How To Transfer An AirTag To Another iPhone User

An AirTag can’t be shared, but Apple does allow it to be transferred to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that uses a different Apple ID even after activation. Unlike most other Apple gadgets, AirTag is surprisingly affordable. Shoppers can buy one for just $29, or get a four-pack for $99. The latter option is great for people who have multiple items they want to track, or if they want to share some of the trackers with family and friends.

Apple’s AirTag uses the company’s massive Find My network for tracking when the device is out of the Bluetooth range — and ultra-wideband tech when paired with an iPhone. With nearly a billion iPhones and other Apple devices worldwide, the Find My network is dramatically larger than those of the next biggest competitors. Tile claims over 10 million of its devices have been sold and its network is made up of smartphones that have the Tile app installed. The Find My network was expanded to other device manufacturers in April 2021, allowing third-party companies to add Find My support to their own, non-Apple gadgets. The Chipolo One Spot tracker works with Find My, as do true wireless earbuds from Belkin.

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Apple seems to have considered many different use cases and scenarios before launching the AirTag, even preparing for a user to register the device and then wanting to transfer it to someone else. Since Apple’s location beacons have a strong focus on privacy, sharing with another person isn’t easy. However, an AirTag or other device added to an individual’s Find My item list can be removed. This causes the device to reset if it is within range of the paired iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. If the AirTag isn’t in range, it can be reset manually.

How To Manually Reset An AirTag

To reset an AirTag, press down and hold the steel battery cover, and then rotate it counter-clockwise. The cover and battery now need to be removed and then put back. Now, press and hold the battery until you hear the AirTag make a sound that indicates that the battery is connected. This process should be repeated four more times, with the fifth sound indicating that the AirTag is now ready to be paired. The cover can now be attached by aligning the tabs with the slots on the AirTag, and then rotating it to secure it in place.

It’s important to note that an AirTag cannot be reset until it’s removed from the current user’s Find My item list. This ensures a lost or stolen AirTag can’t be reset and reused without the owner’s permission. Third-party products that work with Apple’s Find My network may have different reset methods, but removing any of these devices from the item list associated with an Apple ID should be the same. While not an ideal way to share an AirTag, removing and resetting does allow the owner to gift and resell an AirTag and other Find My compatible devices without too much hassle.

Remove An AirTag From A Find My List

Removing an AirTag from a user’s Find My list will also remove Find My Lock, which is what associates it with an Apple ID. This is important because Find My Lock needs to be disabled before the AirTag can be linked to a different Apple ID. To do this on an iPhone or iPad, make sure the AirTag is connected and within Bluetooth range. Next, open the Find My app and tap on the Items or Devices tab. Tap on the AirTag that needs to be removed and then swipe up. Tap Remove Item, and then tap Remove again to confirm.

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It’s important to note that an AirTag can be removed only on an iPhone or an iPad, and not on a Mac. Once the AirTag is removed from an Apple ID or manually reset, it can then be paired to a new Apple ID. The AirTag will then show up in the Find My app of the next user, which is also where it can be renamed.