Find out all the ways you can replace your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or charging case, including free, discounted, and regular options!
Nobody wants to buy a brand new pair of AirPods if they just lost an earbud.
Unfortunately rummageApple Repair and Replacement PolicyThis can be a challenge, especially with all the different plans and prices for all AirPods models, including the different tiers of AppleCare.
To help you choose a replacement/repair plan for your particular situation, we've put all the information you need in this article. Read on to learn everything you need to know about replacing your AirPods or charging case, including the unconventional ones!
In this article
- Replacing Damaged vs. Lost AirPods: Is There a Difference?
- How to replace lost AirPods or AirPods case
- How to replace damaged AirPods or cases
- Can you get a free AirPod replacement?
- The Best Third-Party Sources for AirPod Replacements
- Diploma
Replacing Damaged vs. Lost AirPods: Is There a Difference?
Before you ask yourself, "Will Apple replace AirPods?" you first need to know when a replacement is available and when it isn't. And a lot of that depends on whether you want to replace damaged or lost AirPods.
For example, if you lose your AirPods, neither the warranty nor AppleCare+ will cover the replacement. So you basically need to buy a new pair, a single AirPod, or a charging case. You will find the prices of these spare partslater in the article.
On the other hand, if you accidentally damaged your AirPods, you will still have to pay an out-of-warranty fee to have them repaired or replaced. However, this fee will be much lower once you have done thisAppleCare+.
For example, with AppleCare+, you only pay an additional fee of about $29 per incident when replacing damaged AirPods, instead of up to $100 without AppleCare+.
If your AirPods require servicing because of a manufacturing defect and not physical damage, there is no charge as long asOne-Year Apple Limited Warrantycover the topic. Before paying for repairs, you should check your warranty details and see if you canget a free replacement!
The good news is that AirPods service should take less than a week for either option, so you should have your AirPods back in your ears within seven days!
And if you replace your AirPods case, you can still do thatUse your AirPods without a case(as long as they have cargo) so the wait doesn't get too unbearable.
How to replace lost AirPods or AirPods case
Losing your AirPods or AirPods Pro can be incredibly frustrating, especially since Apple won't cover the cost. However, you need to make sure you have all your bases covered before looking for a replacement.
There are several ways to search for yoursAirPodsÖFallSo before you start looking for new ones, you need to confirm that they really are lost.
Unfortunately, if you really lost your AirPods or charging case, you can't always track and recover them.Blacklist your AirPodsSo if you have it, you won't be able to use it, it's also impossible. In that case, your only option would be to purchase a replacement.
Luckily, you don't have to buy a new pair of AirPods just because one is lost! Hecost per componentIt is as follows:
| variant | Headphone replacement fee | replacement case fee |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation) | $69 each | $59 for a standard charging case, $79 for a wireless or MagSafe charging case |
| AirPods Pro | $89 each | $99 |
To purchase replacements, you must:
- Make sure you're signed in to the Apple account you used to purchase the AirPods, then follow alongIt isShortcut. ChooseAirPodsfrom the device list.
- Select the iconLost or missing AirPods.
- Tap onReplace lost AirPods.
- Select the AirPods variant you want to replace.
- A screen should appear offering the solutions to your problem. There will be several relevant solutions and articles that you can refer to. Scroll down the articles and choose to chat or call a member of staff.
If you choose to chat, you won't have any communication problems regarding things like serial numbers and addresses. However, it can be slower since you have to type everything you want to communicate.
If you choose to call, you'll benefit from faster communication, but with this approach, you're more likely to run into issues with clarity and conciseness.
How to replace damaged AirPods or cases
If your AirPods orthe housing has been damaged, and are covered by the warranty, the product may be damagedrepaired or replaced free of charge!
Before replacing them, be sure to try to repair them yourself.There are different reasonswhy your AirPods may not work properly, includingwater damage.So before you pay for the service, it's a good idea to check if you really need it.
If your problem is not covered by a warranty, e.g. B. if it is caused by user's negligence, unfortunately you need to pay a replacement fee.
This fee varies depending on the coverage you have for your AirPods. If you pay for AppleCare+, the replacement fee is $29 per incident, regardless of what you need to replace. If you don't, then the costs are as follows:
| variant | Headphone replacement fee with AppleCare+ | Headphone replacement fee without AppleCare+ | Replacement case fee with AppleCare+ | Replacement case fee without AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation) | $29 each | $69 each | $29 | $59 for a charging case, $69 for a wireless or MagSafe case |
| AirPods max | $29 each | Ask your customer service representative | N / A | N / A |
| AirPods Pro | $29 each | $89 each | $29 | 89 $ |
To find out if you might be entitled to a free replacement, we explain the details of warranty and consumer law.later in the article. However, if you are not eligible for free repairs or replacements, you can purchase a replacement AirPods or case as follows:
- consequencesIt isLink and sign in to the Apple account you used to purchase the AirPods. Select your AirPods from the device list. If they're not listed, click AirPods.
- Select the iconPhysical or liquid damage.
- Select the component you want to replace.(Video) One AirPod Not Working? Here's How to Fix!
- If you don't see your AirPods in the list, select the model you're using. Otherwise, just click Next.
- From here you can make an appointment with your local Apple Service Provider or call/chat with an Apple representative.
If you manage to make an appointment at an Apple Authorized Store, you must physically bring your AirPods with you so that you can speak to a technician in person to explain your issue.
It's also faster because you don't have to consider shipping costs.
For the in-person replacement alternative, you will need your serial number, which can be found on the bottom of your charging case lid (for AirPods and AirPods Pro). For AirPods Max, simply detach the left magnetic pad to find the serial number.
Alternatively, if you choose to chat with a representative, you can send your AirPods in the mail. This is more convenient, but also slower. You also bear the usual postal risks such as theft and damage.
Can you get a free AirPod replacement?
Yes, there are situations when you can get a replacement completely free of charge. However, this only happens if the damage to the AirPods is caused by the manufacturer and not by you.
A common misconception about AppleCare+ is that it fully covers all AirPods replacement and repair costs. In fact, AppleCare+ covers part of the cost, so you still have to pay a small fee for the damage done to your AirPods.
By getting replacements, AppleCare+ also extends the warranty on AirPods beyond the one-year limit that comes standard with all Apple products. As a result, the insurance covers damage and defects from the manufacturing process for longer.
So how can you get a free replacement? There are two scenarios where this ideal situation is possible.
AirPods Pro replacement program
end of October 2020,Apple admittedthat a "small percentage" of its new AirPods Pro had sound issues due to the manufacturing process. Consequently, Apple has issued a service program, also known asremember, for affected AirPods.
This option is only available if you have made AirPods Probefore October 2020. Please also note that this replacement programtutNOcover the charging case.
Originally only planned for two years, it will be 2021Apple expanded the programfor another year
You may be eligible for free service or replacement if you have AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 and experienced the following:
- Noise such as crackling or hissing, which increases in noisy places or during exercise.
- Active noise cancellationnot working as expected, e.g. B. missing parts of the audio playback or increased external noise.
To access this service you must 'Contact Apple Support' to discuss your replacement options.
You can also use this method for damaged tipsGet free replacement tipsfor AirPods Pro.
AirPods-Batterieservice
If your AirPods are less than a year old (or two years old if you have AppleCare+) and their batteries aren't working for the full five hours they promised, then Applereplace free of charge.
Even if you mention the key phrase'Batterieservice'Usually, while discussing your issue with Apple's support service provider, they will give you a significant discount on replacement AirPods.
This only applies to AirPods that have less than 80% battery capacity and have not worn out through regular use.
That's because battery inconsistencies are a warranty issue. With every pair of AirPods sold, Apple promises that the headphones will perform at a specific level. When AirPods don't meet this standard, Apple delivers on its promise by fixing the problem for the customer at no cost.
Even if your main concern with AirPods isn't the batteries, you can still try using this route to get a new pair of AirPods for free. Although this is a covert approach, the replacement is guaranteed to be new, so any issues you have will not be a problem with the new pair.
However, approval is not guaranteed as the Apple representative will run some tests to verify. But it's worth a try!
To access these free replacement products, you must speak to aApple service representative. Be sure to mention the keyword "battery service" for a faster response.
The Best Third-Party Sources for AirPod Replacements
If Apple's AirPod replacement service prices seem excessive, there's always an option to turn to a third-party provider.
Prices on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are usually lower than when buying from the official site.
However, there is always a risk of getting oneFake AirPod replacementNorteTIf you go down this route, you'd better choose a more reputable site like the ones listed below.
you can find outif your AirPods are realas soon as you get your hands on them, but by then it would have been too late!
Third-party AirPods can also have quality issues as they are often used or damaged. They are also non-warranty so manufacturing defects are not covered once they are discovered.
Luckily, some websites can help you reduce the chances of encountering these problems. These are:
the barter club
the barter club(Beforecapsule exchange) is a company dedicated to developing a more sustainable way of disposing of old or damaged technology.
Based on their service offerings if your old AirPods match theirsEligibility Criteria, you can exchange them for another pair at a discount of 63% to 69%.
To be clear, the company isn't really working on making anythingAreNew special AirPods; simply trade in your pair to receive another user's genuine old Apple AirPods that have been professionally cleaned and repaired and fitted with fresh batteries.
And ifuser accountNothing to note, the pair you will receive are duly renovatedobserve and work 'like new'.for nothing else$65 (including shipping).Quite a steal considering Apple's replacement and battery service fees for AirPods!
As of this writing, The Swap Club can only restore first and second generation AirPods.
Using The Swap Club can help reduce the amount of technology that ends up in landfills, meaning you are directly helping the planet by using this service. It will also help avoid emissions associated with manufacturing a new pair of AirPods.
It has been estimated that the ICT industry emits emissionsup to two percentof global carbon emissions. While this data doesn't seem like much, it actually ismore than the entire aviation industry!
the right shell
Unlike the swap clubthe right shelldoes not offer an exchange service for old AirPods. However, they do offer discounted prices for refurbished AirPods and cases. So if your AirPods don't meet The Swap Club's requirements, you can still pick up a quality second-hand pair at a low price.
You can also just replace the left AirPod or the right AirPod, unlike The Swap Club, which requires you to send in an entire pair.
The AirPods at The Right Pod are also available at a significant discount.
AirPods (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation) are just $40 each compared to Apple's $69 plan, while AirPods Pro are $65 each instead of $89.
If you want to replace one or both capsulesjIn that case, The Right Pod is the clear winner hereSwap Club does not offer a case pickup service.
Diploma
There are very few things more terrifying than facing themLost or damaged AirPods.While this might seem a bit of a stretch, we promise that knowing these AirPods and AirPods replacement tips beforehand will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble and some gray hairs.
Whether you're just looking to replace a damaged or missing AirPod, or both pods, or even the charging case, hopefully this article has helped you find your way around Apple.(y no apple)ways to do it. Be careful not to burn a hole in your pocket.
We can imagine that now you are ready to buy a new pair of AirPods and start listening to music again!
Did our guide help you? Did you manage to get a discount? Be sure to tell us in the comments!