No, you generally cannot track AirPods after they have been factory reset because resetting removes them from your Apple ID and Find My network, essentially making them "new" for the next user to pair. The reset process wipes their history, but you can see their last known location in Find My before the reset, and if they connect to the internet with someone else's device, you won't see them, but the new owner might get an "unwanted AirPod" alert.
AirPods can be tracked through Apple's Find My app, but only while they're still connected to your Apple ID and haven't been reset.
To disable stolen AirPods, use the Find My app to locate and mark them as lost. This prevents pairing with new devices. You can also remove the AirPods from your Apple ID to stop access. Reporting theft to Apple Support may help avoid unauthorized charges.
If your AirPods are "Offline" or show "No location found"
You might be able to get directions to their last known location — but you won't be able to play a sound or use Find Nearby. If they come back online, you get a notification on your iPhone (or other Apple device that you use them with).
Technically, stolen AirPods could be used by someone else, assuming the thief can pair them with another device. AirPods use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to other devices, so unless the AirPods have been locked by the original owner or removed from their iCloud account, they could be connected to another device.
You can buy a replacement for a left or right AirPod or the Charging Case. Your replacement will be new. AppleCare for Headphones does not cover lost or stolen AirPods.
If your device is lost or stolen, you can turn on Lost Mode for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch, or lock your Mac. In iOS 15.0. 1 or later, you can mark supported AirPods as lost if you turned on the Find My network.
How far can AirPods be tracked? Because AirPods do not have Wi-Fi or GPS connectivity built-in, it's not possible to track them over long distances. Using Bluetooth when connected to another Apple device, you should be able to see their location from around 40 feet (10 meters).
How to remove AirPods or another Find My network device from an Apple Account on a Mac
if they have been factory reset, they'll no longer be connected to your phone or icloud account. i work in a 2nd hand tech store in the UK and it's one of the most used methods when customers are selling to us and forget to remove them. they'll have the last known location and that's it.
Contact your local police station to get more information on filing a report. Keep in mind that you may need the serial number of the AirPods.
Reset AirPods to factory settings
Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
The best thing you can do is take them to a nearby lost & found, front desk of a nearby building, or the local police authority. You will not be able to find the owner for privacy reasons, but the owner is able to track the AirPods so they know exactly where they are at.
You need to remove AirPods from your Apple Account before giving away or selling them. That way, the new owner can pair them to their Apple Account and take advantage of all the features — including Find My. You can remove AirPods from your Apple Account on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
How to Disable AirPods Tracking
Find your lost AirPods with Find My
Tap the AirPods that need to be removed from the previous owner's Apple ID. Swipe up to reveal more information about the AirPods. Tap Remove This Device.
AirPods are not designed to be disabled. They have no locking feature, no password.
If you want to use AirPods that someone else has used or AirPods that you have used with a different Apple Account, they need to first remove the AirPods from the other Apple Account. If you get this alert after you've removed the AirPods from the other Apple Account, set up your replacement AirPods or charging case.
You can use Find My on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or on the web at iCloud.com/find to help you locate your AirPods if they're lost. You can also turn on separation alerts to warn you if you've left your AirPods behind, or mark them as lost if you can't find them.
There is no way to identify the owner of the airpods unless lost mode is enabled. (Also, I would recommend connecting the airpods to your phone at the law enforcement location if you do turn them over, as the location in Find My will update for the owner, giving them a good idea of where the airpods are located.