Apple's Replacement Price for One AirPod
A single AirPod costs $69 to replace through Apple, whether you lost it, damaged it, or it stopped working. This is the official price Apple charges when you buy a replacement from their website, in an Apple Store, or through an authorized retailer. The price is the same whether you own AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or the standard AirPods — each model has its own replacement cost, but within each model line, one earbud costs the same.
You do not need to buy a full new pair. Apple sells individual replacement earbuds and charging cases separately, so if you still have one working AirPod, you can replace just the one that failed. The replacement earbud will pair automatically with your existing one when you put it in the charging case.
If your AirPods are still under the one-year limited warranty and the damage is not accidental (for example, the battery failed or the speaker stopped working), Apple may replace them at no cost. Accidental damage — dropping them, water damage, or physical cracks — is not covered by the standard warranty and will cost the full replacement price.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 per AirPod for a replacement earbud, regardless of which AirPod model you own.
- You can buy a single replacement earbud instead of a full pair if one AirPod is lost or damaged.
- Accidental damage is not covered by Apple's one-year warranty, so you will pay the full price unless the failure is a manufacturing defect.
- Third-party sellers sometimes offer replacement earbuds for less than Apple's price, but they may not work reliably with your AirPods.
Where to Buy Replacement AirPods
The official Apple Store (online at apple.com or in person) is the most straightforward place to order a replacement. You can also buy from Best Buy, Amazon, or other major electronics retailers that carry Apple products. Prices are the same across all authorized sellers — $69 per earbud.
When you order online, Apple will ship the replacement earbud to you, usually within a few business days. If you go to an Apple Store in person, you can sometimes walk out with a replacement the same day if they have stock. Call ahead to confirm they have the specific model you need in stock before you visit.
Some third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay offer replacement AirPods for $40 to $60, but these are often used, refurbished, or counterfeit products. A counterfeit AirPod may pair with your case initially but will drop connection frequently, drain battery faster, or stop working after a few weeks. Buying from Apple or an authorized retailer guarantees you are getting a genuine product with the same warranty protection.
AppleCare+ and Accidental Damage Coverage
If you purchased AppleCare+ for AirPods when you bought your AirPods, accidental damage is covered for a service fee. The fee varies by model — typically $29 to $39 per incident — which is less than the full $69 replacement price. AppleCare+ also covers battery degradation and hardware failures for two years from the date of purchase.
You can check whether your AirPods have AppleCare+ coverage by opening the Settings app on your iPhone, going to General > About, and looking for your AirPods in the device list. If AppleCare+ is active, it will show the coverage end date. If you did not buy it when you purchased your AirPods, you cannot add it retroactively.
If you have AppleCare+ and need a replacement, contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app, apple.com, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. They will verify your coverage and either mail you a replacement or direct you to an Apple Store to pick one up.
What Happens If Your AirPods Are Under Warranty
AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects — for example, if the speaker in one earbud suddenly stopped producing sound, or the battery no longer holds a charge despite normal use. It does not cover accidental damage like drops, water exposure, or cracks in the casing.
To check your warranty status, go to apple.com/support, enter your serial number (found on the AirPod case or in your iPhone settings), and the system will show your coverage end date. If you are still under warranty and the problem is a defect, Apple will replace the earbud at no cost. If the damage is accidental, you will pay the full $69 replacement price even if you are within the warranty period.
If you are unsure whether your damage is covered, contact Apple Support before you pay. They can review your situation and tell you whether the replacement will be free or cost $69. You can reach them through the Apple Support app, by visiting apple.com/support, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.
Comparing Replacement Costs Across AirPod Models
| AirPod Model | Cost Per Earbud | Cost for Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (3rd generation) | $69 | $49 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | $69 | $79 |
| AirPods Max | $399 (full headphones) | $99 (case only) |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | $69 | $49 |
The replacement earbud price is consistent at $69 across the standard AirPods and AirPods Pro models. If you also need to replace the charging case — for example, if you lost the entire case — that costs $49 to $79 depending on the model. AirPods Max are priced differently because they are over-ear headphones; a full replacement costs $399, but you can replace just the case for $99.
When ordering a replacement, double-check which generation you own before you complete your purchase. The model name is printed on the back of your charging case, and it is also listed in your iPhone under Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods (your name). Ordering the wrong generation will not pair with your existing earbud.
How to Avoid Losing or Damaging Your AirPods
Since replacement costs add up quickly, a few preventive steps can save you money. Use a protective case designed for AirPods — these are inexpensive (usually $10 to $30) and cushion the earbuds if you drop the case. Keep your AirPods in the case when you are not wearing them, rather than leaving them loose in a pocket or bag where they can fall out.
If you are worried about losing one earbud, consider a tracking device like Apple's AirTag, which you can attach to the charging case. This will not prevent loss, but it makes it much easier to locate a lost case before you have to buy a replacement. Some people also use a wrist strap or lanyard attached to the case to keep it tethered to a bag.
Avoid exposing your AirPods to extreme heat, moisture, or pressure. While AirPods Pro have water resistance rated for sweat and light rain, they are not waterproof and should not be submerged. Standard AirPods have no water resistance, so remove them before swimming or showering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a single AirPod if I change my mind?
Apple's return policy allows you to return unopened products within 14 days for a refund. Once you have opened and paired a replacement earbud to your case, it cannot be returned. If the replacement arrives defective, contact Apple Support and they will send you another one.
Will a replacement AirPod from Apple work with my older AirPods?
Yes, as long as both earbuds are the same model. A replacement AirPod Pro will pair with your existing AirPod Pro. However, you cannot mix models — an AirPod Pro will not pair with a standard AirPod (3rd generation). When you order a replacement, make sure you are ordering the correct model to match what you already own.
What if I lost both AirPods but still have the case?
You would need to buy two replacement earbuds at $69 each, for a total of $138. This is still less expensive than buying a full new pair, which typically costs $129 to $249 depending on the model. You can order both replacements at once from Apple.
Does Apple offer a discount if I buy multiple replacements at once?
No, Apple does not offer bulk discounts on replacement earbuds. Each earbud costs $69 regardless of how many you order. Some third-party retailers may occasionally run sales, but official Apple pricing remains the same year-round.
Can I use my insurance to cover a lost or damaged AirPod?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover personal electronics, but AirPods are often excluded or subject to a high deductible. Check your policy documents or contact your insurance company to see whether a lost or damaged AirPod is covered. In most cases, you will find it is cheaper to pay Apple's $69 replacement price than to file a claim.