How to Reset AirTag: Step-by-Step Guide

Apple’s AirTag is a nifty little device that’s saved countless people from the panic of lost keys, wallets, and bags. But like any piece of technology, sometimes things get a bit wonky. Maybe your AirTag isn’t connecting properly, it’s linked to the wrong Apple ID, or you’re planning to pass it along to someone else. Whatever the reason, knowing how to reset your AirTag is an essential bit of tech maintenance that takes just a few minutes.

The good news? Resetting an AirTag is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools or technical expertise. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or preparing your device for a fresh start, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the different reset methods, what to do before you begin, and how to get your AirTag working perfectly again.

Think of resetting your AirTag as giving it a clean slate—it clears out any lingering connection issues and prepares it for a new pairing. Let’s dive into the process.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know

Before you jump into the reset process, there are a few things worth understanding. First, resetting your AirTag will completely disconnect it from your Apple ID and remove it from your Find My app. This means you’ll lose any location history associated with that device. If you’re resetting because you’re giving the AirTag to someone else, this is exactly what you want. But if you’re troubleshooting, make sure you’re not accidentally erasing something important.

You’ll also need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby for the initial setup process. The AirTag itself will work with any Apple device, but the pairing and setup process requires an iOS or iPadOS device with Bluetooth capabilities. Make sure your device has a current iOS version installed for the smoothest experience.

One more thing to keep in mind: your AirTag needs to have a working battery. If the battery is dead or nearly dead, the reset process might not work properly. If you suspect this is the issue, you might want to check out our guide on how to change AirTag battery first. A fresh battery can sometimes solve connectivity problems without needing a full reset.

Step 1: Remove Your AirTag from Find My

The first step in resetting your AirTag is removing it from your Find My app. This is crucial because it severs the connection between the device and your Apple ID, which is necessary for a clean reset.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad
2. Tap the “Items” tab at the bottom of the screen
3. Find your AirTag in the list and tap it
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen
5. Tap the “Remove Item” or “Remove” button
6. Confirm your choice when prompted

You’ll see a confirmation message letting you know the AirTag has been removed from your account. At this point, the device is no longer connected to your Apple ID, but it’s not quite reset yet. This is just the first part of the process.

If you’re having trouble finding your AirTag in the Find My app or if it’s showing as offline, don’t worry. You can still proceed with the physical reset. The key is making sure it’s removed from your account before attempting the hardware reset.

Step 2: Locate and Press the Reset Button

Now comes the hands-on part. Your AirTag has a small reset button on the back, and you’ll need to access it by removing the stainless steel battery compartment cover. This is where things get a little fiddly, but it’s easier than you might think.

Follow these steps:

1. Hold your AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up
2. Locate the small indentation on the edge of the device
3. Press down firmly on this indentation and twist counterclockwise until the battery cover pops off
4. You’ll now see the battery and, directly beneath it, the reset button (a small circular button)
5. Press and hold this reset button for about 15 seconds
6. You’ll hear a sound and see a light flash—this indicates the reset is in progress
7. Continue holding until you hear a second sound, which signals the reset is complete

The whole process takes about 15-20 seconds of button pressing. Don’t be shy with the pressure—the button is designed to handle firm pressing. If you’re not hearing any sounds or seeing any lights, double-check that you’re pressing the correct button and that your AirTag’s battery is in good condition.

Once you’ve heard that second sound and seen the light flash, your AirTag is officially reset. You can now replace the battery cover by twisting it clockwise until it clicks securely back into place.

Step 3: Reconnect Your AirTag

With the reset complete, your AirTag is essentially a blank slate. Now you need to pair it with your Apple ID again. This process is identical to setting up a brand new AirTag, which makes it wonderfully straightforward.

Here’s the reconnection process:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone or iPad
2. Hold your reset AirTag close to your Apple device
3. The pairing prompt should appear automatically on your screen
4. Tap “Connect” when you see the AirTag appear in the pairing screen
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup
6. Choose whether you want to use this AirTag for a specific item (like your keys or wallet) or leave it unassigned
7. Tap “Done” when you’ve finished customization

Your AirTag should now be fully reconnected and ready to use. You’ll find it listed in your Find My app under the Items tab. If you’re having issues with the pairing process, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on and that you’re holding the AirTag close enough to your device—usually within a few inches works best.

If you’re setting this up for someone else, they should complete this process using their own Apple ID rather than yours. This ensures the AirTag is properly linked to their account and they have full control over it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes the reset process doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to tackle them:

The reset button isn’t responding: Make sure you’re pressing the correct button beneath the battery. If you’re still having trouble, the battery might be dead. Consider replacing your AirTag battery and trying again.

The AirTag won’t pair after reset: Try restarting your iPhone or iPad and attempt the pairing process again. Make sure Bluetooth is fully enabled and not just partially connected to another device.

You’re not hearing the confirmation sounds: This could indicate a battery issue or a problem with the device’s speaker. If the battery is fresh and you’re still not hearing anything, the AirTag itself might need replacement.

Find My app isn’t showing the reset option: This sometimes happens if your iOS version is outdated. Update your device to the latest iOS version and try again. You might also want to check our guide on how to turn off Find My iPhone if you’re having broader location services issues.

If none of these solutions work, you might be dealing with a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance. They can run diagnostics to determine if your AirTag needs replacement.

When to Replace Your Battery During Reset

A common reason people need to reset their AirTag is because it’s acting up—and often, that acting up is actually just a low or dead battery. If you’re resetting your AirTag anyway, it’s the perfect time to swap in a fresh battery.

AirTags use standard CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you can find at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for just a couple of dollars. The battery typically lasts about a year with normal use, so if your AirTag is older than that, a battery replacement might be all you needed in the first place.

If you’re not sure how to properly replace the battery, our detailed guide on how to replace AirTag battery walks through the process step by step. The good news is that battery replacement and reset use the same access point—that battery compartment on the back—so you can handle both tasks at once.

Here’s a pro tip: if your AirTag was having connectivity issues and a fresh battery doesn’t solve them, then a reset becomes necessary. But always try the battery route first, as it’s the simpler solution and often fixes the problem entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset an AirTag?

The actual reset process takes about 15-20 seconds of button pressing. However, if you include removing it from Find My and reconnecting it afterward, plan for about 5-10 minutes total from start to finish.

Will resetting my AirTag erase all the location data?

Yes. Once you reset your AirTag and remove it from Find My, all location history associated with that device is erased. This is permanent and cannot be recovered.

Can I reset an AirTag that’s not paired to my Apple ID?

Yes, you can reset an AirTag through the hardware reset process regardless of whose account it’s linked to. However, you won’t be able to remove it from Find My unless you have access to that Apple ID. If you’re having issues with an AirTag you don’t own, contact the owner or Apple Support.

Do I need to charge my AirTag before resetting?

AirTags don’t charge—they use replaceable CR2032 batteries. Make sure the battery is fresh before resetting, as a low battery might prevent the reset from working properly.

What should I do if my AirTag still isn’t working after reset?

Try replacing the battery first. If that doesn’t help, restart your iPhone or iPad and attempt the pairing process again. If the AirTag still won’t work after these steps, it might have a hardware issue and may need to be replaced by Apple.

Can I reset an AirTag remotely?

No. The reset process requires physical access to the device and pressing the reset button on the back. There’s no way to reset an AirTag through the Find My app or any other remote method.

Is there any way to undo a reset?

Once you’ve reset your AirTag, the process is permanent. However, if you pair it again to your Apple ID, you can restore it to your Find My app. The location history won’t return, but the device will function normally again.

Do I need to remove my AirTag from Find My before doing the hardware reset?

While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended. Removing it from Find My first ensures a clean reset and prevents any potential pairing conflicts when you reconnect it afterward.

For additional resources on device pairing and setup, check out Apple’s official AirTag support page. If you’re interested in learning more about Find My features and location services, Apple’s Find My overview provides comprehensive information. For general troubleshooting guidance, iFixit’s AirTag repair guides offer detailed technical insights. You might also find The Verge’s AirTag review and guide helpful for understanding all the device’s capabilities. And for those interested in broader Apple device connectivity, Macworld’s Find My guide covers ecosystem-wide location features.

Resetting your AirTag doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these steps, you’ll have your device working like new in just a few minutes. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, preparing to share it with someone else, or just giving your AirTag a fresh start, the reset process is quick, straightforward, and effective. If you ever need to find hidden apps on iPhone or manage other aspects of your Apple device, the same methodical approach applies—take it one step at a time and you’ll get where you need to go.