How to reset an AirTag

💡 Need to know

• You must remove the AirTag from your Apple Account before resetting it.
• Press the battery down five times to trigger a full reset.
• No fifth chime? It didn’t reset—start again.
• Still stuck? Try a fresh battery and re-pair it.

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If you're a bit scatterbrained or just trying to keep track of your stuff, an Apple® AirTag® is your best friend. It helps you figure out exactly where you left your car, keys, luggage, and the TV remote that you keep setting down in odd places.

Sometimes, though, you may need to reset your AirTag. Maybe you're having connection issues, or your kid wants to borrow it for their field trip. Or perhaps you're trying to stop an AirTag from tracking you.

At Asurion, we help customers get the most out of their everyday tech. If you're wondering how AirTags work or how to tell if your phone is being tracked, we've got answers. Here's how to reset an AirTag, so it's ready the next time you need it.

Knowing when an AirTag needs a reset

Resetting an AirTag removes it from your Apple Account, which means you'll stop getting location updates through the Find My app. Once it's reset, you can either reconnect it with your Apple ID or let someone else take it over.

Here are a few signs that it's time to reset an Apple AirTag:

• You're experiencing AirTag connection issues that you can't fix by moving closer.
• You stop getting location updates, or they're inconsistent.
• After you replace the batteries, your AirTag won't pair again.
• You need to prepare an AirTag for a new user.

Remove the AirTag from your Apple ID

An AirTag only works with one Apple ID at a time for security reasons. That means you'll need to completely remove it from your Apple Account before resetting it or transferring it to someone else.

Here's how to remove the AirTag from the Find My app:

1. Open the Find My app.
2. Tap Devices or Items.
3. Find the AirTag on the list of devices and swipe up on it.
4. Tap Remove This Device or Remove Item.

Performing the physical AirTag reset

If your device doesn't connect to the app, it's time for an AirTag factory reset. This lets you manually restart the device.

Follow these simple AirTag reset steps:

1. Open the AirTag by pressing down on the metal cover and twisting it counterclockwise.
2. Take off the cover and remove the battery.
3. Put the battery back down and press it until it beeps.
4. Repeat the process five times. The fifth sound will be different from the others.
5. Put the cover back on.

If your AirTag is not resetting, make sure you pressed the battery enough times. If you only repeat this step three or four times, it won't work.

Next, replace the battery with a fresh one and try again. Restarting your iPhone® or iPad® may also resolve software glitches that cause AirTag pairing problems.

Re-pair your AirTag after the reset

After you reset your Apple AirTag, it should automatically try to connect with any nearby iPhones and other Apple devices. If the prompt doesn't appear on your screen, try holding the phone closer to the AirTag.

Follow this AirTag setup guide to pair it with your current device or a new one:

1. After your iPhone or iPad detects the AirTag, tap Connect.
2. Choose a name for the AirTag from the preset list.
3. Tap Agree or Continue.
4. Tap Done.

You can also give your AirTag a custom name or even an emoji:

1. Open the Find My app and tap Items.
2. Tap the AirTag > Rename Item.
3. Type in a custom name or emoji.
4. Tap Done.

Don't see an option to connect on your screen? You can also manually add AirTags with the Find My app. Tap Items > + > Add AirTag.

Once you've figured out how to reset AirTags, test the Precision Finding feature to make sure the tracker works properly. All you need to do is tap the AirTag in the Find My app, then tap Find Nearby.

You can also test the alerts by tapping Play Sound, which should sound an alarm.

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FAQ

Do I have to remove the AirTag from my Apple Account before resetting it?

Yes. For security reasons, an AirTag must be removed from your Apple Account before it can be reset and paired to someone else.

Why didn’t my AirTag reset after pressing the battery?

You need to press and reinsert the battery five full times. If you only do it three or four times, it won’t trigger the reset tone.

Will resetting an AirTag delete its name?

Yes. After a reset, you’ll need to reconnect it and rename it in the Find My app.

What if my AirTag still won’t connect after a reset?

Try replacing the battery with a new CR2032 and restart your iPhone or iPad. If it still won’t pair, there may be hardware damage.