Apple will sell you a single replacement AirPod, but the price and process depend on your model and warranty status

If you've lost or broken one AirPod, you don't have to buy a whole new pair. Apple sells individual replacement AirPods through its website, in Apple Stores, and through authorized retailers. A single AirPod costs between $69 and $99 depending on the model—AirPods Pro are more expensive than standard AirPods. The process is straightforward: you order online or walk into a store, pay the replacement price, and receive a new AirPod that pairs automatically with your existing one.

Before you pay full price, check whether your AirPod is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with every pair. If the AirPod failed on its own—the battery won't hold a charge, the speaker is broken, or it won't pair—Apple may replace it for free. If you lost it or physically damaged it, you'll pay the full replacement cost. AppleCare+ for AirPods extends this coverage and includes accidental damage, but only if you bought the plan within 60 days of purchasing your AirPods.

Key Takeaways

  • A single replacement AirPod costs $69 to $99 depending on whether you have standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, and you can order online or buy in a store.
  • If your AirPod stopped working on its own within one year of purchase, Apple's standard warranty covers a free replacement—bring proof of purchase.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and loss, but only if you bought the plan within 60 days of your original AirPods purchase.
  • A replacement AirPod pairs automatically to your existing one; you do not need to reset or reconfigure anything.
  • If you cannot find your AirPod, use Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to locate it before ordering a replacement.

Check your warranty status before paying

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, go to General, then About. Scroll down and tap AirPods. You'll see the serial number and model. Write down the serial number—you'll need it to check your warranty.

Go to apple.com/support/products and enter your serial number. Apple will show you the purchase date and whether your one-year limited warranty is still active. If the AirPod failed on its own and you're within the warranty period, you can get a free replacement. If you're outside the warranty or the damage is accidental, you'll pay the replacement price.

If you bought AppleCare+ when you first purchased your AirPods, it will show in the same support page. AppleCare+ covers two accidental damage incidents and loss or theft, but only if you enrolled within 60 days of buying the AirPods. Check the coverage dates to confirm you're still covered.

Order a replacement online through Apple

Go to apple.com and search for "replacement AirPod" or navigate to the AirPods section. Select your model—standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Max—and choose whether you need the left or right AirPod. Add it to your cart and check out.

Apple will ask for your shipping address and payment method. If you're covered by warranty or AppleCare+, you may be able to process the replacement through Apple Support instead of paying at checkout. Before you complete the order, check your support page again—if you see a "Get Service" button, click it to start a warranty claim rather than a paid purchase.

Your replacement AirPod will ship within one to three business days. When it arrives, take it out of the case and hold it near your iPhone or iPad. It will pair automatically to your existing AirPod within seconds. You don't need to reset anything or forget the old pairing.

Buy a replacement in an Apple Store

Walk into any Apple Store with your iPhone or the serial number of your AirPods. Tell a specialist that you need a replacement AirPod. They'll look up your warranty status on the spot and either process it as a free replacement or ring it up at the replacement price.

If you're covered by warranty or AppleCare+, bring your receipt or proof of purchase—a credit card statement showing the purchase date works. If you don't have proof, the specialist can sometimes look it up using your Apple ID if you bought the AirPods through your account.

Most Apple Stores keep replacement AirPods in stock. If they don't have your model, they can order it and have it ready for pickup the next day. You'll pair the new AirPod to your existing one as soon as you get home.

Use Find My to locate a lost AirPod before replacing it

If you think you've lost an AirPod rather than broken it, use Find My before you order a replacement. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the Find My app and tap Devices. Select your AirPods from the list. If the lost AirPod is still powered on and in range, the app will show its location on a map and play a sound to help you find it.

Find My works even if the AirPod is in someone else's hands, as long as it's on and connected to a network. If the AirPod is dead or out of range, Find My will show the last location where it was seen. Check that spot first before assuming it's gone for good.

If you find the AirPod, make sure it charges properly before you give up on it. A lost AirPod that won't hold a charge may have drained completely. Put it in the case for 15 minutes, then try pairing it again. If it still won't work, then you have a hardware failure and may be covered by warranty.

Authorized retailers and third-party options

You can also buy replacement AirPods through Best Buy, Target, Amazon, and other authorized Apple retailers. Prices are the same as Apple's website. The advantage is convenience—you may be able to pick one up the same day if a local store has it in stock.

Third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay sometimes offer used or refurbished AirPods at a discount, but these come with no warranty and no may provide they'll pair correctly to your existing AirPod. Stick with Apple or an authorized retailer if you want a may provide working replacement.

What to do if your replacement AirPod won't pair

A new replacement AirPod should pair automatically when you hold it near your iPhone or iPad. If it doesn't, put both AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait 15 seconds. Open the case near your iPhone and hold down the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. Your AirPods will reset and pair fresh.

If pairing still fails, restart your iPhone and try again. Make sure Bluetooth is on and that you're signed into the same Apple ID you used to set up the original AirPods. If the replacement AirPod still won't work after a reset and restart, contact Apple Support—the AirPod may be defective and may be able to access for another free replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement AirPod?

Online orders ship within one to three business days. In-store purchases are usually available the same day if the store has stock, or ready for pickup the next day if they need to order it. Warranty replacements follow the same timeline as paid replacements.

Can I return an AirPod I bought if I find the lost one later?

Apple's standard return window is 14 days. If you ordered online and find your original AirPod within that window, you can return the replacement for a refund. If you bought it in a store, bring it back with the receipt. After 14 days, returns are not accepted.

What if I lost both AirPods?

You'll need to buy a full replacement pair, not individual AirPods. Apple doesn't sell pairs at a discount when you've lost both. Check your AppleCare+ coverage first—if you have it, you may be covered for loss.

Do I need the charging case to use a replacement AirPod?

No. A single replacement AirPod will work with your existing AirPod and case. The case will charge both normally. You only need the case if you want to store the AirPod or charge it wirelessly.

Can I get a refund instead of a replacement?

Apple does not offer refunds for individual AirPods. You can only buy a replacement. If you want to return the entire pair, you have 14 days from purchase to do so for a full refund.