If you’re a new owner of a pair of AirPods, you may be wondering how to reset them from the previous owner. This is a necessary step to ensure that the AirPods are paired with your device and that your personal information is not stored on them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your AirPods and start using them with your own device.
To reset your AirPods, start by placing them in the charging case and closing the lid. Then, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The status light will flash white and then amber, indicating that the AirPods have been reset. Once the AirPods have been reset, you can pair them with your device by opening the charging case and holding it near your device. The AirPods will automatically pair with your device and you can start using them right away.
If you’re having trouble resetting your AirPods, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that the AirPods are in the charging case and that the lid is closed. Then, try pressing and holding the setup button for longer than 15 seconds. If the AirPods still don’t reset, you can try contacting Apple Support for assistance.
Unpairing AirPods from Previous Owner’s Device
Before resetting your AirPods, it’s crucial to unpair them from the previous owner’s device. This ensures they are no longer connected to their account and can be successfully paired with yours. Here’s a detailed guide on unpairing AirPods:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Unpairing AirPods
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Obtain Previous Owner’s Permission and Device:
- If possible, contact the previous owner and request their cooperation. They need to have their device with them and agree to the unpairing process.
- Ensure that the previous owner’s device has Bluetooth turned on and is nearby.
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Place AirPods in Charging Case:
- Insert the AirPods into their charging case. Keep the lid open for the duration of the unpairing process.
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Press and Hold Setup Button:
- Locate the setup button on the back of the charging case. This is usually a small, circular button.
- Press and hold the setup button for approximately 15 seconds. The status light inside the case will flash amber, then white.
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Release Setup Button and Unpair:
- When the status light flashes white, release the setup button. The AirPods will automatically unpair from the previous owner’s device.
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Confirm Unpairing:
- To confirm the unpairing, check if the AirPods have disappeared from the Bluetooth settings on the previous owner’s device.
Initiating Reset on AirPods
To begin the reset process, you’ll need to perform the following steps:
- Place both AirPods into their charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid and hold the setup button (located on the back of the case) for 15 seconds.
- The status light should flash amber, then white. This indicates that the AirPods have been reset.
Additional Details for Step 2
When holding the setup button for 15 seconds, there are two distinct stages you’ll experience:
| Stage | Indication |
|---|---|
| Initial 10 seconds | Flashing amber light: The AirPods are entering reset mode. |
| Remaining 5 seconds | Flashing white light: The AirPods have been successfully reset. |
It’s important to hold the setup button for the full 15 seconds, even if the status light changes to white before that. By completing the entire process, you ensure that the AirPods are fully dissociated from the previous owner’s device and are ready to be paired with yours.
Erasing AirPods from iCloud Account
If you’ve recently purchased a set of used AirPods, it’s important to reset them to remove any personal information from the previous owner and connect them to your own devices.
1. Locate the Reset Button
On the back of the AirPods case, you’ll find a small, circular button recessed into the casing. This is the reset button.
2. Press and Hold the Reset Button
Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds. The status light on the front of the case will flash white and then amber. This indicates that the AirPods are in reset mode.
3. Reconnect the AirPods to Your Device
Once the AirPods have been reset, you’ll need to reconnect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To do this, put the AirPods in the charging case and open the lid. Hold the case next to your device until the setup animation appears on the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Cleaning AirPods Before Resetting
Prior to resetting your AirPods, it is imperative to meticulously clean them to ensure optimal functionality. This involves using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, debris, or earwax that may have accumulated on the surfaces of the AirPods and inside the charging case.
Removing Earwax Buildup
If you notice significant earwax buildup on your AirPods, you can utilize a Q-tip to carefully remove it. However, it is crucial to avoid inserting the Q-tip too deeply into the earpiece grille, as this could damage the delicate components within.
Table: Cleaning AirPods with Q-Tips
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gently twist a Q-tip to loosen any earwax |
| 2 | Use the tip of the Q-tip to carefully scrape away any loose earwax |
| 3 | Avoid applying excessive pressure or inserting the Q-tip too deeply |
Selecting Reset Option on AirPods
To reset your AirPods and remove them from the previous owner’s account, follow these steps:
1. Place AirPods in the Charging Case
Insert both AirPods into the charging case and close the lid.
2. Press and Hold Setup Button
Locate the setup button on the back of the charging case. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds, or until the status light inside the case flashes amber and then starts flashing white.
3. Open the Charging Case Lid
Once the status light flashes white consistently, open the charging case lid.
4. Select Reset Option on iPhone/iPad
Your iPhone or iPad will detect the AirPods as a new device. Tap “Connect” and follow the on-screen instructions. On the AirPods settings page, tap “Forgot Device” to reset the AirPods.
5. Reset the AirPods
Once you tap “Forgot Device,” your AirPods will be reset and removed from the previous owner’s iCloud account. To complete the reset process, you may need to perform the following additional steps:
a. Remove AirPods from Bluetooth Settings
Go to Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap the “i” icon next to the AirPods name, and then select “Forget This Device.”
b. Factory Reset Charging Case
Open the charging case and press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds, or until the status light flashes amber and then starts flashing white.
c. Reconnect AirPods
Open the charging case lid and hold the AirPods near your iPhone or iPad. The AirPods should automatically reconnect to your device.
Confirming AirPods Reset
6. Confirming AirPods Reset
Once you have reset your AirPods, it’s essential to confirm that the reset was successful. Here are the steps to check if your AirPods have been reset successfully:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap Bluetooth.
Find your AirPods in the list of devices.
Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap “Forget This Device.”
Tap “Forget Device” again to confirm.
Your AirPods are now reset and ready to be paired with a new device.
To confirm the reset, you can also check if the following conditions are met:
| Condition | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| LED light on the charging case | Flashes amber and then white |
| AirPods name in Bluetooth settings | Shows “AirPods” or a custom name you set |
| Pairing status | Can be paired with a new device |
Resetting AirPods from Previous Owner
When purchasing used AirPods, it’s crucial to reset them to remove any previous owner’s settings and establish a new connection with your device.
Repairing AirPods to New Device
To pair your AirPods with a new device, follow these steps:
1. Place the AirPods in their charging case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, or until the status light flashes amber.
3. On your new device, go to the Bluetooth settings.
4. Select the AirPods from the list of available devices.
5. Wait for the connection to establish.
6. Once connected, your AirPods will be ready to use with your new device.
7. Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you experience any difficulties connecting your AirPods to your new device, try the following troubleshooting steps:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| AirPods are not visible in Bluetooth settings | Make sure the AirPods are in pairing mode (status light flashing amber). Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. |
| AirPods won’t connect after pairing | Forget the AirPods from your device’s Bluetooth settings and try pairing again. Reset the AirPods by pressing the setup button for 15 seconds. |
| One AirPod is not working | Clean the AirPod with a soft, dry cloth. Check if the AirPod is properly seated in the charging case. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support. |
Hard Reset Airpods
A hard reset will erase all settings from your AirPods and return them to their factory default settings. This is helpful if you’re having problems with your AirPods or if you want to give them to someone else.
To hard reset your AirPods, follow these steps:
- Place both AirPods in the charging case.
- Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
- Open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds.
- The status light will flash amber and then white.
- Your AirPods have now been reset.
Re-pairing AirPods with iPhone and Other Apple Devices
Once you’ve reset your AirPods, you’ll need to re-pair them with your iPhone or other Apple device.
To re-pair your AirPods with your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the name of your AirPods.
- Tap Connect.
To re-pair your AirPods with your other Apple device, follow these steps:
- Make sure that your AirPods are in the charging case and that the lid is open.
- Hold your AirPods close to your Apple device.
- A pop-up will appear on your Apple device asking you to connect your AirPods.
- Tap Connect.
Resetting AirPods with Advanced Microcontroller Bus Interface
The Advanced Microcontroller Bus Interface (AMBI) is a hardware interface that connects the AirPods to the charging case. If you are having problems with your AirPods, you can try resetting the AMBI by following these steps:
- Put both AirPods in the charging case.
- Connect the charging case to a power source.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 10 seconds.
- The status light will flash green.
- The AMBI has now been reset.
If you are still having problems with your AirPods after resetting the AMBI, you may need to contact
Apple Support.
| Reset Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hard Reset | Place both AirPods in the charging case. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. |
| AMBI Reset | Put both AirPods in the charging case. Connect the charging case to a power source. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 10 seconds. |
| Re-pairing with iPhone | In the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Bluetooth. Tap the name of your AirPods, and then tap Connect. |
| Re-pairing with Other Apple Devices | Hold your AirPods close to your Apple device. When a pop-up appears on your device, tap Connect. |
Setting Up AirPods for the First Time
If you’ve purchased AirPods that were previously owned by someone else, you’ll need to reset them before you can use them with your own device.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Place AirPods in Charging Case
Open the lid of the AirPods charging case and place both AirPods inside.
2. Press and Hold Setup Button
On the back of the charging case, locate the setup button. Press and hold it for 15 seconds.
3. LED Indicator Flashes White
The LED indicator on the front of the charging case will begin to flash white.
4. Release Setup Button
Once the LED indicator flashes white, release the setup button.
5. Reset Complete
The AirPods have now been reset and are ready to pair with your device.
6. Open Settings App
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
7. Tap Bluetooth
In the Settings app, tap on the ‘Bluetooth’ option.
8. Look for AirPods
In the list of available Bluetooth devices, look for the name of the AirPods. It should be listed as “AirPods” or “AirPods Pro”.
9. Tap to Connect
Tap on the name of the AirPods to connect them to your device.
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Open the lid of the AirPods charging case and place both AirPods inside. |
| 2 | Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds. |
| 3 | The LED indicator on the front of the charging case will begin to flash white. |
| 4 | Release the setup button once the LED indicator flashes white. |
| 5 | The AirPods have now been reset and are ready to pair with your device. |
| 6 | Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. |
| 7 | Tap on the ‘Bluetooth’ option. |
| 8 | Look for the name of the AirPods in the list of available Bluetooth devices. |
| 9 | Tap on the name of the AirPods to connect them to your device. |
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
Unable to reset your AirPods from the previous owner? Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:
Check Power Status
Ensure both AirPods and the charging case are adequately charged. If the battery is low, the reset process may not initiate.
Verify Bluetooth Connection
Make sure the AirPods are disconnected from all Bluetooth devices. Turn off Bluetooth on your devices and then re-enable.
Clean Charging Ports
Dirt or debris may accumulate in the charging ports, preventing a proper connection. Clean both the AirPods and charging case ports gently using a cotton swab.
Reset Network Settings
On your Bluetooth-connected device, navigate to the network settings and reset them. This action resets all saved Bluetooth connections, including the AirPods.
Force Restart AirPods
Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for approximately 15 seconds.
Factory Reset AirPods
If other troubleshooting steps fail, factory reset your AirPods. With the AirPods in the charging case and the lid open, press and hold the setup button for approximately 15 seconds.
Re-Pair AirPods
After a successful reset, re-pair the AirPods by opening the charging case near your Bluetooth device. Select “Connect” or “Pair” on the device.
Contact Apple Support
If you continue to experience difficulties resetting your AirPods, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.
Check for Hardware Issues
If the AirPods are physically damaged or have a malfunctioning hardware component, they may be unable to reset. Consider seeking professional repairs.
Try Different Charging Cable
It is possible that the charging cable you’re using is not supplying reliable power to the AirPods or charging case. Try a different cable and ensure it is securely connected.
How to Reset AirPods from Previous Owner
If you’ve recently acquired a pair of AirPods from a previous owner, it’s crucial to perform a factory reset to erase any personal data or settings linked to the previous user. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset AirPods from a previous owner:
- Place AirPods in the Case: Ensure both AirPods are securely placed inside the charging case.
- Open the Lid and Press the Setup Button: Open the charging case’s lid and locate the setup button, usually at the back.
- Hold Setup Button for 15 Seconds: Press and hold the setup button for approximately 15 seconds until the status light on the front of the case begins to flash orange and then white.
- Release Setup Button: Release the setup button once the status light flashes white.
- Close the Lid and Wait: Close the lid of the charging case and wait for about 15 seconds until the status light turns green.
- Open Lid and Connect: Open the lid again, and your AirPods will be ready to connect to your iPhone or other Bluetooth device as a new pair.
People Also Ask
How Do I Remove the Previous Owner’s Apple ID from AirPods?
To remove the previous owner’s Apple ID from AirPods, you’ll need to reset them and then pair them to your own device. This will overwrite any previous settings or accounts associated with the AirPods.
Can I Track the Previous Owner of AirPods if They’re Lost?
No, you cannot track the previous owner of AirPods if they’re lost unless they have enabled Find My on their Apple devices and have paired the AirPods to those devices.
How Do I Fix AirPods That Won’t Reset?
If your AirPods won’t reset, try these steps:
- Ensure the AirPods are fully charged.
- Make sure the charging case is clean and free of any debris.
- Try resetting the AirPods again using the steps outlined above.
- Contact Apple Support for further assistance.
