How to factory reset and then deregister a pair of Apple AirPods


In this video we take a look at how you deregister and factory reset and then deregister a pair of 2nd Gen (2019) Apple AirPods. You would typically perform such an action, if you intend to lend, sell or give away your AirPods.

However, performing a factory reset may also fix issues with charging the earphones, or correct problems with the sensors that are built into the device.

  • First open Find My.
  • Within the Find My app select Devices.
  • Select your AirPods from the list of devices.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the panel to locate the option Remove This Device.
  • Tap Remove This Device.

Note: You will be prompted to remove your AirPods from your Apple ID and unpair them from Bluetooth devices. However we noticed that our AirPods were not being removed from our Apple ID after we selected Remove. 

  • Select Remove.

Note: If your AirPods have been removed from your Apple ID, your AirPods will no longer appear in the Devices list. However if you find that this is not the case. We recommend waiting a couple of minutes then repeating the “Remove this Device” process. We also noticed that in some instances, we had to repeat the “Remove this Device” process multiple times. So if you continue to have problems, also try closing and reopening the Find My app, before attempting to remove your AirPods from your Apple ID. 

  • You now need to factory reset your AirPods.
  • Open the lid of the charging case and gently press and hold the buds to the charging connectors. 
  • Now locate and press the Pair button for roughly 30 seconds or until the indicator light changes from flashing white, to flashing amber and returning to flashing white.
  • Close the lid to the charging case of your AirPods.

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