Can You Replace One AirPod?

Losing a single AirPod is incredibly annoying, no matter how it happens. After all, who wants to listen to their favorite music or podcast with just the right or left AirPod? The good news is that you’re not stuck buying a full new set — you can replace one AirPod.

That said, there are several different routes you can take for AirPod replacement, and each has its own pros and cons when it comes to pricing and convenience. Which is the best option for you?

How Much Will It Cost to Replace a Lost AirPod?

Your first decision is whether to get your missing AirPod replaced by Apple or a third party. We’ll start by discussing Apple’s in-house AirPod replacement options.

Apple AirPods Replacement, Repair, and Service

Before we get into the details, we’ll briefly mention that AppleCare+ doesn’t help you much when it comes to lost AirPods. Apple specifically states that “AppleCare+ for headphones does not cover lost or stolen AirPods.” For many Apple products — like iPhones, iPads, etc. — AppleCare+ covers repairs and replacements for a nominal fee, but that’s not the case for lost or stolen AirPods. AppleCare+ does still offer battery replacements for AirPods and repairs for accidental damage, but that’s it.

So, how much does Apple charge to replace just the left or right AirPod? It depends on which model of AirPods you own. Check out the pricing breakdown below to see how much it costs for your specific situation.

• Replace one AirPod (any generation): $69
• Replace one AirPod Pro (any generation): $89

What if you need to replace the charging case instead? Apple’s pricing gets a bit more convoluted for these replacements, as the expenses can vary based on which model (and which edition of that model) you own:

• Replace AirPod 4 (Wireless), AirPod 3 (MagSafe), or AirPod 2 and earlier (Wireless) charging case: $79
• Replace AirPod 4, AirPod 3 (Lightning) charging case: $69
• Replace AirPod 2 and earlier (Lightning) charging case: $59
• Replace AirPod Pro charging case (any generation): $99

Third-Party Retailers

Apple is obviously the best resource for replacing an AirPod, but it’s not the cheapest. Some third-party retailers and refurbished electronics dealers will sometimes offer single earbuds, often at lower rates than you’d pay with Apple itself. If you choose this route, keep your eye on a few important factors.

• Only buy official Apple AirPods. It’s no problem at all if they’re refurbished or pre-owned — just make sure they’re authentic.
• Make sure the replacement AirPod matches the generation of your existing AirPods, as there will likely be compatibility issues if you try to mix and match.

You can mix and match AirPods within the same generation as much as you want: You can pair an AirPod 4 with another AirPod 4, but you can’t pair an AirPod 4 with an AirPod 3, for example. To make sure you’re buying the right kind, take a look at your remaining AirPod’s model number. Simply open the Settings app, tap “Bluetooth,” and then “AirPods.” Finally, tap “About” to get detailed specs on your AirPods.

How to Replace Your AirPod Through Apple

The process for replacing an AirPod is pretty simple with Apple. In general, you have two main options for AirPod replacement: You can either visit a certified brick-and-mortar repair center or mail your AirPods to Apple.

Schedule a Visit

With this option, you can make an appointment to have your AirPod replaced at your nearest Apple Store location. Or, if you prefer, you can visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. There are many more of these stores available from coast to coast, as the roster of authorized providers includes both major brands like Best Buy and tiny, local mom-and-pop repair shops.

Send in for Repair

Your other option is to mail your AirPods directly to Apple. If you don’t live near a store that can perform the replacement, this is a decent option, although we will note that it can take a couple of weeks to wait for shipping processes and Apple’s replacement services.

Whether you choose an in-person visit or a mailed replacement, it’s quite easy to pair your new AirPod once you receive it. All you need to do is place it and your existing AirPod into the charging case. Then, press and hold the “Setup” button on the case for 15 seconds. Once the status light flashes orange and switches to white, you’re good to go!

Can You Get Service for AirPod Batteries?

What if you still have both of your AirPods, but one or both of them have fading battery life? Thankfully, Apple offers service for AirPod batteries for just $49 for almost any model. That said, it costs $79 for AirPods Max.

We’ll also note that if you have AppleCare+, battery service is included for free (as long as you pay your $29 service fee). The only catch is that your AirPods’ batteries must be at less than 80% of their original capacity to qualify for this service.

Interestingly, Apple doesn’t actually replace AirPod batteries. While you might expect that they’d open up your AirPods and replace each battery, they replace the entire AirPod instead.

How to Fix a Broken AirPod

We’ve outlined what to do if you lose an AirPod, but what do you do if one of them simply stops working? If you have an AirPod that won’t play sound or can’t connect to your devices, you have a few options.

First, try resetting your AirPods. Put both of them in the charging case and hold down the button on the back. The status light will first flash orange, then it’ll turn white. Then, try reconnecting your AirPods to your device — if they still don’t work, you might need a replacement.

With AirPods 4, the process is a little different. First off, the button is on the front of the case instead of the back, as it was for previous models. Secondly, the process for resetting them is different. Tap twice on the front of the case while the status light is turned on. Then, double-tap again when the light is flashing white. At this point, you’ll double-tap yet again when the light flashes faster. Finally, the light should flash orange and then white, at which point you can reconnect your AirPods. (It’s a bit baffling that Apple made this process harder on newer models instead of easier, but nonetheless, that’s how the process works.)

Another option is to update the device you’re connecting your AirPods to. In some situations, software or firmware issues can affect AirPod connectivity. Check for any relevant system updates and install them, then try connecting your AirPods again via Bluetooth. Still not working? There may be deeper issues with either your AirPods or your other device.

Can You Recycle Old AirPods?

What if your AirPods can’t be fixed? If your earbuds have reached the end of their life cycle, don’t just throw them in the trash! Take them to your nearest ecoATM kiosk to recycle them responsibly and keep them out of the landfill.

The process couldn’t be simpler. Visit our website to find your most conveniently located ecoATM kiosk. We have over 6,000 locations across the country, so it usually isn’t hard to find one nearby. Then, visit the kiosk and drop your AirPods into the accessory bin. That’s it! At this point, you can walk away with the peace of mind that your AirPods will be disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.

Keep in mind that ecoATM pays cash for many used electronics, including iPhones, iPads, and much more. Check your junk drawer — if you have any old phones or tablets gathering dust, bring them to an ecoATM kiosk and swap them for instant cash today!