To disable AirPods tracking, you need to turn off "Find My" features for them in the Find My app, specifically the "Notify When Left Behind" alert, and potentially remove the device entirely from your account, or perform a factory reset to clear prior ownership data if they are used. The most effective method involves both software settings and hardware reset to fully stop location sharing and alerts.
To disable it connect your airpods to your Mac then go into Airpods settings, then switch off Find My. It will disable the case beeping for anti stalking and stop the popups on your phone. I did the same when I moved from iPhone to pixel but didn't give up my Airpods Pro 2 which have the same tracking.
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).
What you can do is on their iPhone in Settings go to Bluetooth and on there find the Airpods and click the ``i'' icon next to the name and click forget device, this option will forget the device and stop it from paring or stop the airpods from connecting to the iPhone. If you have any further questions just ask.
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.
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.
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.
Solution 1: Remove AirPods from Shared iCloud
Apple doesn't offer device recovery support for AirPods. Unlike an iPhone or Mac, they're not tied to your Apple ID with a lock. If someone resets and keeps them, Apple won't be able to block or locate them for you, even if you provide the serial number.
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).
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. If the Find My network is turned off (or if your AirPods don't support the Find My network), the Find My app shows the last time and place they were connected.
How to remove AirPods on iCloud.com
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro
AirPods are not designed to be disabled. They have no locking feature, no password.
iPhone or iPad: Go to the Settings app , tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen, then tap Forget This Device. This removes the AirPods from all the devices where you're signed in to the same Apple Account.
If AirPods that are separated from their owner are seen moving with you over time, one of these alerts is displayed: AirPods Detected, AirPods Pro Detected, or AirPods Max Detected.
Find your lost AirPods with Find My
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.
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.
Unknown Accessory Detected
This alert will only be displayed if a set of AirPods, a Find My network accessory or compatible Bluetooth location-tracking device is detected near you, not an AirTag. These could be borrowed AirPods, or AirPods inadvertently left behind by a friend or family member.