How can I remove my AirTags linked to others' Apple Account and connect them to mine?

I have two airtags which I bought five months ago. I tried to connect those last week but every time I try, the message says both airtags are linked to another account. Although it's unlikely that any of the other family members has connected those airtags, I have checked their FindMy app and accounts, but I can't find this AirTag to remove the airtags and than connect them to my phone.


I spent about six hours on the Helpdesk of Apple with very friendly customer advices, but even the senior advice is unable to help on their end. It's good to hear there is so much security involved with the AirTags.


I suggested this may be a warranty issue, but the senior advice says this is only applicable to hard issues but not to Security issues like mine is. I'm just raising the issue here because I don't think it's fair that they've sold me a product which I cannot use. And even though it's not a hardware issue it's a "too hardware" issue for Apple.


May be someone from Apple could read this and do something? Or does anybody know how to approach the right place within the Apple system that's able to help/ resolve?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 13, 2025 8:11 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 14, 2025 12:38 PM

The issue you're facing is due to AirTag Activation Lock, which ties the device to the Apple Account that first paired it. Even if you bought them brand new and they were sealed, there's a chance they were somehow linked during manufacturing, demo units, or (more likely) returned/previously activated ones that were never unpaired properly.


Since you've already checked all your family's Apple Accounts through the Find My app and confirmed they're not showing there, and you’ve already exhausted Apple Support’s standard escalation route, your options narrow a bit. Unfortunately, there’s no manual override or way for even Apple Support to forcibly remove Activation Lock without the original Apple Account credentials. That’s part of their anti-stalking and anti-theft design.


Regardless, there are still a few things you can try:

  • Physically reset the AirTags: Press down on the AirTag battery cover and rotate counter-clockwise to open. Remove the battery. Reinsert the battery five times, each time waiting for the sound to confirm the reset process is active (on the 5th insertion, you should hear a different tone). Replace the cover and rotate to close.
  • Attempt to pair again: Bring it close to your iPhone and see if the setup card appears. If it still says it's linked to another Apple ID, proceed to the next step.
  • Check all iCloud accounts you've ever used: Even if you're sure it’s not in any family members’ accounts, it’s worth logging into iCloud.com or Find My on every Apple Account you’ve ever used—especially if you might’ve tried testing the AirTag months ago and forgot.
  • If purchased from a third-party or reseller: Check if they accept returns or can provide a proof of unlinking.
  • Finally, if you bought them new from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller, escalate with proof of purchase (receipt, serial number) and clearly state that you’re the original buyer. Ask them to initiate a device unlock request—this is very rare but not impossible if you provide ownership evidence and it’s not linked to a known lost/stolen account.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 14, 2025 12:38 PM in response to michiel39

The issue you're facing is due to AirTag Activation Lock, which ties the device to the Apple Account that first paired it. Even if you bought them brand new and they were sealed, there's a chance they were somehow linked during manufacturing, demo units, or (more likely) returned/previously activated ones that were never unpaired properly.


Since you've already checked all your family's Apple Accounts through the Find My app and confirmed they're not showing there, and you’ve already exhausted Apple Support’s standard escalation route, your options narrow a bit. Unfortunately, there’s no manual override or way for even Apple Support to forcibly remove Activation Lock without the original Apple Account credentials. That’s part of their anti-stalking and anti-theft design.


Regardless, there are still a few things you can try:

  • Physically reset the AirTags: Press down on the AirTag battery cover and rotate counter-clockwise to open. Remove the battery. Reinsert the battery five times, each time waiting for the sound to confirm the reset process is active (on the 5th insertion, you should hear a different tone). Replace the cover and rotate to close.
  • Attempt to pair again: Bring it close to your iPhone and see if the setup card appears. If it still says it's linked to another Apple ID, proceed to the next step.
  • Check all iCloud accounts you've ever used: Even if you're sure it’s not in any family members’ accounts, it’s worth logging into iCloud.com or Find My on every Apple Account you’ve ever used—especially if you might’ve tried testing the AirTag months ago and forgot.
  • If purchased from a third-party or reseller: Check if they accept returns or can provide a proof of unlinking.
  • Finally, if you bought them new from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller, escalate with proof of purchase (receipt, serial number) and clearly state that you’re the original buyer. Ask them to initiate a device unlock request—this is very rare but not impossible if you provide ownership evidence and it’s not linked to a known lost/stolen account.

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How can I remove my AirTags linked to others' Apple Account and connect them to mine?

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