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 (2nd or 3rd generation), or AirPods Max.

Apple does not charge extra for the charging case if you need to replace a single earbud — you get just the one AirPod. If both earbuds fail or go missing, you would need to buy two replacements at $69 each, or consider buying a new pair, which typically costs between $129 and $549 depending on the model.

The $69 price does not include shipping or tax. If you order online, add your local sales tax and any shipping fees. In-store purchases are subject to your state's sales tax rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 for a single replacement AirPod, regardless of which model you own.
  • You can order a replacement AirPod directly from Apple's website, buy one in an Apple Store, or contact Apple Support to arrange the purchase.
  • Replacement AirPods ship with a charging case, so you do not need to buy the case separately.
  • If your AirPod is still under the one-year limited warranty and the damage is not accidental, Apple may replace it at no cost.
  • Third-party retailers and resellers sometimes offer lower prices, but buying directly from Apple ensures you receive a genuine product with proper pairing.

How to Order a Replacement AirPod from Apple

The fastest way to buy a replacement is through Apple's website. Go to apple.com, search for "AirPods replacement," and select your model. Add the single AirPod to your cart and check out. Shipping typically takes 3 to 5 business days depending on your location.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit an Apple Store and ask for a replacement AirPod. The staff will verify your model, take payment, and hand you the replacement when ready. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE to order over the phone and have it shipped to your address.

When you receive your replacement AirPod, it will come in a small box with a charging case. The new AirPod will pair automatically with your existing AirPod and your devices once you open the case near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Warranty Coverage and When Replacement Is Free

Every AirPod comes with a one-year limited warranty from Apple. If your AirPod stops working due to a manufacturing defect — the battery no longer holds a charge, the speaker is silent, or the microphone does not work — Apple will replace it at no cost during that year.

The warranty does not cover accidental damage, water damage, or physical wear. If you dropped your AirPod, sat on it, or it got wet, you will pay the full $69 replacement price. Apple's support staff can usually tell within minutes whether the failure is a defect or damage by running diagnostics over the phone or in store.

If your AirPod is older than one year and fails, you still have the option to buy a replacement at the $69 price. There is no extended warranty program for individual AirPods, though AppleCare+ for AirPods (available on some models) covers accidental damage for a lower out-of-pocket cost when you purchase it at the same time as the AirPods.

Where Else You Can Buy Replacement AirPods

Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and other electronics retailers sell replacement AirPods at or near Apple's $69 price. Prices are usually identical, though some retailers occasionally run sales or offer them slightly discounted. The advantage of buying from these retailers is convenience if you already shop there or have a membership.

Used or refurbished AirPods from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay may cost less — sometimes $40 to $55 — but carry risk. A used AirPod may have a shorter remaining battery life, may not pair correctly if it was previously linked to another account, or may be counterfeit. If you go this route, buy only from sellers with high ratings and a clear return policy.

Avoid extremely cheap listings (under $30) from unknown sellers. Counterfeit AirPods are common on resale platforms and will not work reliably with your devices or hold a charge.

What Happens If You Lose Your AirPod

If you lose an AirPod, Apple's Find My feature can help you locate it if it is still within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Open the Find My app, select your AirPods, and the app will play a sound to help you track it down. This works only if the AirPod still has battery and is within range — typically 30 to 100 feet depending on obstacles.

If you cannot find it after searching, your only option is to buy a replacement at $69. Some people choose to wait and save up rather than replace a single lost AirPod when ready, since a single AirPod is useless until you have a pair again.

To avoid losing AirPods in the future, keep them in their charging case when not in use, use a case or strap designed for AirPods, and enable Find My before you lose one. Setting up Find My takes two minutes and could save you $69.

Comparing the Cost of Replacement vs. Buying New

If you need to replace both AirPods, the math changes. Two replacements at $69 each cost $138, which is close to or more than buying a new pair of AirPods (2nd generation) at $129. A new pair also comes with a fresh battery and a full one-year warranty, whereas two replacements are individual units that may have different battery ages.

For AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, the calculation is different. Two replacement AirPods Pro at $69 each cost $138, while a new pair of AirPods Pro costs $249. In this case, buying replacements is significantly cheaper. However, if you lose or damage the charging case as well, you would need to buy a replacement case (around $80 for AirPods Pro), which could push the total cost higher.

Keep your receipt and packaging when you buy AirPods. If something fails within the return window (usually 14 to 30 days depending on where you bought them), you can return the entire pair for a refund rather than paying for individual replacements later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a single AirPod if I bought it by mistake?

Yes, if you bought it within the return window (usually 14 to 30 days from purchase), you can return it to Apple or the retailer for a refund. Bring your receipt and the AirPod in its original packaging. If you opened it and used it, the return may be denied depending on the retailer's policy.

Do I need to send in my broken AirPod when I order a replacement?

No. Apple does not require you to send in the broken or lost AirPod before shipping the replacement. You can order and receive the new one when ready. Some retailers may have different policies, so ask before you buy.

Will a replacement AirPod work with my old charging case?

Yes. A replacement AirPod will work with any charging case from the same generation. An AirPod 3rd generation replacement will charge in any AirPods 3rd generation case, for example. However, it will not work with cases from a different model — an AirPod Pro will not fit in an AirPods 2nd generation case.

What if my AirPod is damaged but still works?

If it still works, you do not have to replace it. However, if the battery drains quickly, the sound is muffled, or the microphone cuts out, a replacement may be worth the cost. Test it in both ears and with both your phone and another device to confirm the problem is with the AirPod itself and not your device's settings.

Can I buy a replacement AirPod without proof of purchase?

Yes. Apple does not require a receipt to sell you a replacement AirPod at the standard $69 price. However, if you want to claim warranty coverage (free replacement for defects), you will need proof of purchase or your Apple ID account linked to the original purchase.