To change an AirPods' owner, the previous owner must first remove them from their Apple ID via the Find My app and "Forget This Device" in Bluetooth settings, then perform a physical reset by holding the case button until the light flashes amber/white, making them ready to pair with the new owner's device like a new pair.
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.
Reset AirPods to factory settings
AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Put the AirPods in their case, close the lid, then wait 30 seconds. 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.
Your AirPods also switch automatically to iPhone when you make a call. You can also manually switch AirPods to another device.
Renaming AirPods on an iPhone
Scroll down and tap 'Bluetooth'. Under 'My Devices', find your AirPods in the list and tap the 'i' icon next to them. Tap on the current name of your AirPods at the top. Change the name to the new one you want and tap 'Done'.
How to remove AirPods or another Find My network device from an Apple Account on a Mac
There's no blocklist or remote deactivation feature for AirPods. If they're still linked to your iCloud, you can play a sound, mark them as lost, and track their last known location. But once reset and paired with another Apple ID, you can't stop anyone from using them.
For example, it's simple to switch between different Apple devices, and it is possible to connect a pair of AirPods to many different devices — just not at the same time.
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.
When you pair your AirPods with your iPhone they will automatically use the name registered with your iPhone, for example if your iPhone's name is Joe's iPhone your AirPods will be called Joe's AirPods.
The only thing resetting them does is remove its saved devices. It stays on your icloud,but it needs to be near an apple device to appear on the tracking.
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.
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.
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).
Apple AirPods: How to Disable Stolen AirPods Remotely
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.
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.
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro
No, once AirPods are reset to factory settings, they are no longer linked to any Apple ID, and tracking through Find My will no longer work. How do I wipe my AirPods before selling? To wipe your AirPods, do a factory reset by pressing and holding the setup button on the case until the status light flashes white.