How to Reset AirPods from the Previous Owner?

If you are buying used AirPods, or if you have already given your AirPods to someone else, resetting the owner before using them is crucial. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple task to do, which only needs the assistance of the original owner of the AirPods.

To reset AirPods to remove the data of a previous user, place the buds in the carrying case, shut the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Hold the rear-mounted setup button for 15 seconds or until the amber status light begins blinking, before releasing it.

If you’re wondering What Happens if You Don’t Reset the Owner of the AirPods and What Can You Do if the AirPods Don’t Reset, then scroll to the end.

Let’s get into the exact steps of resetting Airpods.

How To Reset AirPods From Previous Owner?

As we know when airpods are set up, they are eventually connected with the Apple ID of that specific person who is setting them up through pairing lock.

The pairing lock feature is similar to the activation lock available on iPhone. You can use the airpods without removing them from the pairing block, but you cannot connect them with the Apple ID.

Always remember that removal of Airpods from the Apple ID is possible from the person who owns the Apple ID. This means that at the end of the day, you eventually need the help of the previous.

In case you are buying used airpods, it is better to ask the seller if the airpods are already removed from Apple ID. If not then follow the below-mentioned steps to make it happen easily.

1. First of all, the original owner of the AirPods needs to sign up for “Find My App” by using Apple ID with which the AirPods have been paired. They can also sign up through icloud.com.
2. Swipe up to get a list of all those devices which are connected with the Apple ID. If you’re using a Mac or iPad, just skip this thing.
3. Tap on the AirPods which you want to remove from the previous owner’s Apple ID.
4. Swipe up to gather more information related to the AirPods.

1. Tap the option of ‘Remove This Device’.

1. From the pop-up window, tap Remove.

This is how the Airpods will be completely removed from the Apple ID of the previous owner. To set up the Airpods with your own Apple ID.

Note: If the owner was not within the Bluetooth range of the airpods while performing steps 1-6, in that case, you need to reset the airpods.

It is also possible to borrow the airpods from someone else to listen on your iPad or iPhone. There is no need to remove them from their original Apple ID. You just need to pay for the airpods with that device. For a permanent change in ownership, all you need to do is to remove the AirPods from your Apple ID.

How Can You Set Up Your New AirPods?

After the successful removal of Airpods from the previous owner, now get ready to set up your own Airpods on your iOS device.

1. Open the option of Settings.
2. Tap on the option Bluetooth.
3. Tap on the toggle which is on the right side of the Bluetooth option.
4. Open your AirPods in the charging case and let them place it closer to your iPad or iPhone.
5. The device will automatically start detecting the AirPods and will verify if they are your Airpods or not.
6. Tap the connect option and hold the button of setup for at least 5 to 10 seconds. This setup button is located at the backside of the airpods case.
7. A connecting message will appear on your device when the connection is 100% successful.

What Happens if You Don’t Reset the Owner of the AirPods?

If you avoid resetting the owner of used airpods, the following major problems can occur.

• You won’t be able to use Find My Airpods. Find My app uses the Apple ID Track devices. This means that if an Airpod is already connected with someone else’s Apple ID, the user won’t be able to use the Find My app for locating the Airpods if they are stolen.
• The user has to set up the airpods on every single device. If airpods appeared with your Apple ID, then every single device using that specific Apple ID will be able to recognize them. If they are not connected with their Apple ID, you have to set them up on every single device for using them.
• The user cannot identify if the AirPods have been stolen or not. If someone is unable to remove Airpods from their Apple ID, this eventually means that their airpods have been stolen.
• Cannot sell the airpods at any retail store. Due to these certain limitations, no other person wants to buy the airpods which are already locked with your Apple ID.

Is It Possible To Reset Second-Hand AIRPODS?

Well, it is possible to easily reset the second-hand airpods. But there is a small trick that airpods can only be linked with just one Apple device at one time.

The Airpod connects itself to different devices by using different Apple IDs. Certain features like find my airpods are only available to the primary user of airpods. Therefore, for using any second hand airpod, you need to fully reset it and make sure it is unlinked from the Apple ID of its original owner.

Furthermore, by disconnecting the Airpods from the original owner’s Apple ID a user can access “Forget This Device” through the Find My app before resetting. In case the original owner of Apple ID has still linked its airpods, you should reach out to them and request them to disconnect their account.

Can You Easily Reset Stolen AirPods?

Yes, it is possible to reset the stolen airpods. But while resetting them, you will face the issue of the original owner or any sort of privacy concern. If you have purchased the airpods for the first time, then it is very much clear that the airpods are stolen.

Can AirPods Be Easily Tracked After Resetting Them?

By resetting the airpods you can easily prevent yourself from getting tracked. But this won’t be disconnecting the airpods from the original owner of Apple ID.

What is the Main Purpose of Resetting the AirPods?

By resetting the AirPods, a user can easily fix the issues with connecting a device or with charging. This functionality also helps to restore the AirPods to their original settings in case they are brand new. Plus, it can also eliminate all those problems coming into the way during the configuration of their falls.

With the help of the reset feature, a user can also unlink an Apple ID from airpods 1 and 2. But for the removal of previous owners from models AirPods Pro 1 and 2 or AirPods 3, just the feature of resetting won’t be enough. For all these models original owners should personally remove the AirPods from their specific Apple account.

Related: How to Fix Earbuds With One Side Working? Easy Ways

2 Things to Do When AirPods Won’t Reset

If your AirPods still fail to reset after trying all the steps outlined above, there might be something else going on. In that case, here are a few more solutions you can try:

Cleaning your AirPods and Case

The charging plate cannot make complete contact with your AirPods if dirt and debris are caught on the stem or inside the case. If this happens, your AirPods’ charging case may no longer detect them, rendering a factory reset impossible.

AirPods and their carrying case can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth or paper towel dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol and some Q-tips. Check out the charging case’s interior and the AirPods’ tail.

A toothpick can be used for more targeted cleaning of particularly stubborn grime. If you must use a toothpick, take great care to avoid harming your AirPods and case. Keep your AirPods and their case fully dry before using them..

Contacting Apple Support

If still, you are unable to reset the Airpods successfully then probably there is a hardware issue. The best solution is to get in touch with Apple Support for further assistance.

Make sure you do have the airpods serial number for any verification purposes. For checking if your airpods are real or fake, you can visit your nearest Apple store and let the technicians know if the AirPods are in a state of replacement or not.

Related: What To Do With Old AirPods? (My Suggestion)

Conclusion

So this was a short and clear guide to let the users know about how they can reset airpods from previous owners. Different scenarios have been also explained in detail to let you know how you can reset the airpods if they are stolen. It’s a simple and straightforward process without any hassle.

Try it now.