Airpods max won't connect even after a factory reset

Hello TheFredaroo,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If we understand your post correctly, you tried connecting your friend's AirPods Max to your phone and when you gave them back to him they won't pair to his phone. We're here to help!

"If you can't connect to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Make sure that you have an iPhone or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS, or an iPad with the latest version of iPadOS.
2. Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging.
3. To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
4. If your AirPods are connected, make sure that they're selected as your audio device. If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but they don't connect, go to the next step.
5. Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for up to 10 seconds. The status light should flash white, which means that your AirPods are ready to connect.
6. Hold the charging case, with your AirPods inside and the lid open, next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
7. Follow the steps on the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
8. Test your AirPods. If you still can't connect, reset your AirPods."

If your AirPods won't connect

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!