AirPod replacement prices from Apple

A single AirPod costs $69 to replace through Apple, whether you lost one, it stopped working, or the battery no longer holds a charge. The charging case alone costs $79. If both AirPods are damaged or lost, buying a full new pair costs $129 for the standard AirPods, though prices vary by model—AirPods Pro run $249 for a full pair, and AirPods Max cost $549.

These are Apple's official prices. You can order replacements directly from Apple's website, through an Apple Store, or by calling Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE. Apple will ask for proof of purchase or your device serial number to process the order, though they sometimes replace items under warranty even without a receipt if your device is registered to your Apple ID.

Shipping typically takes 3 to 5 business days once your order is placed. If you need a replacement urgently, visiting an Apple Store in person is faster—you can often walk out with a replacement the same day if stock is available.

Key Takeaways

  • A single AirPod costs $69 from Apple; the charging case costs $79.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and battery degradation for a lower out-of-pocket cost per incident, though it requires enrollment within 60 days of purchase.
  • Third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay offer used or refurbished AirPods at lower prices, but you lose Apple's warranty and risk buying counterfeits.
  • If one AirPod failed within the first year and you have no physical damage, Apple may replace it free under the standard one-year warranty.

AppleCare+ coverage and deductibles

If you purchased AppleCare+ for your AirPods when you bought them, replacement costs are lower. AppleCare+ for AirPods costs $29 upfront and covers two years of hardware issues, including accidental damage. With AppleCare+, you pay $29 per incident to replace a damaged or lost AirPod, instead of the full $69.

You must enroll in AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your AirPods. If you did not purchase it at the time of purchase, you cannot add it later. Check your Apple ID purchase history to see whether AppleCare+ was included with your order—sometimes it is bundled automatically depending on your payment method or region.

AppleCare+ does not cover loss or theft unless you also have AppleCare+ Theft and Loss protection, which adds another $49 to the two-year cost. Without that add-on, AppleCare+ covers hardware failure and accidental damage only.

Warranty coverage for defects

Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects at no cost. If one AirPod stopped working within the first year and you did not drop it or expose it to water, Apple will usually replace it free. The warranty does not cover physical damage, water damage, or battery degradation from normal use.

To claim a warranty replacement, contact Apple Support through the Support app on your iPhone, through Apple's website, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your serial number ready—you can find it in Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, or on the original box. Apple will ask you to describe the problem and may run diagnostics remotely before approving a replacement.

If your AirPods are outside the one-year window or show signs of physical damage, you will be charged the full replacement price. Apple's support team will tell you upfront whether your case qualifies for warranty service or requires a paid replacement.

Third-party and refurbished options

Used and refurbished AirPods are sold on Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces for $40 to $100 per AirPod, depending on condition and model. Refurbished units sold by Apple directly (labeled "Refurbished" on Apple's website) cost about 15 percent less than new and come with a one-year warranty, though they are rarely in stock.

Third-party sellers offer lower prices, but the risks are real. Counterfeit AirPods are common on resale platforms—they may look identical but fail within weeks. You also lose Apple's warranty and cannot use AppleCare+ with a used unit. If you go this route, buy only from sellers with high ratings and a clear return policy, and inspect the serial number against Apple's database before completing the purchase.

Refurbished units from certified retailers like Best Buy or Walmart carry a limited warranty (usually 90 days to one year) and are safer than private sellers, though still cheaper than buying new from Apple.

Damage and water exposure

AirPods are water-resistant but not waterproof. Standard AirPods and AirPods Pro can handle sweat and light rain, but submersion in water or exposure to salt water will damage them. If water got inside, the battery may swell, the speaker may stop working, or the charging contacts may corrode. None of these issues are covered by the standard warranty.

If your AirPods were damaged by water, Apple will not repair them—replacement is your only option, and you will pay the full $69 per AirPod. AppleCare+ covers accidental water damage, so you would pay only the $29 deductible instead. If you do not have AppleCare+, drying the AirPods thoroughly in a warm, dry place for 24 to 48 hours sometimes restores function, though there is no may provide.

Physical damage from drops, crushing, or bending is also not covered by the standard warranty. AppleCare+ will cover it for the $29 deductible per incident.

Comparing replacement to buying new

If you have lost or damaged both AirPods and the case, buying a full new pair is often cheaper than replacing individual components. A full pair of standard AirPods costs $129, while replacing two individual AirPods ($69 each) plus the case ($79) totals $217. In that scenario, buying new is $88 cheaper.

However, if only one AirPod is damaged and the case still works, replacing just that one AirPod for $69 makes sense. The same logic applies if only the case is damaged—$79 for a new case is less than $129 for a full new pair.

Before deciding, check whether your AirPods are still under warranty. A free replacement under warranty changes the math entirely. Contact Apple Support to confirm your coverage before paying out of pocket.

How to order a replacement

To order a replacement AirPod or case from Apple, visit apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Repair or Replace." You can also open the Support app on your iPhone, tap "My Devices," select your AirPods, and follow the prompts. Apple will ask whether you want mail-in service or to visit a store.

For mail-in service, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label. You pack your damaged AirPods and send them back; Apple inspects them and ships a replacement within 5 to 7 business days after receiving your package. For in-store service, make a Genius Bar appointment at your nearest Apple Store through the Apple Support app or by calling the store directly.

Payment is due at the time of order. Apple accepts credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay. If you have AppleCare+, the $29 deductible is charged at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one AirPod if I lost it?

Yes. Apple sells individual AirPods for $69 each. You do not have to buy a full new pair. The replacement AirPod will pair automatically with your existing one and the charging case.

Does AppleCare+ cover lost AirPods?

Standard AppleCare+ does not cover loss or theft. You must add AppleCare+ Theft and Loss protection ($49 for two years) at the time of purchase to cover lost AirPods. With that coverage, you pay a $29 deductible per lost AirPod.

What if my AirPods stopped working after two years?

If they are outside the one-year warranty and show no physical damage, Apple will not replace them free. You will pay the full replacement price: $69 per AirPod or $79 for the case. If AppleCare+ is still active, you pay the $29 deductible instead.

Can I return AirPods to Apple for a refund instead of a replacement?

Apple's return window is 14 days from purchase. After that, you can only exchange or repair, not return for a refund. If your AirPods are defective, Apple will replace them, not refund you.

Are refurbished AirPods from Apple the same quality as new ones?

Refurbished AirPods from Apple have been tested, cleaned, and repackaged. They come with a one-year warranty and perform identically to new units. The only difference is cosmetic wear on the case. They cost about 15 percent less than new.