How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro and remove Apple ID from AirPods

Ready to sell or give away your AirPods? Or maybe you want to solve a problem you're having. Read how to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro, as well as the separate process for removing Apple ID from AirPods.

How to factory reset AirPods and AirPods Pro
How to remove Apple ID from AirPods

Part of the magic of Apple AirPods is the super hassle-free headphone setup, automatic pairing and more . However, if they are not behaving normally or are not charging, it can be fixed by taking time to reboot your AirPods.

Interestingly, one of the security features of the 3rd generation AirPods and the 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro 3rd generation (and AirPods Max too) can also cause problems with refurbished or used AirPods, since the standard factory reset process does not remove the corresponding Apple ID of AirPods.

We also have a guide on what to do . what to do with old AirPods if they are not worth selling or giving away:

Old and dying AirPods: 7 options for replacement, sale and recycling

Let's see what to do in both scenarios.

How to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro to factory settings

If they aren't already, insert both AirPods into the charging case.
Close the case and wait at least 30 seconds.
Open the lid and on your iPhone or iPad, launch the Settings app
Tap your AirPods at the top (skip to step 6 if they are are not displayed)
Swipe down and tap Forget this device, tap again to confirm
Leaving the AirPods charging case open, tap and hold the button on the back paneluntil the LED lights up flashes yellow and then white

You're now all set to pair your AirPods—provided they're not paired with someone else's Apple ID, read below to see how to fix that.

If you're still having trouble pairing, it might be… you'll have to take them to the Apple Store for a manual firmware update or other repair. .

Place your AirPods in the charging case with the lid open next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
A prompt should appear on the screen, follow the instructions. steps

Image via Apple

How to remove Apple ID from AirPods

If you are going to sell or transfer your AirPods to someone else, follow these steps:

You'll need to do the same if you already have used AirPods and when you try to set up AirPods (gen 3) or AirPods Pro/Max you see a message that the headphones are connected to a different Apple ID:

The original (or previous) owner needs to open the Find My appon their iPhone or iPad
Select the bottom Devices tab > select AirPods.
Swipe down > Remove this device
If the previous owner did this outside of Bluetooth range, you'll need to reset your AirPods before you can set them up as new (follow the instructions). above)

Apple says: “These steps are the only way to remove an item from your Apple ID.” Apple can't remove the pairing lock for you.

Unfortunately, if you just bought used or refurbished AirPods and they're connected to someone else's Apple ID and you don't know them, you'll likely have to return AirPods.

This also applies to those who sell AirPods on eBay or other services, be sure not only to reset the settings. them, but also remove them from Find My. And if you're buying used AirPods, check to see if the seller did it.