Apple will replace your AirPods if they are defective, but the process and cost depend on what is broken and whether you have AppleCare+

If one or both of your AirPods no longer charge, connect, or produce sound, Apple's repair program will replace them. You do not need to buy a new pair. The replacement cost ranges from free (if the device is under warranty or you have AppleCare+) to around $69 per earbud or $99 for the charging case, depending on the model and what failed. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if you mail them in, or same-day if you visit an Apple Store with an appointment.

The first step is to determine whether your AirPods are still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with purchase. If you bought them within the last year and the problem is a manufacturing defect—not physical damage or liquid damage—Apple will replace them at no cost. If you have AppleCare+, which costs $29 for AirPods Pro or $19 for standard AirPods, you are covered for accidental damage as well, though you will pay a service fee of $29 per incident.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces defective AirPods under the one-year limited warranty at no cost if the damage is not physical or liquid-related.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for $29 per incident on AirPods Pro or $19 per incident on standard AirPods, plus a service fee.
  • You can start a replacement claim online through apple.com, by phone at 1-800-MY-APPLE, or in person at an Apple Store.
  • Mail-in replacement typically takes one to two weeks; in-store replacement can be same-day if parts are in stock and you have an appointment.
  • If your AirPods are out of warranty and not covered by AppleCare+, buying a replacement pair is often cheaper than paying out-of-warranty repair costs.

Check your warranty and AppleCare+ status before you contact Apple

Your AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This covers manufacturing defects—problems that existed when the device left the factory—but not physical damage, water damage, or normal wear. To find out whether your AirPods are still under warranty, go to apple.com/support, enter your serial number (found on the charging case or in the Settings app under Bluetooth), and check the coverage date.

If you purchased AppleCare+ at the time you bought your AirPods, or within 60 days of purchase, you have extended coverage. AppleCare+ lasts two years and covers accidental damage—drops, water exposure, and hardware failure—for a service fee of $29 per incident on AirPods Pro or $19 on standard AirPods. You can check whether you have AppleCare+ by signing into your Apple account at apple.com, going to Account Settings, and selecting Devices. If you see AppleCare+ listed next to your AirPods, you are covered.

Start a replacement claim online or by phone

The fastest way to begin a replacement is through Apple's online support portal. Go to apple.com/support, select AirPods, describe the problem (for example, "left earbud will not charge" or "both AirPods disconnected and will not reconnect"), and choose whether you want to mail them in or visit a store. Apple will ask for your serial number and proof of purchase (your receipt or order confirmation email). If you do not have the receipt, Apple can sometimes look it up using your Apple ID.

If you prefer to speak to someone, call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) and select the option for AirPods support. Have your serial number and a description of the problem ready. The representative will confirm your warranty or AppleCare+ status and walk you through the next steps. You can also visit an Apple Store in person with your AirPods and a form of ID. Call ahead to make an appointment; walk-ins may have a long wait.

Mail-in replacement: what to expect and how long it takes

If you choose mail-in service, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack your AirPods in a small box or padded envelope with the label and drop it at any UPS, FedEx, or USPS location. Do not include the charging case unless Apple specifically asks you to. Once Apple receives your package, they inspect the AirPods to confirm the damage, process the replacement, and ship a replacement pair back to you. This entire process usually takes seven to fourteen days, though it can be longer during busy periods.

You will receive a tracking number for both the outbound and return shipments. If Apple determines that the damage is not covered—for example, if they find liquid damage and you do not have AppleCare+—they will contact you before proceeding. At that point, you can choose to pay the out-of-warranty repair cost or decline and have your original AirPods returned.

In-store replacement: same-day service if parts are available

If you have an Apple Store near you, in-store replacement is usually faster. Make an appointment through apple.com/retail or by calling the store directly. Bring your AirPods, the charging case, and a form of ID. A Genius Bar technician will test your AirPods to confirm the problem, verify your warranty or AppleCare+ status, and either replace them on the spot or order a replacement to be picked up within a few days.

Same-day replacement depends on whether the store has the model and color you need in stock. Popular models like AirPods Pro are usually available, but less common variants may need to be ordered. If your AirPods are out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, the technician will quote you the repair cost before proceeding. You can decline and leave with your original AirPods.

Out-of-warranty replacement costs and when to buy new instead

If your AirPods are no longer under warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat service fee to replace them. For AirPods Pro, the cost is around $99 to replace the entire case or $69 per earbud. For standard AirPods, it is around $69 for the case or $49 per earbud. These prices vary slightly by region and model, so ask for a quote before you commit.

In many cases, buying a new pair is cheaper than paying the out-of-warranty service fee. Compare the replacement cost to the current price of a new pair—standard AirPods often go on sale for $99 to $119, and AirPods Pro for $199 to $229. If the replacement cost is close to the price of a new pair, buying new may be the better choice, especially if you want the latest features or a different color.

What to do if your AirPods are physically damaged or water-damaged

Physical damage—cracks, dents, or broken parts—is not covered by the standard one-year warranty. However, if you have AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered for a service fee. Water damage is also not covered by the standard warranty, but AppleCare+ will cover it if the damage occurred after you purchased the plan.

If your AirPods are physically damaged and you do not have AppleCare+, your only option is to pay the out-of-warranty service fee or buy a replacement pair. If the damage is severe—for example, the earbud casing is cracked open—Apple may refuse to repair it for safety reasons and recommend purchasing new AirPods instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one AirPod instead of the whole pair?

Yes. Apple will replace a single earbud for the per-earbud price, which is usually $49 to $69 depending on the model. You do not have to replace both. If only one is defective and the other works fine, tell Apple which one needs replacement and they will send only that earbud.

What if I lost one AirPod and it still works?

Loss is not covered by the warranty or AppleCare+. If you lost one earbud, you can buy a replacement earbud from Apple for $49 to $69, or you can buy a new pair. Some people buy a single replacement earbud if the lost one is relatively new and the other still works well.

Do I need the charging case to get a replacement?

No. If only the earbud is defective, you do not need to send the case. If the case itself is broken or will not charge, you can replace just the case. Only send what is actually broken.

How do I know if my AirPods are under warranty?

Go to apple.com/support, enter your AirPods serial number (found on the case or in Settings > Bluetooth), and check the coverage end date. If today's date is before that date, you are still under warranty. You can also call 1-800-MY-APPLE and provide your serial number.

Can I replace my AirPods if I bought them from a third-party retailer like Best Buy?

Yes. The one-year limited warranty is tied to the device, not the retailer. As long as you have proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation), Apple will honor the warranty. If you do not have the original receipt, Apple can sometimes look up the purchase using your Apple ID if you registered the device.