How to Factory Reset Beats Solo3 & Solo4 Headphones [2024]

Beats’ Solo line-up, especially with its early releases, is known for its affordability factor, while still retaining the signature Beats soundstage. The Solo3 however, is strongly resonant with Apple’s acquisition of Beats, where the company took a subpar audio experience, and made it stand neck to neck with the competition.

This guide will focus on resetting your Beats Solo3 headphones to their factory settings. We’ll also explain how the headphones work and why you might need to reset them. Since the headset in question is almost a decade old now, we’ll also look at when the time for you is to replace your headset, and possibly some alternatives for you to consider.

How Do Beats Solo3 Wireless Work?

The Beats Solo3 was inarguably one of Apple’s frontline pawns in its war against wires. The iPhones of that year ditched the headphone jack and the Solo3s were the first in their line to be set free of wires. The headset came with Apple’s W1 chip, with promises of better battery life and faster charging support than the competition.

For its control scheme, the Beats Solo3 was simple, pressing in the middle of the left earcup allowed you to pause, play, or switch between tracks, while the top and bottom part of the same earcup served as volume control. The power button on the lower left side doubled as a battery indicator, and that is pretty much it; no silly touch or swipe gestures.

In a nutshell, the Beats Solo3 were on-ear headphones that came with both wireless and wired listening options. They introduced Beats’ proprietary fast charging technology, Fast Fuel, and provided up to 40 hours of battery life. These headphones had simple controls and delivered the signature Beats bass-heavy sound. Plus, thanks to the W1 chip, they seamlessly connected with other Apple devices, all with an MSRP of $300.

READ MORE: How to Check PowerBeats 3 Battery Level ➜

Why Reset Your Beats?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, since the choice to reset your headset to its factory settings depends on the user themselves. Perhaps, they might want to pair the headset to a different device, or possibly have sound or Bluetooth issues they wish to diagnose.

Since these headsets, despite their relatively high price tag of $300, were ubiquitous in urban settings and commutes, they had a decent resale value. This is why if someone would want to sell of their Solo3s, it is not only advised, but recommended that they reset their headset before getting their hands off of them.

In short, this is why you may want to reset your Beats:

1. Connectivity Issues: If you’re having trouble connecting your Beats Solo3 to a new device or experiencing audio problems, resetting your headphones might help.
2. Static Noise: Some Beats Solo3 owners have reported static and crackling sound in their headsets. While a factory reset may solve the issue, refer to our dedicated guide with more specific advice and detail on fixing the issue.
3. Reselling: Before selling your Beats, a reset can help wipe off any personal data and paired devices.

How to Factory Reset Your Beats?

Most of Beats’ Solo or Studio Wireless line doesn’t come with the same control scheme, so the factory reset settings on each of them are different. While this guide is primarily focused on the Beats Solo3, it’ll also detail the reset process of some of the more similar-looking, Beats headsets, that go with a separate mechanism.

1. Beats Solo3 Wireless

1. On your headset, locate the power button and turn it off before resetting.
2. Find the Volume Down and Power buttons, both of which will be used to reset the headset.
3. Press both the Volume Down and Power button simultaneously, at least for 10 seconds.
4. The Fuel Gauge, or the battery indicator lights will start flashing after a while. This confirms that the headset has returned to its factory settings.
5. When the Fuel Gauge start flashing, release both buttons.

2. Beats Solo4 Wireless

1. Press the Volume Down and Power Button for 10 seconds.
2. The light on the red earcup will flash red and white to signal a successful reset.
3. Release both buttons.

↪ What to Do Post-Reset?

Once your Beats are reset, they will forget any of your devices previously paired to the headset. This is why it is important to know that you will have to re-pair your phone, or other devices to your Beats, again, after resetting the headset.

READ MORE: The Best Bass Headphones – Complete Guide ➜

Beats Solo3 vs. The Competition

The Beats Solo3 have been around for over eight years now, which means that for a lot of users, a potential upgrade might be in the cards. If you’re looking for a new pair of headphones, similar to the Solo3s, here’s what it brought to the table: decent sound quality, easy pairing, strong clamping force and a solid build.

This section will offer a few alternatives in three different categories, each for a different niche and budget. Since wireless headsets have come a long way since the Solo3s were released, the alternatives in question will have a few features, better than the Solos, up their sleeves.

↪ Best Under $50: Sony WH-CH520

At the moment, Sony’s WH-CH520s are a great entry-level option, with over 50 hours of battery life, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and a decent sound profile. At an MSRP of $60 (and frequently found under $50 on sale), this pair has a snug, lightweight and comfortable fit.

The aesthetic appeal is mainly Sony-ish, more on the minimalist side, but the obvious downside of the CH520s is its lack of active noise cancellation, along with no 3.5mm jack support for wired listening. All in all, a decent option under $50.

↪ Best Premium Wireless: Grado GW100x

Grado’s open back GW100x are inarguably one of the better sounding headsets this year. Aside from not bringing anything special in terms of comfort or design, everything else about this pair is top notch. The pair is inarguably the best sounding and most balanced in the Grado line. The GW100x features voice control, aptX, and a massively improved battery life, all at a price tag of $275.

↪ Best in the Same Brand: Beats Solo 4

The Beats Solo line-up is inarguably one of the most popular pairs of headsets you’ll find on people’s heads. The Beats Solo 4 is the successor to the highly critiqued Solo Pros, and comes with an MSRP of $200, though they can be found for as low as $130, on sale.

At this point in time, the Solos are more or less, a fashion statement than anything else. While the sound quality and battery life on this release are bumped up by 25-30% in comparison to the Solo3, the competition has stepped up, and you’ll find options with a better soundstage and features in the same price bracket.

Though, if you’re looking at a headset from within the Beats line-up, the Solo 4 is your go-to choice. You can find this headset listed on Beats’ official website in three different colour options: Matte Black, Cloud Pink, and Slate Blue.

TIRED OF THE BEATS BASS: How to Neutralize the Sound Signature of Any Headphone Brand ➜

Conclusion

The Beats Solo3 is still one of the more premium, but affordable sets of on-ear headphones in the market. While no longer officially sold by Beats, you can find used pairs for under $90 today. The control scheme, reset process, and listening experience are more or less reminiscent of any other Apple audio device, simple yet immersive.