Yes, you can replace one AirPod without buying a new pair
Apple sells individual AirPods as replacements, so you do not have to buy a complete set if one earbud fails or gets lost. The replacement AirPod will pair automatically with your existing one and sync to all your devices the same way the original did. The process takes a few minutes and costs less than half the price of a full pair.
The catch is that Apple only sells replacement AirPods through their official channels — the Apple Store, Apple's website, or authorized retailers. You cannot order a single AirPod from a third-party seller and expect it to work with your existing one, because each AirPod is tied to a specific serial number and pairing code.
Key Takeaways
- Apple sells replacement AirPods individually for roughly half the cost of a new pair, available through the Apple Store website or in-store.
- A replacement AirPod pairs automatically to your existing earbud and syncs across all your Apple devices without manual setup.
- You need the serial number of your original AirPods to order a replacement, which you can find in Settings on any paired device.
- If your AirPod is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement may be free or cost only the service fee.
- Third-party replacement AirPods will not work with your existing earbud because they lack the correct pairing code.
How to find your AirPod serial number before ordering
Apple needs your original AirPods' serial number to send you a matching replacement. You can find this number on any device that has your AirPods paired to it.
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i"), and scroll down to Serial Number. Write this down or take a screenshot. On a Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, select your AirPods, click Details, and the serial number appears on that screen. The number is a mix of letters and numbers, usually around 12 characters long.
If you no longer have any device paired to the AirPods, you can find the serial number on the original box or on the charging case itself — it is printed on a small label inside the case lid. If you have lost the case and cannot access a paired device, contact Apple Support before ordering, because they may need additional information to verify ownership.
Ordering a replacement AirPod from Apple
Go to apple.com and search for "AirPod replacement" or navigate to the AirPods product page. Apple lists replacement options for each AirPod model — left earbud, right earbud, or charging case. Select the part you need and add it to your cart. During checkout, you will enter your serial number so Apple can match the replacement to your original pair.
You can also visit an Apple Store in person and order a replacement at the Genius Bar. Bring your AirPods or the charging case if you have it, along with any proof of purchase (receipt, email confirmation, or your Apple ID account). The staff can look up your serial number in their system and order the replacement on the spot. In-store ordering sometimes results in faster shipping than online orders.
Replacement AirPods typically ship within 3 to 5 business days. Apple will send the new earbud in a small box with a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your model) and basic documentation. You do not need to return the old AirPod unless you are using a warranty or insurance claim.
Setting up your replacement AirPod
When your replacement AirPod arrives, take it out of the box and place it in the charging case alongside your existing AirPod. Close the case and wait 15 seconds. Open the case and hold it near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — the replacement will detect your existing AirPod and pair automatically. You will see a pairing prompt on your screen asking you to confirm the connection. Tap Connect or Pair, and the setup is complete.
The replacement AirPod will now appear in your Bluetooth settings as part of the same pair, and it will sync to all your other Apple devices (Apple Watch, MacBook, Apple TV) without any additional steps. Test both earbuds by playing audio and checking that sound comes from both sides. If only one earbud produces sound, go back to Bluetooth settings, forget the AirPods entirely, and repeat the pairing process from the charging case.
What to do if your AirPod is under warranty
If your AirPod failed within one year of purchase and the failure is not due to physical damage or liquid damage, it is covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty. Contact Apple Support through the Support app on your device, apple.com/support, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Explain what happened to the AirPod — for example, it will not charge, produces no sound, or will not pair.
Apple will ask you to run a few diagnostic tests through your device to confirm the problem. If the tests show a hardware failure, Apple will either send you a replacement AirPod at no cost or offer to replace the entire pair for a reduced fee. Warranty claims usually take 5 to 10 business days from approval to shipment. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, the replacement is free after you pay the service fee (usually $29 for AirPods).
Replacing a lost AirPod versus a broken one
If you lost an AirPod rather than had one fail, you still order a replacement the same way — through Apple's website or an Apple Store. The process is identical whether the AirPod is broken or missing. However, a lost AirPod is not covered by the standard warranty, so you will pay the full replacement price, which varies by model (typically $69 to $99 for a single earbud).
If you have AppleCare+ and lost an AirPod, you may be covered under the accidental damage provision, but you will pay the service fee. Check your AppleCare+ coverage details in the Apple Support app or on your Apple ID account to see whether loss is included in your plan.
Alternatives if replacement cost is a concern
If the replacement price is more than you want to spend right now, you have a few options. You can use a single AirPod with the sound in mono (one channel) by going to Settings, Accessibility, Audio/Visual, and toggling Mono Audio on. This lets you hear everything from one earbud, though the experience is not ideal for music or movies.
You can also look for certified refurbished AirPods from Apple, which cost less than new ones and come with a one-year warranty. Visit apple.com/shop/refurbished to see what is available. Refurbished AirPods are tested and restored to like-new condition, so they are a legitimate option if you want to replace both earbuds at a lower cost rather than buy a single replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a replacement AirPod from Apple work with my old one?
Yes. Apple's replacement AirPods are programmed to pair with your existing earbud using the same pairing code. When you place the replacement in the charging case next to your original AirPod, they will recognize each other and sync automatically. No manual pairing is needed.
How much does a single replacement AirPod cost?
Prices vary by model. Standard AirPods replacements typically cost $69 to $99 per earbud, while AirPods Pro and AirPods Max replacements are higher. Check apple.com for the exact price of your model, or ask at an Apple Store.
Can I buy a replacement AirPod from Amazon or Best Buy?
You can purchase replacement AirPods from authorized retailers like Best Buy or Amazon, but Apple recommends ordering directly from Apple to may support the replacement is properly matched to your serial number. If you buy from a third party, verify the seller is authorized and that the AirPod is new, not refurbished, to avoid pairing issues.
What if my replacement AirPod does not pair with my existing one?
First, make sure both AirPods are in the charging case and the case is fully charged. Close the case for 15 seconds, then open it and hold it near your device. If pairing still fails, forget the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings, place both earbuds in the case, and try again. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support — the replacement may have a defect.
Do I need to erase my old AirPod before using the replacement?
No. Your original AirPod does not need to be reset or erased. straightforward place the replacement in the charging case with your existing earbud, and they will pair together automatically. The replacement will inherit all the settings and device connections from your original pair.