You cannot replace the battery yourself — Apple replaces the entire AirPod

AirPods do not have user-replaceable batteries. When the battery inside an AirPod stops holding a charge, you send the AirPod to Apple and they replace the entire unit, not just the battery. This costs money and takes time, so understanding your options before the battery fails matters.

Apple offers two paths: mail-in service through their website, or in-person service at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. The mail-in route is free shipping both ways if your AirPods are still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. Out-of-warranty replacement costs between $69 and $79 per AirPod, depending on the model.

The charging case battery can fail too. Cases are also not user-replaceable and follow the same replacement process as individual AirPods.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces the entire AirPod when the battery fails, not the battery alone.
  • Warranty coverage and AppleCare+ determine whether you pay for replacement and how much shipping costs.
  • Mail-in service through Apple's website is the most common route and takes one to two weeks total.
  • In-person service at an Apple Store is faster if one is near you and has stock on hand.
  • Out-of-warranty replacement costs $69 to $79 per AirPod depending on the model.

Check your warranty status before you start

Your first step is to find out whether your AirPods are still covered. AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. If you bought AppleCare+ for your AirPods at the time of purchase, coverage extends to two years and covers accidental damage.

To check your warranty, go to apple.com/support, click "Check Coverage," and enter your AirPods' serial number. You can find the serial number on the original box, in the Settings app on your iPhone (go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your AirPods, and look for Serial Number), or by opening the charging case and looking inside the lid.

If you are still under the one-year warranty or have AppleCare+, Apple pays for the replacement unit and shipping. If you are out of warranty and did not buy AppleCare+, you pay the full replacement cost.

How to start a mail-in replacement through Apple's website

Go to apple.com/support and select "AirPods" from the product list. Choose the specific model you own (AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods 3rd generation, and so on). Click "Battery and Power" and then select "Battery is not holding a charge."

Apple will ask you to describe the problem and confirm your serial number. You will then see the repair options available to you based on your warranty status. If you are covered, the cost will show as $0. If you are out of warranty, the cost per AirPod will display.

Once you agree to the repair, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack the AirPod or case in a small box or padded envelope, attach the label, and drop it at any USPS, UPS, or FedEx location. Apple typically receives it within three to five business days, completes the replacement within one to two business days, and ships it back. Total time is usually one to two weeks.

In-person service at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop

If you have an Apple Store nearby, you can walk in with your AirPods and start a repair the same day. Call ahead or use the Apple Support app to make a Genius Bar appointment — walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster.

Bring your AirPods and the charging case. The Genius Bar will confirm the battery issue, check your warranty, and tell you the cost on the spot. If the store has replacement units in stock, they may complete the swap while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If stock is low, they will order the replacement and you will pick it up in a few days.

Authorized repair shops (Best Buy, Target, and other retailers with Apple service counters) follow the same process but may have longer wait times for parts. Call ahead to confirm they service AirPods and ask about current stock.

What to do if your AirPods are out of warranty and replacement is expensive

If you are out of warranty and the $69 to $79 per-AirPod cost feels steep, you have a few options. First, check whether your credit card or homeowner's insurance covers accidental damage to electronics — some do, and filing a claim may be cheaper than Apple's replacement price.

Second, consider whether you need both AirPods replaced or just one. If only one AirPod has a dead battery, you can replace just that one and keep using the other. Many people do this and spread the cost over time.

Third, look at the used market. Websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace sell used AirPods at lower prices than Apple's replacement cost. The risk is that you do not know the battery health of a used pair, but if the original AirPods are several years old, a used replacement may still outlast a new one.

How to extend battery life and delay replacement

Once you have your AirPods back, you can slow down battery degradation. Charge the case and AirPods fully at least once a week, even if you do not use them. Lithium batteries degrade faster when they sit completely empty or completely full for long periods.

Keep your AirPods and case away from heat. Do not leave them in a hot car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight. Heat accelerates battery aging. Store them at room temperature when you are not using them.

Avoid letting the battery drain completely to zero before charging. Plug them in when the battery indicator shows low, not when they shut off. This habit extends the total number of charge cycles the battery can handle before it stops holding a charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get replacement AirPods?

Mail-in service through Apple's website takes one to two weeks total, including shipping time both ways. In-person service at an Apple Store can be done the same day if they have stock, or within a few days if they need to order the replacement unit.

Can I replace just one AirPod instead of both?

Yes. You can send in just the AirPod with the dead battery and keep using the other one. You will pay the replacement cost for one unit only, which is $69 to $79 depending on the model.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

Yes. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost for two years from the date of purchase. If you did not buy it when you bought your AirPods, you cannot add it later once the battery has already failed.

What if my AirPods are more than two years old?

If they are out of warranty and you did not buy AppleCare+, you will pay the full replacement cost. However, you can still use the mail-in or in-person service — the age of the AirPods does not prevent Apple from replacing them, only the warranty status determines the cost.

Can I buy replacement batteries separately?

No. Apple does not sell individual batteries for AirPods. The only way to restore battery function is to have Apple replace the entire AirPod unit through their repair service.