You cannot replace the battery inside an AirPod yourself — Apple does not sell individual batteries or provide a user-replaceable battery compartment
AirPods are sealed units. The battery is glued inside the earbud casing, and opening them risks damaging the internal components beyond repair. Instead, you have three real options: send your AirPods to Apple for a battery replacement service, purchase a replacement pair, or use a third-party repair shop.
The official Apple route costs between $49 and $69 per earbud (depending on your model), takes one to two weeks, and comes with a warranty on the repair work. This is the most reliable option if your AirPods are still under AppleCare+ coverage or if you want the repair documented by the manufacturer.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods batteries cannot be replaced by the user because the earbuds are sealed and the battery is permanently glued inside.
- Apple's official battery replacement service costs $49 to $69 per earbud and takes one to two weeks through the mail or at an Apple Store.
- Third-party repair shops can replace AirPod batteries for $30 to $50 per earbud but may void any remaining warranty coverage.
- If your AirPods are more than three years old or cost less than $100 to replace, buying a new pair is often cheaper than paying for a battery replacement.
- Check your AirPod model and battery health in Settings before deciding which repair route makes sense for your situation.
How to check if your AirPod battery is actually the problem
Before you pay for a replacement, confirm that the battery itself is failing and not a software glitch or charging issue. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and tap the information icon next to them. You will see the battery percentage for each earbud and the charging case. If both earbuds show 0% or stay at the same low percentage even after charging for 30 minutes, the battery is likely dead.
Also check that you are charging the case correctly. The case itself needs power — plug it into a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your model) for at least 15 minutes. Place the earbuds inside the case, close the lid, and wait another 15 minutes. If the battery percentage still does not rise after a full charge cycle, the battery has reached the end of its life.
Using Apple's official battery replacement service
Go to apple.com/support, select your AirPod model, and choose "Battery replacement" from the service options. You can either mail your AirPods to Apple or book an appointment at an Apple Store if one is near you. Apple will ask for your serial number, which you can find in Settings under Bluetooth (tap the info icon next to your AirPods) or on the original box.
The cost is $49 for AirPods Pro (first or second generation), $49 for AirPods Max, and $69 for AirPods Pro Max. The service includes a 90-day warranty on the repair. If you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods, the replacement is covered at no cost. Turnaround time is typically five to ten business days for mail-in service, though it can stretch to two weeks during busy periods.
When you mail them in, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label. Pack the AirPods in a padded envelope or small box, include the label, and drop it at any shipping location. You will receive an email when Apple receives your package and another when the repair is complete.
Third-party repair shops and what to expect
Independent repair shops like iFixit, Puls, and local phone repair stores can replace AirPod batteries for $30 to $50 per earbud, often faster than Apple. Some offer same-day service if you drop them off in person. However, opening the earbud voids any remaining manufacturer warranty, and the quality of the repair depends entirely on the shop's skill and parts sourcing.
Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple parts or third-party batteries. Genuine parts are more reliable but cost more. Also ask about their warranty on the repair work — reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage if the battery fails again. Check online reviews specific to that shop's AirPod repairs, not just their general rating.
When buying new AirPods makes more financial sense
Compare the cost of battery replacement against the price of a new pair. AirPods Pro (second generation) cost around $249, while a battery replacement is $49 per earbud. If both earbuds need replacement, you are paying $98 plus tax — nearly half the price of a new pair. If your AirPods are more than three years old, the battery replacement cost approaches the price of entry-level AirPods (around $129), making a new purchase a better value.
New AirPods also come with a full one-year warranty and the latest features and firmware. If your current pair is an older model and you use them daily, replacing them may give you better sound quality and longer battery life overall than extending the life of aging hardware.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
If you have sent your AirPods away for repair and need audio in the meantime, you have a few options. Use your device's built-in speaker for calls and video. If you have a second pair of wireless earbuds or headphones, pair them to your iPhone or Mac. You can also borrow a wired headset or use the headphone jack on an older device if you have one available.
While waiting, back up your AirPod settings. Your device will remember your AirPod name and connection preferences, but if you have custom audio settings or spatial audio turned on, take a screenshot of your Bluetooth settings so you can restore them after the repair arrives.
How to extend battery life on your current AirPods
Once your AirPods are repaired or replaced, you can slow down battery degradation. Store them in the charging case when you are not using them — this is the single most important step. Do not leave them sitting out on a desk or in a bag without the case. Charge the case regularly; do not let it drop below 20% battery before plugging it in.
Avoid exposing your AirPods to extreme heat or cold. Do not leave them in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Keep the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case clean by wiping them with a dry, lint-free cloth every few weeks. Disable features you do not use, like spatial audio or automatic ear detection, if they drain the battery faster than you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do AirPod batteries last before they need replacement?
AirPod batteries typically last between two and three years of regular daily use before they noticeably degrade. After that, you may notice the earbuds only hold a charge for a few hours instead of the original five to six hours. The exact timeline depends on how often you charge them and whether you store them in the case between uses.
Can I replace just one earbud if only one battery is dead?
Yes. Apple charges $49 to $69 per earbud, so you only pay for the one that needs replacement. However, if both earbuds are old, replacing just one means the other will likely fail within a few months, so you may end up paying twice. Ask Apple or the repair shop whether they can estimate how much life the other earbud has left.
What happens if I try to open an AirPod myself?
You risk breaking the internal components, damaging the battery (which could cause it to leak), and making the earbud unrepairable. The casing is glued together, not screwed, so prying it open often cracks the plastic. If you damage them yourself, Apple and most repair shops will refuse to service them.
Do I need to erase my AirPods before sending them to Apple for repair?
No. Apple will handle any necessary reset during the repair process. However, you should unpair them from your device before sending them in. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your AirPods, tap the info icon, and select "Forget This Device." This ensures Apple receives them in a clean state.
Will a battery replacement make my AirPods work like new?
The battery replacement will restore full charging capacity, but it does not replace worn-out speakers or fix connectivity issues unrelated to the battery. If your AirPods have other problems — crackling sound, one earbud not connecting, or poor microphone quality — those require a full replacement, not just a battery service.