My AirPods still won’t connect even though I hold it down for 15 sec

I think you may have a defective product. Please contact Apple to discuss your repair options. You can open a case with Apple Support here: https://support.apple.com/airpods

Repair/Service request: https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair/service

Please also restart your XS Max.

1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power off slider appears.

1. 
   
2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559

If it still fails, please hard-reset it:

• iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201412

Try the above reset of the AirPods once more and if it STILL fails, please contact Apple and open a case at www.support.apple.com/airpods

I know you already tried the 15 second button holding method but let's take this a bit deeper.

Try a full re-pair, reset, and try again.

Start with Unpairing/"Forgetting" the Device:

Settings > Bluetooth > Airpods > Forget this device. Confirm it.

Put both Airpods in their case, charge them via Lightning for a few minutes (or preferably until the case is 100%). Unplug them. Open the case and hold the button on the back of the case for 15+ seconds or until the light flashes white. Hold them near your iPhone and see if the pairing screen comes up and pair them. If not, repeat until it does. But if you can't see the screen pop up, then manually pair within Bluetooth.

If it doesn't work, open a case with Apple Support here: https://support.apple.com/airpods

Also please let me know the Firmware Version if it doesn't work:

Settings > General > About > AirPods > Firmware Version

Okay now reset them again please... And tell me the firmware version if you can find it before resetting again.

Instructions again below

ry a full re-pair, reset, and try again.

Start with Unpairing/"Forgetting" the Device:

Settings > Bluetooth > Airpods > Forget this device. Confirm it.

Put both Airpods in their case, charge them via Lightning for a few minutes (or preferably until the case is 100%). Unplug them. Open the case and hold the button on the back of the case for 15+ seconds or until the light flashes white. Hold them near your iPhone and see if the pairing screen comes up and pair them. If not, repeat until it does. But if you can't see the screen pop up, then manually pair within Bluetooth.

If it doesn't work, open a case with Apple Support here: https://support.apple.com/airpods

Also please let me know the Firmware Version if it doesn't work:

Settings > General > About > AirPods > Firmware Version