Unfortunately, once AirPods have been reset, it becomes nearly impossible to track them. This is due to the way Apple’s Find My AirPods feature works. Allow me to explain in more detail.
When you first set up your AirPods, they are automatically linked to your iCloud account and can be tracked using the Find My AirPods feature. This feature allows you to locate your AirPods on a map, play a sound to help you find them, and even see the last known location where they were connected to your device.
However, if someone steals your AirPods or finds them after they have been lost, they can reset the AirPods to factory settings. This essentially removes any association with your iCloud account and disables the ability to track them using Find My AirPods.
Resetting AirPods is a relatively simple process. By pressing and holding the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the LED light flashes white, the AirPods can be reset and ready to be paired with a new device. Once this reset is performed, the AirPods are no longer linked to your iCloud account, rendering the tracking feature useless.
It’s important to note that even if your AirPods have been reset, it’s still a good idea to report them as lost or stolen to the appropriate authorities. This can help in case they are recovered or found by someone who is willing to return them.
In some cases, if you have the serial number of your AirPods, you may be able to provide it to law enforcement or Apple to assist in identifying your AirPods if they are found. However, this is not a guarantee, and the chances of recovering your AirPods after they have been reset are quite slim.
To summarize, once AirPods have been reset, they cannot be tracked using the Find My AirPods feature. It’s crucial to take preventative measures to secure your AirPods and report them as lost or stolen if necessary.