Level 1 (4 points)

How do I completely reset AirPods Pro (1st gen) linked to another person's Apple Account?

I need to completely reset my AirPods Pro (1st generation) because my ex-boyfriend linked them to his account at one point. When I connected the earbuds to my new iPhone, I received a notification stating, "The location of this item will be visible to the owner. You are connecting to an item linked to another person's Apple Account," along with an email address partially masked with asterisks - but I know for a fact that it’s my ex's email.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Reset AirPods Pro

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 11:57 AM

4 replies

Mac Jim ID

Level 10 (105,996 points)

Oct 14, 2026 12:11 PM in response to KarenWallerZ

You will not be able to pair them while they are currently linked to someone else's account, they would need to remove them from their account. Complete details are here:

If an item or device is connected to another Apple Account - Apple Support

KiltedTim

Level 10 (238,530 points)

Oct 14, 2026 12:07 PM in response to KarenWallerZ

You don't. Only the owner of the account they are linked to can do that.

KarenWallerZ Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 14, 2026 12:25 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

But I have no desire to get involved with him. Besides, I assume he was tracking me via the "locator" thanks to the headphones.

KiltedTim

Level 10 (238,530 points)

Oct 14, 2026 12:31 PM in response to KarenWallerZ

Sorry you don't want to 'get involved with him', but that doesn't change the fact that you can't do that.

if you believe he is using them to track you, throw them away and buy a new pair.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376261