Tile trackers are common for locating items, but there are times when a Tile needs to be deactivated—whether to transfer ownership, recycle, or stop tracking. This guide explains safe, accurate methods for deactivating different Tile models using the Tile app, device buttons, and support channels. Steps vary by model (Pro, Mate, Slim, Sticker), so follow the section that matches the Tile in question.
| Situation | Quick Action |
|---|---|
| Remove From Account | Tile App → Tile Settings → Remove This Tile |
| Reset Button Models (Pro/Mate) | Press And Hold Button (About 10–15 Seconds) |
| No-Button Models (Slim/Sticker) | Remove From App Or Contact Tile Support |
Why Deactivate A Tile
There are several reasons to deactivate a Tile: ending a subscription, transferring the tracker to someone else, preventing further location reporting, or preparing the device for recycling. Deactivation Protects Privacy by ensuring the Tile is no longer associated with the current account and stops broadcasting location data to that account’s Tile network.
Before You Start
Confirm the Tile model and the operating system of the phone paired to the Tile. Know Whether The Tile Has A Physical Button Or A Replaceable Battery because reset methods differ between Pro/Mate and Slim/Sticker models. Ensure the Tile app is updated and the phone has Bluetooth enabled.
How To Deactivate A Tile From The Tile App
This is the primary and simplest method for most users. Open the Tile app on iOS or Android, sign in, and locate the Tile to remove. Removing A Tile From The App Disassociates It From The Account, stopping location updates to that account.
Step-By-Step In The Tile App
Open Tile → Tap The Tile On The Map Or Tile List → Tap The Gear Icon Or Tile Settings → Choose Remove This Tile Or Delete → Confirm Removal. After removal, the Tile will no longer appear in the account and will stop reporting to it.
How To Deactivate A Tile With A Physical Button (Pro, Mate)
Tile Pro and Tile Mate have a visible button and replaceable battery, which allow a manual reset. Manually Resetting Allows Transfer Of Ownership Or Troubleshooting and can make the Tile ready for a new account.
Reset Procedure For Button Models
Press And Hold The Tile Button For About 10–15 Seconds Until The LED Flashes More Rapidly Or Changes Color, Then Release. Open The Tile App To Verify That The Tile Is No Longer Listed. If It Still Appears, Remove It From The App Using The Steps Above.
If The Button Reset Doesn’t Work
Replace The Battery With A Fresh CR2032 (or Model-Specific Battery) Then Retry The Hold Button Reset. If Problems Persist, remove the Tile in the app and, if necessary, contact Tile support for assistance.
How To Deactivate A Tile Without A Button (Slim, Sticker)
Tile Slim and Sticker have non-removable batteries and no physical button, so users cannot perform a hardware reset. For These Models, The Primary Method Is Removing The Tile From The Tile App. Once removed, it stops reporting to that account.
When Removal In-App Is Not Sufficient
If the Tile still appears under the account or remains active after removal attempts, contact Tile Support and provide the Tile’s serial number (found on the original packaging or receipt). Tile Support can disassociate or blacklist a device when necessary.
Transfer Ownership Or Give To Someone Else
To give a Tile to someone else, remove it from the current account first. The Recipient Then Activates The Tile Using Their Tile App Account. For button models, performing a hardware reset before transfer improves the process. For non-button models, simply removing it from the original account is usually sufficient.
Deactivation When Selling Or Donating
If a Tile is included with a sold or donated item, remove it from the account and mention whether the battery is non-removable. Document The Serial Number And State That The Tile Has Been Removed From The Account so the recipient can reactivate it under their Tile account without confusion.
Privacy And Security Considerations
Deactivating a Tile reduces the risk of unauthorized location tracking. Always Remove A Tile From The App Before Giving It Away Or Throwing It Out. If the Tile cannot be removed locally, contacting Tile Support ensures it can be unlinked from the account to protect personal data.
What Happens After Deactivation
Once removed from the Tile account, the device will no longer appear in the user’s Tile app or send location updates to that account. Other Users Can Still Pick Up The Tile Via Tile’s Crowd Network If It’s Activated By A New Account, unless the device is blacklisted by support for theft or privacy concerns.
Disposal And Recycling
Tile devices contain small batteries that require responsible disposal. For Tiles with removable batteries, remove the battery first and recycle it according to local regulations. Non-Removable Battery Tiles Should Be Recycled Through Electronic Waste Programs to prevent environmental harm.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If a Tile remains paired after removal attempts, reinstall the Tile app, sign in, and retry removal. Ensure Bluetooth and location permissions are enabled. For Persistent Issues, Contact Tile Support With Serial Number, Model, And Account Email so they can resolve account-device associations.
When To Contact Tile Support
Contact Tile Support If: The Tile Cannot Be Removed From The App, The Device Shows Unexpected Activity, A Non-Button Tile Needs To Be Unlinked, Or The Serial Number Is Required For Transfer Or Disposal. Support Can Manually Disassociate Or Blacklist A Device If Needed.
Best Practices For Managing Tile Devices
Maintain an inventory of Tiles and serial numbers, remove old devices promptly, and keep the Tile app and device firmware updated. Regularly Review Paired Devices In The App To Ensure Only Authorized Tiles Are Active and subscribe to Tile notifications for account activity to detect unexpected pairings.
Key Differences By Tile Model
| Tile Model | Button | Battery | Deactivation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tile Pro | Yes | Replaceable (CR2032) | Button Reset + Remove From App |
| Tile Mate | Yes | Replaceable | Button Reset + Remove From App |
| Tile Slim | No | Non-Removable | Remove From App Or Contact Support |
| Tile Sticker | No | Non-Removable | Remove From App Or Contact Support |
Useful Links And Resources
Refer To The Official Tile Support Site For Model-Specific Articles, Battery Guidelines, And Contact Options. Official Support Offers Step-By-Step Guides And Direct Assistance For Complex Cases involving account transfer or blacklisting.
Summary Of Steps To Deactivate A Tile
- Open Tile App → Select Tile → Remove This Tile.
- If The Tile Has A Button, Press And Hold For 10–15 Seconds To Reset.
- For Non-Button Models, Remove From App Or Contact Support If Removal Fails.
- Recycle Or Dispose Of The Device Responsibly.
- Document Serial Number And Confirm Removal Before Transferring Ownership.
Following These Steps Ensures The Tile Will No Longer Report Locations To The Original Account And Protects User Privacy.