No, once stolen AirPods are properly factory reset, the original owner generally cannot track them using Apple's Find My network because the reset severs the link to the previous iCloud account, making them appear as new devices ready for pairing with a new owner. While you might see their last known location before the reset, a full reset (holding the back button until the light flashes amber) removes them from your Find My list and disables tracking.
The short answer is yes, but not if they've been fully reset and paired to another iCloud account. AirPods rely on Apple's Find My network to be tracked. As long as they're still paired to your Apple ID and haven't been reset, you can usually see their last known location in the Find My app.
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 can't lock the AirPods to prevent use by a thief or finder, but they should continue to update on your Find My provided you don't remove the missing device from your Apple ID and your Find My.
The thief who stole your AirPods has the ability to reset them and maybe even use them, but the thief can't set up your AirPods with his/her Apple ID because of Apple's security measures.
To reset, place your AirPods in their charging case, 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 and then white. This erases all settings and unpairs the AirPods from all devices, readying them for fresh setup.
"Track" the AirPods? If they're lost, then the distance from you doesn't matter. If you mean how far they can be from the device used to supply their signal, then that is the standard Bluetooth distance which is about 40 feet (10 meters).
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.
How to remove AirPods or another Find My network device from an Apple Account on a Mac
To locate your AirPods, you must turn on Find My on a paired device (such as your iPhone or Mac) before they're lost. See Turn on the Find My network. You can turn on the Find My network to see the location of some AirPods models even when they're out of range of your device.
Or headed to a place far away. Again, AirPods Pro link to the Apple Account, and that linkage and Find My will not be reset when the AirPods Pro are reset. That means the AirPods can be tracked.
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.
If they reset the AirPods you will not be able to track them.
A factory reset will remove your AirPods from any connected devices and iCloud, preventing tracking.
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.
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.
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.
It's not possible for someone to track you using their own AirPods. There are easy steps you can take to block AirPods from being tracked if it's a concern, such as turning off location on AirPods or removing them from iCloud.
It's important to note that resetting your AirPods will remove them from your iCloud account and unpair them from any devices they were previously paired with.
3. Find the AirPods from the connected device list and select them. 4. Choose the option to remove the AirPods from the iCloud account.
Find your lost AirPods with Find My