How to Remove Apple Id from Airpods Without Previous Owner [6 Method]
Bought used AirPods stuck on someone else’s Apple ID? Don’t stress! Here’s a nifty trick – open the Find My app, tap your AirPods, hit ‘Erase’ and confirm. This instantly factory resets them so you can pair the AirPods to your account and finally enjoy those sweet wireless tunes!
Getting a good deal on used AirPods can be tempting, but if they’re still linked to the seller’s Apple ID, they’re practically useless.
You won’t be able to pair or use features like “Find My” without access to the original owner’s account.
Thankfully, there are a few methods you can try to disconnect the AirPods from the old Apple ID so you can pair them properly with your devices.
If your airpods still connected to previous owner. This step-by-step guide will walk you through How to Remove Apple Id from Airpods Without Previous Owner.
Method 1: Factory Reset AirPods Using Button Combinations
Resetting your AirPods to factory settings will remove any existing pairing connections and allow you to set them up fresh.
Here’s how to factory reset both regular AirPods and AirPods Pro:
Reset Original AirPods
Open the AirPods case with both AirPods inside, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds.
The status light will flash amber, then white once the reset is complete.
Reset AirPods Pro
Open the AirPods Pro case with both earbuds inside, then press and hold the setup button and the sensor on the back of the case for 10 seconds.
Wait for the status light to flash white, indicating the reset worked.
Once your AirPods have been restored to factory settings, you can pair them with your Apple ID during the initial setup process.
Method 2: Erase AirPods Using Find My App
If the original owner still has “Find My” enabled for the AirPods you purchased, use the Find My app to remotely erase them:
On an iPhone
Download and open the Find My app. Tap “Items” at the bottom.
Select your AirPods from the list of found devices. Tap Actions » Erase AirPods.
Confirm by entering your Apple ID password.
On a Mac
- Go to iCloud.com/find on a Mac and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Find iPhone.
- Choose your AirPods, then click Erase AirPods and enter your password.
Erasing the AirPods via Find My will factory reset them and break any connection with the seller’s Apple ID.
Method 3: Connect AirPods to a New iCloud Account
If you have temporary access to the original owner’s Apple ID, you can override it by pairing the AirPods with your own iCloud account:
- Make sure both AirPods are in the case, then open the lid next to your iPhone.
- When the setup prompt appears, tap Connect and follow the onscreen instructions to pair them with your Apple ID instead.
This will associate your personal iCloud account with the AirPods so you can use features like automatic switching and “Find My” going forward.
Method 4: Jailbreak Your iPhone to Bypass Restrictions
While it involves considerably more risk and effort, jailbreaking your iPhone can give you root access to bypass activation lock and pair the AirPods normally through Bluetooth settings.
However we would not recommend jailbreaking your primary smartphone device just for this purpose.
If you wish to attempt it, you’ll need:
- An older iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS 12.3 or earlier.
- Jailbreak software like unc0ver, Chimera, Electra, etc.
- Basic technical knowledge of jailbreaking procedures.
Once jailbroken, there are tweaks like MinaUSB, MagicCFG, and Sliver that can help bypass certain activation locks on paired devices.
Again, we caution against jailbreaking your everyday iPhone for any reason due to major security risks.
Method 5: Contact Apple Support to Provide Proof of Purchase
This should be your last resort, but if all else fails, try contacting Apple Support directly about your situation.
You may be able to provide a proof of purchase to verify ownership of the AirPods.
Be aware that Apple cannot assist with bypassing activation lock if the original owner flags the AirPods as lost or stolen.
Make sure you meet the following criteria before reaching out:
- You have a legitimate proof of purchase for the secondhand AirPods. This could be a payment receipt from the seller showing the serial numbers.
- The AirPods do NOT show as lost or stolen in Find My app. This usually means they were erased properly prior to selling them.
If you meet the above conditions, [contact Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/airpods) with your proof of purchase and AirPods serial number. Explain how you acquired them secondhand with the Apple ID still linked.
An advisor may be able to confirm ownership remotely with your documentation so you can proceed to pair and use the AirPods normally.
Preventative Measures When Buying Secondhand
To avoid the headache of inheriting an activation locked device, be smart when purchasing used electronics:
- Meet in person whenever possible to inspect condition.
- Request current photos and serial numbers if buying remotely. Cross check them through Apple.
- Ask the seller to demonstrate AirPods connecting properly with their own iPhone before paying.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Confirm iCloud status if price seems suspiciously low.
- Consider buying secondhand AirPods from Apple directly with their one-year warranty.
Following these tips will minimize the risk of ending up with activation locked AirPods and other devices tied to someone else’s account.
Be an informed buyer and don’t hesitate to walk away from any sale that seems questionable. It’s better than wasting your money on electronics you can’t even use.
Summary of Ways to Remove Apple ID from AirPods
How to Remove Apple Id from Airpods Without Previous Owner? To recap, here are 5 potential solutions for resetting secondhand AirPods:
- Factory reset AirPods using button combinations
- Erase AirPods remotely via Find My app
- Override with your personal iCloud account
- Jailbreak iPhone to bypass some restrictions
- Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase
Ideally, you’ll be able to reset or erase the AirPods properly before the transaction is complete. This guarantees they’ll be ready to use with your Apple devices right away.
In some cases, you may need to provide documentation to prove ownership if the original Apple ID is still linked.
While inconvenient, this allows you to acquire AirPods at a fraction of retail cost if you follow the right protocol.
We hope these steps empower you to shop confidently for secondhand AirPods and save money without ending up with unusable e-waste. Share this guide with fellow deal hunters to pay it forward!