Since AirPods and AirPods Pro link to your Apple ID, you must reset them before passing them down to anyone or selling them. Otherwise, the earbuds will continue to show up in your Apple account. It will also make it difficult for the new owner of your AirPods to pair them with their device if you don’t reset them.

The good thing is that you only need to remove your AirPods from one of your paired devices, and they will be automatically removed from all other devices.

The steps to unpair your AirPods will remain the same, irrespective of whether you own the first, second, or third-gen AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. Here’s how to do it.

How to Reset AirPods or AirPods Pro

Ensure that your AirPods are connected to your iPhone during the reset process. Also, make sure that both AirPods are in the charging case. Then follow these steps:

  1. Open the AirPods’ charging case and ensure they are paired to your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
  3. Tap the i button next to your AirPods.
  4. Tap the Forget This Device option.
  5. Confirm your choice by tapping the Forget Device option again from the menu that pops up.
  6. A dialog box will pop up, warning you that removing the AirPods from your device will disconnect it from all other devices and your iCloud account.
  7. Again, confirm your choice by tapping Forget Device.
  8. Now, with the case of your AirPods open, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The status light will first flash amber and then white, confirming your AirPods have been reset.

Once unpaired and reset, you can pass on or sell your AirPods, and the new owner will be able to easily connect them to their own iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Related: Apple’s AirPods Pro vs. Beats Fit Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

Resetting AirPods Is Different From Other Wireless Earbuds

Unpairing and resetting AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max from an iPhone is slightly different from other Bluetooth earbuds. This is primarily because of their Find My functionality, which allows you to track them if they are stolen or misplaced.

On the plus side, the additional steps also ensure that no one else can reset your AirPods and easily pass them off as their own.