Apple AirPods are a popular wireless earbud choice, but they can be expensive and easy to lose. If you’re wondering whether AppleCare covers lost AirPods, the answer is unfortunately no. So what happens when you lose your AirPods or when it was stolen?
Quick Answer
AppleCare+ for Headphones is a protection plan that covers Apple-branded headphones, including AirPods, against accidental damage and manufacturing defects. However, lost or stolen AirPods are not covered by AppleCare+.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve recently lost an AirPod. However, there are a few things you can do to try to recover a lost AirPod, such as using the Find My app or contacting Apple support.
In the meantime, if you’re concerned about losing your AirPods, you may want to consider purchasing a third-party insurance plan that covers lost or stolen devices.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at AppleCare+ for Headphones and why lost AirPods are not covered. We’ll also discuss some other options you have if you lose an AirPod.
Replacing a lost AirPod through Apple
AppleCare and AppleCare+ do not cover replacement AirPods, but you can purchase a new AirPod from Apple. Apple only sells the AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation). Each Pro earbud costs $99 USD. AirPod 3rd generation replacement earbuds cost $69 each.
Replacing a lost AirPod with a third-party service
You can use a third-party seller if you don’t want to spend that much money on a replacement bud. Refurbished AirPod earbud replacements for each generation of AirPod are available from websites such as therightpod.com.
Akko and other insurance plans do cover lost or stolen AirPods. However, there may be a time limit after purchasing your AirPods to sign up. If it has passed, you will be unable to use these services. However, we cannot verify the dependability of third-party insurance, so be sure to read their terms and conditions and check out customer reviews.
How to Set up a Replacement AirPod
So, you got your replacement AirPod, but now it’s time to pair it with the earbud from your original AirPods. Resetting the AirPods together establishes a connection between the two earbuds. After that, you can pair the AirPods to your Apple device as if they were brand new.
- Insert both the new and old AirPods into the charging case.
- Close the case’s lid.
- Wait for the LED to flash amber before opening the lid.
- Wait for the LED to flash white after pressing and holding the button on the back of the case.
- Unlock your iPhone and place the AirPods near it.
- Allow for the appearance of the pop-up card. The message will read, “Not Your AirPods Pro.”
- Select Connect
Understanding the Terms of Your Airpod Warranty
Depending on the issue with your AirPods or Charging Case, you may not have to pay to have them serviced if the problem is covered by Apple’s One Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law. If your repair is not covered by one of these three options, you will have to pay out-of-warranty fees to have your AirPods serviced.
The Apple One-Year Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects in iPhones and Apple-branded accessories (such as AirPods) for one year from the date of purchase. It does not cover accidental or unauthorised modifications to an Apple product. You can check the status of your coverage here.
AppleCare+ for Headphones extends Apple’s one-year limited warranty to two years (beginning on the date AppleCare+ is purchased). It covers up to two accidental damage incidents every 12 months for a service fee of $29 per incident (plus applicable tax). Customers with AppleCare+ can return damaged AirPods and/or Charging Cases to Apple, and the items will be replaced. You can check the status of your coverage here.
Finally, depending on where you live or where you bought your Apple product, your repair may be covered by consumer protection laws. You can find out about your consumer rights in your area by clicking here.
Apple has an after-service guarantee whether you are under warranty or not. Apple guarantees any service performed on their products for 90 days or until your Apple warranty expires, whichever comes first. This guarantee applies to Apple-serviced products or products serviced by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Replacement for Damaged AirPods vs Replacement for Lost AirPods
If one or both of your AirPods or the Charging Case are physically damaged, Apple will replace them for an out-of-warranty fee. If your device is covered by AppleCare+, you will be charged a service fee for each incident.
The AppleCare+ fee per incident for AirPods Max is $29, and the out-of-warranty fee is determined by the type of repair required. To obtain an estimate, you must contact an Apple service representative.
The AppleCare+ fee per incident for AirPods Pro is $29, and the out-of-warranty fee is $89 per AirPod or Charging Case.
AppleCare+ is $29 per incident for AirPods, and the out-of-warranty fee is $69 per AirPod, $59 for a Charging Case, and $69 for a Wireless Charging Case. All out-of-warranty fees are subject to tax, as well as a $6.95 shipping fee.
If you lose one or both AirPods or your Charging Case, you can replace it with a brand new one. Unfortunately, as earlier mentioned, AppleCare+ for Headphones does not cover lost or stolen AirPods. The AirPods Pro are $89 each and the Charging Case is $99 if they are lost.
AirPods are $69 each, with a Charging Case costing $59 and a Wireless Charging Case costing $79. Lost fees are subject to tax as well as a $6.95 shipping fee. You can use the Find My app to locate lost AirPods before requesting a replacement.
Airpod Battery Service and Airpod Pro Tips Replacement
Apple will service AirPods for free for battery issues covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law. It should be noted that this does not include batteries that have worn down due to regular use.
In these cases, Apple charges a fee for out-of-warranty battery service. The exception to this rule is products covered by AppleCare+ that have a battery that is less than 80% of its original capacity. In these cases, Apple will replace the battery at no extra charge.
The battery replacement fee for AirPods Max is $79, $49 for each AirPod or AirPod Pro, and $49 for Charging Cases. Battery service fees include tax and a $6.95 shipping fee. Check out this Apple Support link for more information on charging your AirPods.
Apple will replace the flexible silicone tips that click into AirPods Pro at no additional cost as long as the issue is covered by the Apple Limited Warranty. If you’ve misplaced your ear tips or simply want to stock up, you can get them from the Apple Online Store for free.
Does AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss cover a lost AirPod?
No, this plan does not include headphones. AirPods are not covered by AppleCare+ for Headphones.
Can I only use one AirPod to listen?
Yes, you can listen to content with just one AirPod — but you’ll hear outside noises through the other ear.
Costs of Replacement
The replacement costs are as follows:
- The AirPods Pro (first and second generation): $89.
- AirPods (first, second and third generation): $69.
- The AirPods Pro (second generation) MagSafe charging case: $89.
- The AirPods Pro MagSage charging case: $99.
- The AirPods Pro (third generation) MagSafe charging case: $79.
- AirPods (third generation) Lightning charging case: $69.
- The AirPods Pro wireless charging case: $99.
- The Airpods Pro (first and second generation) wireless charging case: $79.
- AirPods (first and second generation) charging case: $59.
The price for either the right or left AirPod is the same. This means that if you lose both of your AirPods Pro, you will be charged $178 for the pair. Thus, especially if you have lost your AirPods, try to locate them first. You can find them using Find My.
Is it possible to replace your AirPods?
If you bought AirPods, Apple will cover manufacturing issues for a year after the purchase date, but not other issues. Accidental damage is covered by AppleCare+ for a $29 service fee.
Keep in mind that AppleCare+ only provides this less expensive repair or replacement option once per year during the two-year warranty period. Repair or replacement costs may differ between authorized service providers. It also excludes intentional abuse.
What If You Do Not Have AppleCare+?
A hand grasps an Apple AirPods (3rd generation) case, which contains the earbuds and embedded sensors.
Conclusion
The repair determines the replacement fee for AirPods Max, so you must obtain pricing information from a service representative.
Apple launched a self-service repair initiative, allowing you to buy and easily replace parts for various devices, thereby making them more sustainable. However, this does not currently include any model of AirPods, which is understandable. The earbuds are notoriously difficult to repair—iFixit even considers all AirPod models unfixable.
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