4 Easy Ways to Disconnect AirPods from All Devices

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Safely remove access to your AirPods from other devices with this user-friendly guide

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: July 31, 2024 Fact Checked

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Removing AirPods from iPhone or iPad

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Removing AirPods from Apple ID

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Resetting AirPods and AirPods Pro

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Resetting AirPods Max

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Do you want your AirPods to forget all paired devices? If your AirPods were paired with a friend's iPhone or if you purchased it secondhand, you'll want to ensure you have sole access to the device. Luckily, you can easily remove access through the Settings app and Find My app. If you don't want to disconnect the AirPods through each connected device one by one, you can quickly perform a factory reset. This wikiHow will show you how to disconnect your AirPods from all devices with or without your iPhone or iPad.

Things You Should Know

Go to Bluetooth, then tap the "i" next to the AirPods. Tap "Forget This Device" to disconnect.
To remove from an Apple ID, open Find My. Tap "Devices", then tap the AirPods. Tap "Remove This Device".
Hard reset AirPods by opening the case. Hold the back button until the light flashes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Removing AirPods from iPhone or iPad

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1
Open the Settings
app. This is the grey cog icon.^{[1]
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- Use this method if you want to disconnect AirPods from your iPhone or iPad.
You should see your AirPods listed underneath My Devices.

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This will open a new page.^{[2]
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This will be on the very bottom of the screen.^{[3]
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Tap Forget Device. This will be in red.^{[4]
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- The AirPods will be disconnected from your device. You will be unable to use it unless you pair the AirPods again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing AirPods from Apple ID

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1
Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the AirPods are nearby and connected via Bluetooth.^{[5]
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- AirPods can only be associated with one Apple ID at a time. If you're using previously owned AirPods, the past owner will need to remove the AirPods from their Apple ID. If you're unable to contact them, use the next method to reset the AirPods.
- Be sure to update your iOS.^{[6]
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This will show you a list of all devices connected to your Apple ID.^{[7]
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You'll find the device's information.
You may need to swipe up to find this option.^{[8]
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Tap Remove to confirm. The AirPods will be removed from the Apple ID.^{[9]
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- When you set up the AirPods on your Apple ID, you can use Find My to track lost AirPods.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Resetting AirPods and AirPods Pro

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1
Open your AirPods case. Make sure both AirPods are inside the case.^{[10]
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- You will see a light activate between the two AirPods. If you don't see it, you'll need to charge your AirPods first.
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Press and hold the back button. This can be found on the back of the AirPods.^{[11]
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- You'll need to remove any protective casing.
- The button can be difficult to see under dirt and debris, so be sure to clean your AirPods case.^{[12]
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When the light between the two AirPods begins to flash, it will be successfully reset and ready to pair as new.^{[13]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Resetting AirPods Max

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You'll need the device to be on in order to reset it.^{[14]
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Press and hold the noise control button and the Digital Crown. These are located on the left ear. You'll need to hold the buttons together for at least 15 seconds.^{[15]
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- The LED (located on the bottom of the left ear) will flash amber, then white.
- Your AirPods Max will be reset and ready to pair as new.