AirTags are incredibly useful devices for keeping track of important items like keys, luggage, or even pets thanks to their Bluetooth tracking and ultra-wideband technology. But what happens when you need to transfer an AirTag you’re no longer using to another person?
Since AirTags are linked to your specific Apple ID, you can’t just hand them off. Luckily, changing ownership is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to unlink an AirTag from your account and set it up for a new user.
Removing the AirTag from Your Apple ID
The first step in transferring an AirTag is to remove it from your Apple ID. This disassociates it from your account so it can be set up by someone else.
Important note: You can only complete this step when the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of the iPhone signed into your Apple ID.
Here’s how to unlink an AirTag:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone
- Tap the Items tab at the bottom of the screen
- Select the AirTag you want to remove
- Swipe up and tap “Remove Item“
- Tap “Remove” again to confirm
Once you go through this process, the AirTag will no longer be linked to your Apple account and can be set up by a new user. Super simple, right?
Resetting an Out-of-Range AirTag
But what if the AirTag isn’t nearby when you need to unlink it? In that case, you’ll have to coach the new owner through resetting it manually before they can pair it with their own device.
The manual reset process clears any previous owner’s information from the AirTag so it acts like a brand new device. Don’t skip this step if you had to remove the AirTag from your iPhone remotely! If your AirTag seems stuck searching for a signal, try these tips.
Here’s how the new owner can reset the AirTag:
- Press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover and rotate counterclockwise to open
- Remove the battery, then put it back in, pressing down until it makes a sound (this indicates the battery is connected)
- Repeat step 2 four more times in a row. On the fifth time, listen for a different sound that signals the AirTag has reset
- Close the battery compartment by lining up the three tabs on the cover with the slots on the AirTag and turning clockwise until it locks
Once the AirTag is reset, it’s ready to be set up and registered to a new owner’s Apple ID.
Pairing the AirTag with a New Device
After resetting (if needed), the AirTag will act just like it did fresh out of the box. The new owner simply needs to pair it with their iPhone to complete the transfer process.
Here’s how:
- Hold the AirTag close to an unlocked iPhone
- Wait for the “Connect” prompt to appear on screen, then tap it
- Choose a name for the AirTag when prompted
- Tap “Register AirTag” to link it with your Apple ID
And that’s all there is to it! The AirTag has now been successfully transferred to a new owner and will show up in their Find My app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a few more questions about changing AirTag ownership? We’ve got you covered with answers to some common queries:
Can I share my AirTag with another person without transferring it?
No, an AirTag can only be registered to one person’s Apple ID at a time. The only way to “share” it with someone is to let them sign into your Apple account on their device.
What should I do if my AirTag is lost or stolen?
If your AirTag goes missing, you can put it in “Lost Mode” through the Find My app on your iPhone. This allows you to be notified if the AirTag is found by someone in the Find My network. You can also use the app to play a sound on the AirTag if you think it’s nearby.
Do I have to reset my AirTag before giving it away?
If you are able to unlink the AirTag from your Apple ID while it’s still in Bluetooth range, a manual reset isn’t required before transferring. But if you remotely removed it or are unsure, it’s always best to have the new owner reset the AirTag before attempting to pair it, just to be safe.
How much range does an AirTag have?
AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with your iPhone from a close range. But when outside of that range, they tap into Apple’s Find My network, which has hundreds of millions of devices in it. So you can see an AirTag’s last known location just about anywhere! Check out our guide on how accurate AirTags are for more details.
Can the new owner change the AirTag’s name?
Absolutely! Renaming an AirTag can be done at any time through the Find My app on iPhone. The new owner can give it whatever name they like and even assign it a custom icon.
Key Takeaways
To sum it all up, here are the key points to remember about changing AirTag ownership:
- Unlink the AirTag from your Apple ID in the Find My app before transferring
- Reset the AirTag manually if you had to remove it remotely
- The new owner just needs to hold the reset AirTag close to their iPhone to pair
- Put an AirTag in “Lost Mode” if it goes missing to be notified when it’s found
- AirTags have long range tracking via the vast Find My network
AirTags are a game-changer when it comes to keeping an eye on easily misplaced valuables. By taking a few minutes to properly transfer ownership, you can make sure your AirTag has a long life even if you don’t need it anymore.
Whether you’re gifting, selling, or returning an AirTag, these steps will make sure it’s safely unlinked from your Apple ID and ready to go for the next owner. Happy tracking!
For more helpful tips, check out our in-depth AirTag review, guide on using AirTags in checked luggage, and roundup of the best AirTag alternatives.
