- You can get an AirPod replacement through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, as you can with your charging case, battery, or ear tips.
- Certain models of Apple AirPods Pro made before October 2020 are eligible for a free service program for sound issues.
- Apple can replace lost or damaged AirPods for those with and without an AppleCare warranty for a fee.
Whether you've accidentally damaged or lost one or both of your AirPods or your charging case, or you need to replace the battery or ear tips, Apple — or an Apple Authorized Service Provider — can service your product.
Whether or not you'll have to pay for your service depends on the issue you have and whether it's covered by warranty. How much you pay will depend on whether or not you have AppleCare and what you need to be repaired or replaced.
Quick tip: AirPod replacements generally take about a week to be completed.
Here are the different service and repair options Apple offers for AirPods.
How to replace your Apple AirPods
To have your AirPods serviced, you have several options. First, you can make an Apple Genius Bar appointment and bring them into an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You'll need to have your AirPods and serial number on hand, which you can find on your Charging Case, the original sales receipt, or the original AirPods box.
If you'd prefer to mail your product to Apple for service, call Apple Support. Before speaking to an Apple Support advisor, make sure to locate the serial number of your device. It will take about a week to receive your replacement AirPods or Charging Case. You can check the status of a service request here.
How to replace your Apple AirPods Pro for free
Apple has a free service program for certain AirPods Pro models with sound issues. It applies to affected units manufactured before October 2020. Sound issues for affected AirPods Pro may include crackling or static sounds while exercising or talking on the phone and the Active Noise Cancellation not working as it should (losing base sound or hearing more background sounds).
Apple will service affected AirPods Pro for free. You can make an appointment and bring them into an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider, or call Apple Support to mail your AirPods in for service. Once Apple receives your product, it will be first examined to determine whether or not it's eligible for the program. Apple will replace AirPods Pro with a confirmed sound issue. AirPods Pro cases are not affected by the sound issue and will not be replaced. Note that this program covers affected AirPods Pro units for two years after they are purchased.
Understanding your AirPod warranty
Depending on the issue you're experiencing with your AirPods or Charging Case, there's a chance you may not have to pay to have them serviced — so long as the problem is covered by Apple's One Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law. You will need to pay out-of-warranty fees to get your AirPods serviced if your repair is not covered by one of these three things.
The Apple One Year Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects of iPhones and Apple-branded accessories (like AirPods) for one year, starting from the date you purchased the product. It does not cover damages incurred by accidents or unauthorized modifications of an Apple product. You can check your coverage status here.
AppleCare+ for Headphones extends the Apple One Year Limited Warranty to two years (starting from the date AppleCare+ is purchased). It covers up to two incidents related to accidental damage every 12 months, subject to a service fee of $29 per incident (plus applicable tax). Customers with AppleCare+ can return their damaged AirPods and/or Charging Case to Apple, and they will replace the items. You can check your coverage status here.
Lastly, depending on the country or region where you live or where you purchased your Apple product, your repair may be covered by consumer protection laws. You can learn about your consumer law rights in your region here.
Whether you are under warranty or not, Apple has an after-service guarantee. Apple guarantees any service done to their products for 90 days or until your Apple warranty ends, whichever of the two is longer. This guarantee applies to products serviced by Apple directly or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Replacement for damaged AirPods versus lost AirPods
If one or both of your AirPods is physically damaged or the Charging Case is damaged, Apple can replace them for an out-of-warranty fee. If AppleCare+ covers your device, you'll be charged a service fee for each incident.
For AirPods Max, the AppleCare+ fee per incident is $29, and the out-of-warranty fee is dependent on the type of repair required. You'll need to ask an Apple service representative to get an estimate.
For AirPods Pro, the AppleCare+ fee per incident is $29, and the out-of-warranty fee is $89 per AirPod or Charging Case.
For AirPods, the AppleCare+ fee per incident is $29, and the out-of-warranty fee is $69 per AirPod, $59 for a Charging Case, and $69 for a Wireless Charging Case. Note that all out-of-warranty fees are also subject to tax, plus a $6.95 shipping fee.
If you've lost one or both AirPods or your Charging Case, you can purchase a brand new one to replace it. Unfortunately, AppleCare+ for Headphones does not cover AirPods that have been lost or stolen. The lost fee for AirPods Pro is $89 each and $99 for the Charging Case.
The lost fee for AirPods is $69 each, $59 for a Charging Case, and $79 for a Wireless Charging Case. Lost fees are also subject to tax, plus a $6.95 shipping fee. Before requesting a replacement, you can use the Find My app to locate lost AirPods.
AirPod battery service and AirPod Pro tips replacement
For battery issues covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law, Apple will service AirPods for free. Note that this does not include batteries that have worn down from regular use.
For these instances, Apple offers out-of-warranty battery service for a fee. This rule's exception is products covered by AppleCare+ with a battery that holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity. For these cases, Apple will service the battery at no additional cost.
The battery service fee is $79 for AirPods Max, $49 for each AirPod or AirPod Pro, and $49 for Charging Cases. Battery service fees are also subject to tax and a $6.95 shipping fee. For tips on charging your AirPods, check out this Apple Support link.
For the flexible silicone tips that click into AirPods Pro, Apple will replace these ear tips at no additional charge, as long as the Apple Limited Warranty covers the issue. For lost ear tips, or if you just want to have extras on hand, you can purchase them on the Apple Online Store with free shipping.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvAoqmpp5Riv6a8y5qanqWVo8E%3D