How to reset AirTag | Step by Step Guide

With AirTag, Apple has really thought of every possible situation to try to protect the privacy of the user, even going so far as to make it impossible to use it, in case you do not have the data (email and password) used during the first configuration. But how to do in case you want to give your AirTag to a relative or friend? The answer is quite trivial: restore it to factory data. In this guide, we’re going to see all the ways to do it. 

Restore AirTag to factory data

The AirTag restoration process can be done in two different ways, the first, much simpler, is based on very few software operations within the “Where is” application, while for the second, you’ll necessarily have to act on the AirTag hardware. In this second case, however, once restored, in order to be configured again, it will be necessary to know the access data of the initial configuration. This is to avoid that someone can use the device without the owner’s consent.

Restore AirTag via software

Let’s start with the most trivial and simple solution to implement. Obviously, the iPhone to be used for the whole procedure will be the one to which AirTag is directly connected.

• Open the “Where is” app on your iPhone
• Go to the “Objects” tab at the bottom of the screen
• Select the object you want to restore from the list that appears
• Scroll down to the bottom of the information screen
• Click on “Remove object” and confirm the operation by entering the Apple ID password

Restore AirTag via hardware

We now come to the slightly more tedious and articulated solution. Actually, the steps to be taken will be quite simple, but perhaps a little too repetitive. In any case, this is a great benefit for privacy.

• Open the back cover of AirTag
• Press firmly with two fingers on the polished silver surface
• Rotate the plate and remove it
• Remove the battery
• Wait a few moments and insert it again (you will hear a slight sound)
• Repeat the process a total of five times
• At the fifth time, insert the battery and close the AirTag with the lid.

At this point, the AirTag will be correctly restored, but as mentioned above, you will need the password from your old Apple ID to use it.