red light on one bud, or just blue). Re-pair them with your device. #### Skullcandy Push Ultra / Push Active Reset The 'Push' series, particularly the Ultra with its ear hooks, has been a favourite of mine for active listening. The reset is similar but can feel a bit different due to the design. * **Forget first:** Do **Step 1** above. * **Manual Power Off:** Take both buds out of the case. Hold the main button on *each* earbud for about 6 seconds until they power off. * **The Reset Hold:** Now, hold the button on *both* earbuds simultaneously for about 10-12 seconds. You're looking for a red and blue flash on each earbud. Release the buttons once you see this. * **Re-seat and Re-pair:** Place them back in the charging case for a few seconds. Then take them out. They should automatically enter pairing mode. Connect them to your device again. #### Skullcandy Grind / Grind Fuel / Rail / Rail ANC Reset These newer models, especially the Grind Fuel, have become quite popular for their battery life and features. The reset is a touch more streamlined. * **Forget first:** As always, start with **Step 1**. * **In the Case Reset:** This is where it differs. With *both* earbuds in the charging case, ensure the lid is open. Look for the small reset button *inside* the case (sometimes near the charging port, or between the earbud cradles). Press and hold this button for 5-10 seconds. The LEDs on the earbuds or the case itself should flash, indicating a reset. Some models might not have an external button but rely on holding the earbud buttons *while they're in the case*. * *If no case button:* With both earbuds in the open case, press and hold the main button on *both* earbuds for 6-10 seconds. The earbuds' LEDs should flash. * **Ready to Pair:** Once the lights indicate a reset, close the case lid for a moment, then open it. The earbuds should automatically enter pairing mode. You can now re-pair them with your device. #### Skullcandy Dime / Dime 2 Reset The Dime series are budget-friendly, but they still occasionally need a reset. They're a bit simpler. * **Forget first:** You know the drill – **Step 1**. * **Manual Power Off:** Take both buds out of the case. Power them off individually by holding the touch area/button for about 4 seconds. * **The Reset Hold:** Now, hold the button on *both* earbuds for 6-10 seconds. The LEDs should flash red. Release. * **Back in the Case:** Place them back in the charging case. Close the lid for 5 seconds. Open it up, and they should be in pairing mode. Reconnect them. ### Troubleshooting Tips & Common Snags I've seen it all, trust me. Sometimes, even after a reset, things can still be a bit temperamental. Here are a few extra bits of advice and common pitfalls I've encountered: * **Only One Earbud Connecting:** This is a classic. Usually, one earbud has lost its connection to its partner. A full reset (forgetting from device *and* hard resetting the buds) is almost always the fix. Make sure both earbuds are equally charged before attempting the reset. * **No Lights During Reset?** Sometimes the indicators are subtle, or your fingers are covering them. Try doing the button hold in a well-lit room and pay close attention. If still nothing, ensure they are definitely charged. A completely flat battery won't respond to button presses. * **Different Coloured Lights?** If one earbud is flashing red/blue and the other is just blue, it often means only one is in pairing mode, or they haven't properly linked to each other. Repeat the full reset process, paying extra attention to holding both buttons simultaneously. * **Bluetooth Interference:** Believe it or not, sometimes other devices nearby can mess with your Bluetooth connection. Try doing the reset and initial re-pairing in a room away from other Bluetooth gadgets, Wi-Fi routers, or microwaves. Sounds daft, but it works sometimes. * **Clean the Contacts:** Not directly related to a reset, but worth a mention. If your earbuds aren't charging properly in the case, it can affect their ability to power on or reset. Give the charging contacts on both the earbuds and inside the case a gentle wipe with a dry cotton bud. Dust and grime can be a right pain. * **Firmware Updates:** While not part of a manual reset, sometimes issues can be fixed with a firmware update via the Skullcandy app. If a reset doesn't work, check the app to see if there's an update available for your specific model. It's rare for earbuds to demand an update, but it does happen. ### Who This Reset Guide Is For * **Anyone with Skullcandy wireless earbuds experiencing connection issues.** * **Users with one earbud cutting out or failing to pair.** * **Those whose earbuds are acting erratically or not charging correctly.** * **People looking to sell or give away their Skullcandy earbuds and want to clear their data.** * **Folks who like to troubleshoot before rushing out to buy new gear.** ### Who Should Skip This (For Now) * **If your earbuds are physically damaged (e.g., water damage, snapped casing).** A reset won't fix a broken driver or circuitry. * **If you've already tried this exact process multiple times without success.** It might be time to contact Skullcandy support or consider a replacement if they're under warranty. * **If you're having issues with a wired Skullcandy product.** Obviously, this guide is for wireless. ### Comparison Table: Reset Methods at a Glance (Generalised) | Skullcandy Model Type | Step 1: Forget from Device | Step 2: Earbud Reset Method | Typical Button Hold Duration | | :-------------------------- | :------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------- | | **Sesh Evo / Indy Evo / Indy Fuel / Indy ANC** | Yes | Take out, power off individually, then hold *both* buttons | 10-15 seconds | | **Push Ultra / Push Active** | Yes | Take out, power off individually, then hold *both* buttons | 10-12 seconds | | **Grind / Grind Fuel / Rail / Rail ANC** | Yes | In case, press case button (if present) OR hold *both* earbud buttons | 5-10 seconds | | **Dime / Dime 2** | Yes | Take out, power off individually, then hold *both* buttons | 6-10 seconds | | **Other General True Wireless (e.g., older models)** | Yes | Usually in case, hold *both* earbud buttons | 6-10 seconds | *Note: Always refer to your specific model's manual if these general methods don't quite match up. Skullcandy does tweak things occasionally.* ### FAQ: Getting Your Skullcandy Buds Back in Action #### Q1: My earbuds won't turn on at all after charging. What gives? A: This is a right pain, isn't it? First, double-check that the charging case itself is charged. Sometimes the case is flat, so the buds aren't getting any juice. Make sure the charging contacts on both the buds and the case are clean – a little build-up can stop the connection. If all looks good, try the reset method mentioned above, but ensure they've had a good 15-20 minutes of confirmed charging beforehand. If still nothing, it might be a deeper battery or hardware issue. #### Q2: After resetting, only one earbud is playing sound. How do I fix this? A: Ah, the classic "mono" experience! This usually means the two earbuds haven't properly re-paired with each other after the reset, or your device is only connecting to one. Go back to **Step 1** and **Step 2** again, meticulously. Ensure you *forget the device* from your phone, then perform the hard reset on *both* earbuds simultaneously. When you take them out of the case to re-pair, they should ideally connect to each other first, then one will enter pairing mode for your phone. If one flashes red/blue and the other doesn't, they haven't linked. Pop them back in the case, close it, and try the reset again. #### Q3: My Skullcandy earbuds connect but the audio keeps cutting out. Is a reset the answer? A: It could well be. Intermittent audio can be a sign of a shaky connection or internal software glitch. A full factory reset, following both **Step 1** (forgetting from device) and **Step 2** (hard resetting the earbuds), is definitely worth trying. Also, consider the environment. Are you in a busy area with lots of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals? That can sometimes cause interference. Try them in a quieter spot. If the issue persists after a reset, it might be a hardware fault. #### Q4: How often should I reset my Skullcandy earbuds? A: You shouldn't need to do it regularly, honestly. A reset is more of a troubleshooting step, not routine maintenance. Only reset them when you're encountering specific issues: connection problems, one earbud not working, or general weirdness. If you find yourself resetting them every week, then there's likely a more fundamental problem with the earbuds themselves, and it might be time to look into warranty or a replacement. ### Final Word There you have it. My two cents on getting your Skullcandy wireless earbuds back in working order. It's frustrating when your gear plays up, especially when you just want to listen to a bit of music or take a call. But before you get too annoyed and reach for your wallet, remember that a good old-fashioned factory reset often sorts out a surprising number of problems. I've found that the key is being thorough – making sure your device *really* forgets them, and then hitting those buttons on the earbuds properly for the full duration. Don't rush it. Take your time, follow the steps, and chances are you'll save yourself a fair bit of bother and cash. So, give it a go. You might just resurrect those seemingly dead buds, and get back to enjoying your tunes without a hitch. If all else fails, then, and only then, start looking at replacements or getting onto Skullcandy support. Good luck out there!