How to Reset AirTag: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Ever lost your keys and felt that mini panic? That’s where Apple’s AirTag and the Find My app really shine—they help you keep tabs on your most important stuff. But what happens when your AirTag starts acting up, or you want to pass it along to someone else?

Don’t worry—resetting your AirTag is actually pretty simple once you know how. I’m here to walk you through each step, from fixing glitches to getting your AirTag ready for a new owner (or a new adventure). I’ll also share tips to avoid common mistakes and help you handle even those tricky situations when your AirTag isn’t linked to your Apple ID.

Why Would You Reset an AirTag?

Resetting your AirTag is helpful in several scenarios:

• Fixing Glitches: If your AirTag isn’t updating its location or connecting properly, a reset can resolve these issues.
• Transferring Ownership: Planning to give your AirTag to someone else? You’ll need to unlink it from your account first.
• Reassigning Items: Want to move your AirTag from your keys to your backpack? Resetting makes it easy.
• Troubleshooting: Address persistent problems that aren’t resolved with basic fixes.

Before You Begin: Preparation Checklist & Pitfalls to Avoid

Set yourself up for a smooth AirTag reset with these simple preparations:

What You’ll Need:

1. Your AirTag (within Bluetooth range for software removal)
2. An iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS/iPadOS and the Find My app installed
3. Your Apple ID credentials (in case re-authentication is required)
4. A fresh CR2032 coin cell battery (recommended for troubleshooting or if the reset fails)
5. Optional: A rubber jar opener pad, rubber gloves, or a grippy cloth to help open a stubborn AirTag cover
6. A small tray or table to work over so you don’t lose the battery or cover

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

If your AirTag is at home and you try to remove it from your Apple ID while you’re at work, it won’t fully reset until you follow the manual steps with the device. Also, a weak battery or a cover that’s hard to open can make resetting difficult—getting ready ahead of time can save you trouble later.

Important Security Note: Pairing Lock

Apple AirTags are protected by a feature called Pairing Lock. Only the original owner can remove an AirTag from their Apple ID using the Find My app. Apple Support cannot remove this lock for you. If you bought or found a secondhand AirTag, it must be unlinked by the previous owner before you can use it.

How to Reset Your AirTag

Here’s the complete walkthrough:

Step 1: Remove Your AirTag from Your Apple ID (Software Reset)

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the Items tab at the bottom.
3. Select the AirTag you want to reset.
4. Scroll down and tap Remove Item.
5. Confirm by tapping Remove again.
   
   

This step unlinks the AirTag from your Apple ID.

Important: If the AirTag is not within Bluetooth range during this process, you’ll need to complete the manual reset below.

Step 2: Manually Reset the AirTag (Physical Reset)

If your AirTag wasn’t nearby during removal, or you’re transferring ownership, follow these steps for a full factory reset:

1. Hold the AirTag with the shiny stainless steel side facing up.
2. Press down and twist the cover counterclockwise to open it. Tip: If it’s hard to grip, use a rubber jar opener pad or gloves for extra friction.
3. Remove the battery (AirTags uses a CR2032 coin cell battery).
4. Insert the battery and press down until you hear a chime.
5. Remove and reinsert the battery, pressing down for a chime four more times (for a total of five chimes).
6. On the fifth chime, the sound will be slightly different—this means the AirTag is fully reset.
7. Replace the cover and twist it clockwise until it clicks.

Why five times?

Apple requires this five-step battery sequence as a security measure to ensure the AirTag’s memory is entirely wiped and ready for a new user. If you don’t hear all five chimes, repeat the process.

What to Do After Resetting

• Pair Again: Bring the reset AirTag near your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to set Airtag as new.
• Gift or Sell: The new user can now add it to their Apple ID without issues. Want to share your AirTag instead? Learn how to share AirTag on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• Store Safely: With a fresh battery, your AirTag is ready for use whenever you need it.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter a hiccup. Here’s how to solve the most common problems:

1. AirTag not responding to reset:

• Try a fresh CR2032 battery.
• Wait about 10 seconds after removing the battery before reinserting it if you’re having trouble.
• Ensure your device’s Bluetooth and Location Services are enabled.

2. “AirTag not reachable” error:

• Make sure the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your device during removal.

3. Cannot remove AirTag from the previous owner:

• Only the original owner can unlink it from their Apple ID. If you bought a used AirTag, ask the previous owner to remove it.
• If you can’t contact the previous owner, try scanning the AirTag with an NFC-enabled phone (tap it to the white side). If the owner set up “Lost Mode,” their contact information may appear, allowing you to reach out.

Pairing failure after reset:

• Update your iOS device and ensure that Bluetooth and Location Services are enabled.

What If You Find an Unknown AirTag?

If you find an AirTag that does not belong to you, you cannot add it to your account unless the original owner removes it from their Apple ID. For privacy and safety, try to return it to its owner. If you cannot do that, responsibly recycle the AirTag. Do not try to use a found AirTag that is still connected to someone else.

Legal and Privacy Note:

Using a found or secondhand AirTag without ensuring it’s unlinked may violate privacy laws in some regions. Always act ethically and respect others’ property.

How to Spot a Counterfeit or Tampered AirTag

With the popularity of AirTags, counterfeit devices are on the rise. Protect yourself by:

1. Checking the serial number in the Find My app during setup.
2. Inspecting build quality—genuine AirTags have precise, high-quality construction.
3. Avoiding deals that seem too good to be true or sellers unwilling to prove unblinking.

Related: How to find the serial number of AirTag

Quick Reference: AirTag Reset Checklist

Your AirTag Is Now Reset and Ready to Go!

Resetting your AirTag is easy once you know how. Always remove your AirTag from your Apple ID before giving it to someone else, and follow the manual reset steps if needed. If you’re buying or selling a used AirTag, make sure it’s unlinked before exchanging money or items. Still need help? Contact Apple Support—they can assist you.

Have more questions or run into an issue? Drop your question in the comments—I’m always happy to help!

You may also check out related posts:

• Best AirTag cases
• Apple AirTag 2: Expected features, release date, and more
• How to find the serial number of AirTag