How to reset Airpods from previous owner?
If you intend to buy used AirPods Pro from a previous user, also known as Like New, you should know how to reset your AirPods Pro. Unpair them from the previous owner's Apple ID. Although this is quite easy to do, it requires the help of the original owner of the AirPods. This article explains how to restore AirPods Pro to factory settings from a previous user and what happens if you don't. The instructions here apply to all recent AirPods models.
When AirPods Pro are set up, they are linked to the user's Apple ID via the Pairing Lock (similar to Activation Lock on an iPhone). You can use AirPods Pro without removing the Pairing Lock, but you cannot connect them to your Apple ID.
Therefore, if you are holding onto AirPods Pro, you need to reset them from the previous owner to set them up yourself. Only the owner of that Apple ID can remove the AirPods from the Apple ID. This means you need the previous owner's help. If you buy used AirPods, ask the seller if they have removed their Apple ID. If not, they can follow these steps:
- The previous user logs into the Find My app with their Apple ID.
- Ensure the Apple ID used is the one paired with the AirPods.
- Tap on the AirPods that need to be removed from the Apple ID.
- Swipe up to display more information about the AirPods.
- Tap Remove This Device. In the pop-up window, tap Remove.
Once completed, the AirPods will be removed from the previous user's Apple ID. Now, you can set up the AirPods with your own Apple ID.