You cannot replace the battery yourself — Apple handles it through mail-in service or in-store replacement

AirPods contain a sealed lithium battery that is not designed to be opened by the user. Unlike some older devices, there is no user-accessible battery compartment. If your AirPods no longer hold a charge, your only option is to send them to Apple or visit an Apple Store, where technicians will replace the entire earbud or charging case.

The process is straightforward: you describe the problem, Apple confirms the battery has degraded, and they either repair or replace your device. The cost and timeline depend on whether your AirPods are still under warranty and which model you own.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods batteries cannot be replaced by the user because the earbuds are sealed and not designed to open.
  • Apple will replace a single earbud or the charging case if the battery no longer holds a charge, either by mail or at an Apple Store.
  • If your AirPods are within one year of purchase, battery replacement is covered under the standard one-year warranty at no cost.
  • Out-of-warranty replacement typically costs between $49 and $69 per earbud, depending on the model.
  • The mail-in process usually takes five to seven business days from the time Apple receives your device.

How to tell if your battery actually needs replacement

Before you contact Apple, confirm that the problem is the battery and not something else. A battery issue shows up as one or both earbuds losing charge much faster than they used to, or refusing to charge at all even after being in the case for several hours.

First, clean the charging contacts on both the earbud and the case with a dry, lint-free cloth. Dirt or corrosion on the metal contacts can prevent charging. If that does not work, reset your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. This clears any software glitch that might be draining the battery faster than normal.

If the earbud still will not charge after cleaning and resetting, the battery has likely degraded and needs replacement. Apple's battery is considered degraded when it no longer holds enough charge to power the earbud for normal use — usually after 500 full charge cycles, which takes roughly two to three years of regular use.

Starting a repair or replacement through Apple

You have two paths: mail-in service or an in-store visit. Both start the same way — you contact Apple and describe the problem.

Go to support.apple.com and search for "AirPods repair" or "AirPods battery." You will see options to start a repair request online, schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store, or call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE. The online route is fastest if you want to avoid a phone call; you answer questions about which model you own and what the battery is doing, then Apple tells you the cost and next steps.

If you choose mail-in service, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. You pack your AirPods in a box, print the label, and drop it off at any shipping location. Apple receives it, confirms the battery issue, and either repairs or replaces your device within five to seven business days. You then receive it back with a new return label.

If you visit an Apple Store in person, a technician will test your AirPods on the spot. If the battery is confirmed degraded, they can often replace them the same day or within a few days, depending on stock.

What the warranty covers and what it costs

AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers battery replacement if the battery fails to hold a charge due to a manufacturing defect — not normal wear. If your AirPods are within one year and the battery is the problem, Apple will replace the earbud or case at no cost.

Once the one-year warranty expires, out-of-warranty battery replacement costs money. A single earbud replacement runs $49 to $69 depending on the model (AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods 3rd generation, and so on). If both earbuds need replacement, you pay the per-earbud price twice. Replacing the charging case costs $49 to $99.

If your AirPods are damaged — cracked, water-damaged beyond normal use, or physically broken — Apple may classify it as accidental damage rather than battery failure. Accidental damage repair costs more and may not be covered under warranty. Be honest about the condition when you describe the problem.

What to do while you wait for replacement

If you are using mail-in service, your AirPods will be gone for at least a week. If you rely on them daily, consider whether you have a backup option — wired headphones, another pair of wireless earbuds, or speakers.

Keep your proof of purchase handy. Apple may ask for your receipt or order number to verify the purchase date and confirm warranty coverage. If you bought them from an Apple Store, they can look up the purchase in their system using your phone number or email. If you bought them elsewhere — Best Buy, Amazon, a carrier store — have the receipt ready.

Do not include any personal items in the box you send to Apple. Include only the AirPods themselves and the charging case. Remove any third-party cases or covers.

Why you cannot replace the battery yourself

AirPods are glued shut, not screwed together. Opening them requires specialized tools and risks damaging the internal components, the antenna, or the charging contacts. Even if you successfully opened one, replacement batteries are not sold separately to consumers — they are only available to Apple technicians.

Third-party repair shops exist, but they void your warranty and carry risk. If something goes wrong during the repair, you have no recourse. Apple's mail-in service is slower but costs less than many third-party shops and comes with the assurance that the replacement is genuine.

Extending battery life before replacement becomes necessary

While you cannot replace the battery yourself, you can slow down how fast it degrades. Lithium batteries last longer when they are not constantly charged to 100 percent or drained to zero. If possible, let your AirPods charge to 80 percent and discharge to 20 percent during normal use rather than always charging them fully overnight.

Keep your AirPods and case away from heat. Leaving them in a hot car or near a radiator speeds up battery degradation. Store them in a cool, dry place when you are not using them.

Avoid exposing them to moisture. While AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have water resistance, regular AirPods do not. Water damage can corrode the battery contacts and shorten the battery's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my AirPods back after I mail them in?

Apple typically processes mail-in repairs within five to seven business days from the time they receive your device. Add two to four days for shipping each way, so plan on 10 to 15 business days total from drop-off to delivery. Apple will email you a tracking number when they ship your repaired or replaced AirPods back to you.

Can I get a loaner AirPod while mine are being repaired?

Apple does not provide loaners for AirPods mail-in repairs. If you need a backup, you will have to use a different device or purchase a temporary replacement. In-store repairs sometimes happen the same day, so visiting an Apple Store may be faster if you need them urgently.

What if only one earbud has a dead battery?

You can replace just the one earbud that is not holding a charge. You do not have to replace both. Tell Apple which earbud is the problem, and they will replace only that one. The cost is the same whether you are replacing one or both.

Is there any way to check how much battery capacity my AirPods have left?

On iPhone or iPad, open the Bluetooth settings and tap the information icon next to your AirPods to see the current charge level of each earbud and the case. This shows you the current charge, not the maximum capacity the battery can hold. If the percentage drops much faster than it used to, the battery is degrading.

Will Apple replace my AirPods if they are water-damaged?

Water damage is usually not covered under the standard warranty. However, if you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods, accidental damage including water damage is covered for a service fee. Without AppleCare+, water-damaged AirPods are considered accidental damage and cost more to repair than a straightforward battery replacement.