Turn off the water and remove any standing water from the tub
Inspect the drain plug type
For a lift-and-turn plug, hold the body and unscrew the top knob counterclockwise
For a push-and-pull plug, lift it open and unscrew the center stem counterclockwise
For a toe-touch plug, press it open and twist the cap counterclockwise to remove it
For a trip-lever plug, remove the overflow cover screws
Pull out the linkage assembly from the overflow opening
For a stopper with a visible screw, remove the screw and lift out the plug
Use pliers with a cloth if the plug is stuck
Turn the drain plug counterclockwise until it loosens
Lift the plug out of the drain
Clean any debris from the drain opening
Reinstall the plug by reversing the removal steps