Apple will sell you a single replacement AirPod, but the price depends on which model you own and whether your device is still under warranty

If you have lost or damaged one AirPod, you do not have to buy a full new pair. Apple sells individual replacement AirPods through its website, in Apple Stores, and through authorized retailers. A single replacement AirPod costs between $69 and $129, depending on whether you own AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods (standard), or AirPods Pro 2. The charging case can also be replaced separately for $79 to $99.

The catch is that Apple does not replace damaged AirPods for free unless they fail due to a manufacturing defect within one year of purchase and you have AppleCare+. If you lost an AirPod or damaged it through normal use, you will pay the full replacement price. If your AirPods are still under the standard one-year limited warranty and the damage is clearly a defect (not physical damage from dropping or water exposure), you can contact Apple Support to request a replacement at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple sells individual replacement AirPods for $69 to $129 depending on the model, and you can order them online or buy them in an Apple Store.
  • If your AirPod failed due to a manufacturing defect within one year of purchase, Apple will replace it free; physical damage from drops or water does not may have access to.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for $29 per incident, but you must have purchased it within 60 days of buying your AirPods.
  • You do not need to provide proof of the lost AirPod; Apple will send you a replacement as long as you pay and verify ownership of the original pair.
  • Third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay offer cheaper used or refurbished single AirPods, but these carry no warranty and may not pair correctly with your device.

How to order a replacement AirPod directly from Apple

Go to apple.com and search for "replacement AirPod" or navigate to the AirPods product page. Select your model (AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max, or standard AirPods), then choose whether you need a left or right earbud or a charging case. Add it to your cart and check out. Shipping usually takes three to five business days, though you can select faster delivery in most areas for an additional fee.

You can also walk into any Apple Store and ask for a replacement AirPod at the Genius Bar. They will verify your device using your Apple ID, confirm which model you own, and process the purchase on the spot. This route is faster if you need the replacement when ready, since you can walk out with it the same day.

What to do if your AirPod failed due to a defect

Contact Apple Support through apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Explain that your AirPod stopped working and describe what happened — for example, "the left AirPod stopped charging" or "the right earbud produces no sound." Do not mention dropping it or exposing it to water unless that is genuinely what caused the failure.

Apple Support will ask you to troubleshoot: forget the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings, reset them by holding the button on the charging case for 15 seconds, and try pairing again. If the AirPod still does not work after that, they will ask for your proof of purchase or the serial number of your AirPods (found on the charging case or in Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > AirPods). If the device is within one year of purchase and the failure appears to be a defect, Apple will send you a replacement at no cost. If it is outside the warranty period, you will be offered the paid replacement option.

AppleCare+ and accidental damage coverage

AppleCare+ for AirPods costs $29 and covers accidental damage, loss, and hardware defects for two years. If you have AppleCare+ and one AirPod is damaged or lost, you can contact Apple Support and pay a $29 service fee per incident to receive a replacement. You must have purchased AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your AirPods, so if you are reading this after that window has closed, you cannot add it retroactively.

AppleCare+ is worth considering if you frequently lose small items or have a history of damaging electronics. Without it, a replacement AirPod costs $69 to $129 out of pocket. With AppleCare+, the cost is capped at $29 per replacement, and you get two years of coverage instead of one.

Cheaper alternatives: refurbished and used AirPods

Amazon, eBay, and other third-party marketplaces sell used and refurbished single AirPods for $30 to $60. These are often pulled from pairs where only one earbud was needed, or they are returns that have been cleaned and repackaged. The risk is that they may not pair correctly with your device, they carry no warranty, and there is no way to verify they are genuine Apple products before you buy.

If you choose this route, buy only from sellers with high ratings and a clear return policy. Check the product photos to confirm the AirPod looks clean and undamaged, and read the reviews to see whether other buyers report pairing issues. Even then, you have no recourse if the AirPod does not work once it arrives, beyond the seller's return window.

How to find the serial number of your AirPods

Apple will ask for your AirPods' serial number when you contact Support or order a replacement. You can find it in three places: on the bottom of the charging case (a small printed number), in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad (go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > AirPods, then tap the AirPods name and scroll down), or on your original receipt or Apple order confirmation email.

Write down the serial number before you contact Apple, since you will need it to verify ownership and confirm which model you own. If you have lost the charging case and cannot find the serial number anywhere else, Apple Support can look it up using your Apple ID and the phone number associated with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement AirPod if I lost it?

Yes. Apple will sell you a replacement for the lost AirPod at the standard price ($69 to $129 depending on model). You do not need to prove you lost it or provide the original earbud. If you have AppleCare+, the cost is $29 instead.

How long does it take to get a replacement AirPod?

If you order online, shipping takes three to five business days in most areas, with faster options available for an extra fee. If you buy in an Apple Store, you can take it home the same day. If you are waiting for a warranty replacement due to a defect, Apple typically ships within five to seven business days after approving your claim.

Will a replacement AirPod work with my old charging case?

Yes. A replacement AirPod will pair with your existing charging case automatically. You do not need to buy a new case unless the original one is damaged or lost.

What if Apple says my AirPod damage is not covered by warranty?

If the damage is from dropping, water exposure, or physical wear, it is not covered by the standard one-year warranty. You will have to pay for the replacement out of pocket, or you can explore used options on third-party marketplaces. AppleCare+ cannot be added after the fact, so that option is not available.

Can I return a replacement AirPod if it does not work?

If you buy a replacement from Apple directly, you have 14 days to return it for a refund or exchange. If you buy from a third-party seller, the return policy depends on that seller's rules. Always check the return window before you complete the purchase.