How to reset your AirTag
Learn when you need to reset your AirTag or AirTag (2nd generation) and how to do it.
An AirTag can be associated with one Apple Account. If you want to use an AirTag that someone else has used, they need to remove the AirTag from their Apple Account first. If the previous user removed the AirTag from their Apple Account but they were out of Bluetooth range of the AirTag, then you need to reset it before you can use it with your devices.
Reset your AirTag
Press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover of your AirTag and rotate counterclockwise until the cover stops rotating.
Remove the cover and the battery.*
Replace the battery.
Press down on the battery for about 2 seconds until you hear a sound. This sound means that the battery is connected.
When the sound finishes, repeat the process four more times, removing and replacing the battery, then pressing down on the battery until you hear a sound.
You should hear a sound each time you press on the battery, for a total of five sounds. The fifth sound is different from the previous four. This indicates that the AirTag is now ready to pair. If the fifth sound isn't different, continue this process until you hear a different sound.
Replace the cover by aligning the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on your AirTag.
Press down on the cover.
Rotate the cover clockwise until it stops rotating.
Reset your AirTag (2nd generation)
Press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover of your AirTag (2nd generation) and rotate counterclockwise until the cover stops rotating.
Remove the cover and the battery.*
Replace the battery.
Press down on the battery for about 2 seconds until you hear a sound. This sound means that the battery is connected. Continue to press on the battery for 2 more seconds.
When the sound finishes, remove the battery and wait 12 seconds.
Repeat the process of replacing and removing the battery four more times.
You should hear a sound each time you press on the battery, for a total of five sounds. The fifth sound is different from the previous four. This indicates that the AirTag is now ready to pair.
If the fifth sound isn't different, continue this process until you hear a different sound.
To hear the fifth sound, you may need to press the battery for 12 seconds until you hear a different sound.
Replace the cover by aligning the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on your AirTag.
Press down on the cover.
Rotate the cover clockwise until it stops rotating.
* Warning: AirTag, the battery cover, and the battery might present a choking hazard or cause other injury to small children. Keep these items away from small children.
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