You cannot replace the battery yourself — Apple handles it through mail-in service or in-store replacement

AirPods use a sealed, non-removable battery glued inside the case and each earbud. Unlike older headphones, you cannot open them, swap out the battery, and close them again. When the battery stops holding a charge, your only path is to send the AirPods to Apple or visit an Apple Store, where a technician will replace the entire unit or the case depending on which part failed.

The process takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day to a few days in-store if your location has stock. You will need proof of purchase and the original AirPods or case. If your AirPods are still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery failure is a defect (not physical damage), Apple replaces them at no cost. If they are out of warranty or damaged, you pay a flat service fee.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods batteries are sealed inside and cannot be removed or replaced by the user — Apple must handle the replacement.
  • Mail-in service through Apple takes one to two weeks; in-store service at an Apple Store is faster if your location has stock.
  • Warranty coverage is one year from purchase, and battery defects are covered at no cost during that period.
  • Out-of-warranty replacements cost a flat fee that varies by model: typically $49 for AirPods Pro and $39 for standard AirPods.
  • You will need your original AirPods or case and proof of purchase to start a replacement.

How to tell if your battery is the problem

Before you contact Apple, confirm that a dead battery is actually what you are dealing with. Charge your AirPods case fully using the Lightning cable or MagSafe connector (depending on your model), then place the AirPods inside for at least 15 minutes. If they still will not turn on or hold a charge for more than a few minutes, the battery is likely dead.

Check the status light on the case while it is charging. A white light means the case is charged; amber means it is still charging. If the light does not respond to charging after 30 minutes, the case battery may be dead. For the earbuds themselves, place one in your ear and try to connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. If it pairs but dies within seconds, the earbud battery has failed.

Also try a forced restart: hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and white. This sometimes revives a frozen battery. If nothing works after a full charge and a restart, you are ready to contact Apple.

Sending your AirPods to Apple by mail

Go to support.apple.com, select your AirPods model, and choose "Repair and Physical Damage" or "Battery Service." Answer the questions about what is not working. Apple will ask for your serial number, which you can find in Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad — tap the information icon next to your AirPods name.

Once you submit the request, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack your AirPods case and both earbuds in a padded envelope or small box, attach the label, and drop it at any USPS, UPS, or FedEx location. Do not include the charging cable unless Apple specifically asks for it.

Apple typically receives your package within three to five business days, inspects it, and either replaces the unit or repairs it. The whole process from drop-off to return usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive an email when your replacement ships back to you.

Getting a replacement at an Apple Store

If you have an Apple Store nearby, walk in or book a Genius Bar appointment through the Apple Store app. Bring your AirPods case and both earbuds, plus your proof of purchase (receipt, order confirmation email, or your Apple ID account showing the purchase). Tell the Genius Bar staff that the battery is not holding a charge.

The technician will test the AirPods to confirm the battery has failed. If they are under warranty and the failure is not due to physical damage, you walk out with a replacement the same day at no cost. If they are out of warranty or show signs of damage, you will be quoted the service fee before the replacement is made.

Not all Apple Stores carry stock of every AirPods model. If your model is not in stock, the staff can order it and have it ready for pickup in a few days, or they can process a mail-in repair instead.

Understanding warranty coverage and service fees

AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers battery defects — meaning the battery fails to hold a charge due to a manufacturing flaw, not because you dropped them or exposed them to water. If your AirPods are within one year and the battery is dead from a defect, Apple replaces them free.

Once the one-year warranty expires, you pay a flat service fee. For AirPods Pro (all generations), the fee is typically $49. For standard AirPods, AirPods Max, or AirPods Pro Max, fees vary — check Apple's support page for your exact model. This fee covers the battery replacement or a full unit replacement, whichever Apple determines is necessary.

If your AirPods show physical damage — cracks, water damage, or dents — Apple may classify the repair as accidental damage rather than a warranty claim. Accidental damage is not covered by the standard warranty, and you will pay the service fee regardless of how old the AirPods are.

What to do while you wait for your replacement

If you sent your AirPods by mail and are waiting for them to return, you are without them for one to two weeks. If you have a second pair of AirPods or another Bluetooth headset, pair it with your iPhone or iPad now so you are not stuck without audio.

If you are waiting for an in-store appointment or for stock to arrive, the same applies — have a backup ready. Apple does not provide loaner AirPods while yours are being repaired, so plan accordingly if you rely on them for calls or daily listening.

Keep your shipping confirmation or in-store receipt until you receive your replacement and confirm it works. If the replacement arrives damaged or does not work, you can contact Apple again with your original service number and they will send another one.

Extending battery life before replacement becomes necessary

While you cannot replace the battery yourself, you can slow down how fast it degrades. Avoid leaving your AirPods in direct sunlight or in a hot car — heat damages lithium batteries. Do not let them sit uncharged for months; charge them at least once a month to keep the battery active.

Disable features you do not use, like automatic ear detection or Siri, because they drain the battery faster. In your iPhone settings under Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your AirPods and toggle off any features you do not need. Keep the firmware updated — Apple releases updates through your iPhone that improve battery performance and fix bugs.

If you use your AirPods heavily every day, expect the battery to degrade noticeably after two to three years. This is normal for lithium batteries. Planning a replacement around year three or four means you avoid being caught without working AirPods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the case battery instead of the whole AirPods?

If only your case battery is dead but the earbuds still work, Apple can replace just the case. Bring the case and earbuds to an Apple Store or mail in the case alone. The service fee for a case replacement is usually lower than a full AirPods replacement — typically $29 to $39 depending on the model.

What if one earbud battery died but the other still works?

Apple treats this as a full replacement, not a single earbud repair. You cannot buy a single replacement earbud from Apple directly. You will pay the full service fee to get both earbuds replaced, even if only one is dead. Some third-party sellers offer individual replacement earbuds, but they are not official Apple parts and may not work reliably.

How long does the replacement battery last?

A replacement AirPods unit or case comes with a new one-year warranty. The new battery should last two to three years of regular daily use before it begins to noticeably degrade, the same as the original. After that, you would go through the replacement process again.

Is there a way to avoid paying for out-of-warranty replacement?

If your AirPods are out of warranty, the service fee applies unless the battery failure is due to a manufacturing defect that Apple can verify. Bring them to an Apple Store and explain the situation — the technician will test them and determine whether the failure qualifies as a defect or normal wear. If it is a defect, you may not have to pay.

Can I trade in my old AirPods for a discount on a replacement?

Apple does not offer trade-in credit for AirPods with dead batteries. You pay the full service fee for the replacement. However, if you decide to buy a new pair instead of repairing the old ones, Apple's trade-in program may accept the broken AirPods as a credit toward a new purchase — ask at the Apple Store or check apple.com/trade-in for current terms.