How to Reset AirPods Pro From a Previous Owner: Ultimate Guide

Acquiring a second-hand pair of AirPods Pro can be great, but resetting them to work with your devices is crucial for personalization and security.

Previous ownership can leave traces of data and pairings that may disrupt your user experience. This section outlines the necessary steps to effectively reset AirPods Pro, ensuring they function seamlessly with your Apple devices as if they were brand new.

Whether troubleshooting, preparing to sell, or just purchasing a pre-owned pair, resetting is a simple process that can resolve many connectivity issues.

What Happens If You Don’t Reset the Owner of AirPods

Neglecting to reset the owner of pre-owned AirPods can result in several issues. You may encounter persistent syncing problems as the AirPods strive to connect to the original owner’s devices. 

This can interfere with your ability to pair with your own Apple devices, leading to a frustrating user experience.

Additionally, any personalized settings or configurations set by the previous owner will remain, which may not align with your preferences. 

Failing to reset can also pose privacy concerns, as the original owner may still have access through their device’s Find My network. 

Thus, resetting the AirPods to ensure you exclusively control them and personalize your listening experience is vital.

Materials Needed

List of things you need for the reset

• AirPods Pro: Your AirPods Pro unit that you wish to reset.
• A Compatible iPhone or iPad: This device will facilitate the reset process.
• Latest Version of iOS or iPadOS: Ensure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the most recent operating system for a smooth reset process.
• Charging Case: The case is required to reset the AirPods Pro by pressing the setup button.
• Lightning to USB Cable: For charging your AirPods Pro and the case, if necessary, before the reset.
• Internet Connection: An active internet connection is needed to complete the reset process, as it may require downloading the latest firmware for the earbuds.

Preparatory Steps

Check the battery life of the AirPods Pro

Before commencing the reset process, ensuring that your AirPods Pro and the charging case have sufficient battery life is crucial. 

To prevent interruptions, a successful reset procedure requires at least a 50% charge in both the AirPods and the case. 

Place the AirPods inside the case, and if you see an amber light when you open the case, it indicates that they are charging.

The AirPods are fully charged and ready to reset if the light turns green. If no light appears, connect the case to a power source using your Lightning to USB cable and charge until the necessary battery level is reached.

Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version

Ensuring that your iPhone or iPad is running the newest Version of iOS or iPadOS is vital for compatibility and to ensure a smooth reset process. To update your device:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If a software update is available, tap Download and Install.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
4. If your device is up to date, you will see a message that your software is up to current standards.

Keep your device connected to power and Wi-Fi while the update progresses. After updating, verify that your iPhone or iPad has the latest software before proceeding with the AirPods reset.

Disconnecting The AirPods Pro from the Previous Owner’s Device

Disconnection from Previous Owner’s iCloud Account

Disconnecting AirPods Pro from an earlier owner’s iCloud account is critical for privacy and personal use. If possible, contact the previous owner and request that they follow these steps:

1. Instruct them to open the Find My app on their iPhone.
2. Have them select the Devices tab and choose the AirPods Pro from the list.
3. They should then tap Remove This Device and confirm the action.

This will dissociate the AirPods Pro from their iCloud account, removing any data associated with the previous owner and allowing you to set it up with your own Apple ID. 

If you cannot reach the previous owner, proceed with the reset process outlined below to ensure that the AirPods Pro is no longer linked to any Apple ID.

What to Do If the Previous Owner’s Device is Not Accessible

You can still perform a manual reset if you cannot access the previous owner’s device to disconnect the AirPods Pro from their iCloud account. 

This process removes the AirPods from their account, allowing you to pair them with your device.

1. Place the AirPods Pro in their charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds, then open the lid of the AirPods case.
3. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “I” icon next to your AirPods Pro.
4. Tap Forget This Device and confirm your choice.
5. With the AirPods Pro case lid open, hold the setup button on the back for around 15 seconds or until the status light flashes amber and white.

After completing these steps, your AirPods Pro are no longer associated with any Apple ID and are ready to be set up with your device.

Resetting the AirPods Pro

Step-by-Step guide on How to reset the AirPods Pro

To reset your AirPods Pro and prepare them for a fresh start with your devices, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Place the AirPods in their charging case, and make sure the lid is open.
2. Check the status light; it should be amber, indicating that the AirPods are ready to be reset.
3. On the back of the AirPods Pro case, locate the Setup button. Press and hold this button for approximately 15 seconds. Wait until the status light flashes white and then amber, indicating that the AirPods Pro is resetting.
4. Close the lid of the charging case to finalize the reset process.
5. Reopen the lid of the charging case near your iPhone or iPad. The AirPods Pro should now be in pairing mode, and a setup animation should appear on the iOS device.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions on your iPhone or iPad to connect the AirPods Pro.
7. Finish the setup by personalizing settings like ear tip fit test and control customization through the iOS Bluetooth settings.

Once these steps have been completed, your AirPods Pro will be reset to factory settings and ready to be used as if they were just taken out of the box. This process ensures that all previous settings, data, and connections have been cleared.

Connecting the AirPods Pro to Your Device

Step-by-Step Instructions to Connect AirPods Pro to Your iPhone or Other Device

Connecting your newly reset AirPods Pro to your iPhone or another Bluetooth-enabled device is simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a seamless pairing:

1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and ensure Bluetooth is turned on. You can find Bluetooth settings in the Settings app under the Bluetooth section.
2. Open the lid of your AirPods Pro charging case—with the AirPods inside—and hold it next to your device.
3. A setup animation should appear on your iPhone or iPad. If not, ensure your AirPods Pro case is open and close to your device.
4. Tap “Connect” on the setup animation when it appears.
5. If you have an Apple ID, your AirPods will be set up automatically with any devices signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
6. Follow any additional onscreen instructions if they appear, such as setting up “Hey Siri” or configuring the ear tip fit test.
7. Once connected, close the lid of your AirPods Pro case and start using them with your device.

Remember, if you’re pairing your AirPods Pro with a non-Apple device, you’ll need to pair them manually in your Bluetooth settings by selecting your AirPods Pro from the list of available devices after putting them into pairing mode.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and how to resolve them

Sometimes, you might need help with your AirPods Pro even after following the reset and pairing instructions. Here are some common problems and steps to resolve them:

• AirPods Pro Won’t Connect: Ensure your iOS device has Bluetooth enabled and is within range. If they still won’t connect, reset the AirPods Pro again and attempt to reconnect.
• Poor Sound Quality: Ensure the ear tips fit well and are clean. You can also adjust the audio settings on your device or run the Ear Tip Fit Test on an iPhone or iPad.
• AirPods Pro Keep Disconnecting: Check for wireless interference and ensure your device’s software is current. If the problem persists, reset your network settings and reconnect the AirPods Pro.
• Cannot Perform Ear Tip Fit Test: Verify that both AirPods are in the charging case and that the case has sufficient charge. Try cleaning the AirPods Pro and checking for debris blocking the sensors.
• Battery Drains Quickly: Reduce the usage of active features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode when not needed. Keeping the firmware up to date can also help optimize battery life.

For any persisting issues, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for further assistance.

When to contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods Pro is still malfunctioning, it may be time to contact Apple Support for professional assistance. 

Contact support if you experience persistent problems with sound quality, connectivity, or battery life or if there is physical damage to the AirPods Pro that you cannot fix.

Apple offers customer service through various channels, including live chat, phone calls, or in-person appointments at an Apple Store. 

When contacting support, have your device’s serial number and purchase information handy, as this will expedite the service process.

Conclusion

If your AirPods Pro issue remains unresolved after exhausting all the troubleshooting steps provided, do not hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for expert assistance. 

It’s essential to seek help if you’re facing constant issues with sound quality connection stability or if your AirPods Pro exhibits battery concerns that need to be resolved through standard troubleshooting.

Furthermore, professional support is essential if your AirPods Pro has sustained any physical damage that impedes its functionality. 

Apple’s customer service can be accessed through multiple channels, such as online live chat, phone support, or by scheduling an appointment at an Apple Store near you.

Remember to have your device’s serial number and proof of purchase ready before contacting Apple Support, as it can significantly streamline the support process.