Start with the Find My app before you search anywhere

If one AirPod has stopped working, the fastest way to locate it is through Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Open Find My, tap the Devices tab, select your AirPods from the list, and choose "Find" or "Play Sound". Your AirPod will emit a loud beeping noise for two minutes — loud enough to hear from across a room, even if the battery is nearly dead.

This works even if the AirPod is not connected to your device. Find My uses Bluetooth range and the location data from other Apple devices nearby to pinpoint where your AirPod is. If the beeping starts, follow the sound to the exact spot. If you hear nothing, the battery is completely drained and you will need to search manually or wait until it charges enough to make sound again.

If you do not see your AirPods in Find My, they may have been lost outside your home or the Bluetooth connection was lost before they died. In that case, skip to the manual search section below.

Key Takeaways

  • Use Find My on your iPhone or Mac to play a sound from the dead AirPod — this works even when the battery is nearly empty and will help you locate it in seconds.
  • If Find My shows no location or the AirPod makes no sound, the battery is completely drained and you will need to search the places where you last used them.
  • Check the charging case first, then retrace your steps through your home, car, and workplace in the order you visited them that day.
  • Once you find the AirPod, place it in the charging case for at least 15 minutes before testing whether it works again.

Search your home in the order you used them

If Find My does not help, start by retracing your steps through the places where you wore the AirPods that day. Most lost AirPods are found within a few feet of where they fell out. Check your bed, couch cushions, and the floor under where you were sitting. Look in the bathroom if you showered or changed clothes while wearing them.

Move through your home room by room in reverse order — start with the last place you remember using them and work backward. Check under furniture, behind doors, and in pockets of clothes you wore that day. If you took them out to charge or clean, look near your charging station, nightstand, and desk.

Pay special attention to places where AirPods commonly slip out: near your bed when you are lying down, in the shower area if water loosened the fit, and in your car between the seat and center console. If you have pets, check their favorite spots — they sometimes carry small objects around.

Check your car and workplace

If the AirPod is not in your home, check your car next. Look under the seats, in the cup holders, between the seat cushions, and on the floor mats. Check the door pockets and the area around your steering wheel. If you use your AirPods during your commute, they may have fallen out when you were getting in or out of the car.

If you work outside your home, retrace your steps at your workplace. Check your desk, locker, break room, and the areas where you spend the most time. Ask coworkers if they have seen a small white object on the floor. If you use public transportation, contact the lost and found for the bus or train line you use — many AirPods end up there.

Charge the AirPod to see if it still works

Once you find the AirPod, place it in the charging case when ready. Leave it there for at least 15 minutes before removing it. A completely dead AirPod sometimes needs time to build up enough charge to power on and connect to your device.

After 15 minutes, take the AirPod out and hold it near your iPhone or other device. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for it to connect. If the status light on the case blinks amber or green, the AirPod is charging or has enough power. If nothing happens after a full charge cycle (about an hour in the case), the AirPod may have physical damage from being dropped or exposed to water.

What to do if the AirPod is damaged or lost for good

If the AirPod will not charge or connect after you find it, or if you cannot locate it after a thorough search, you have two options: buy a replacement single AirPod or replace the entire pair.

Apple sells individual replacement AirPods for most models — you can order them through Apple's website or visit an Apple Store. A single replacement AirPod costs less than a full pair but more than buying a used pair online. If both AirPods are damaged or lost, buying a new pair is often more cost-effective than replacing them one at a time.

Before you buy a replacement, check whether your AirPods are still under warranty. If you purchased them within the last year, Apple may replace a defective AirPod for free. Contact Apple Support with your serial number (found on the charging case or in Settings on your device) to check your coverage.

Prevent future AirPods from going missing

Once you have your AirPods back, take steps to avoid losing them again. Use a case with a strap or keychain attachment so your AirPods stay with your keys or bag. Many third-party cases add a loop that clips to a backpack or purse.

Enable notifications in Find My so you get an alert if your AirPods leave your home without your phone. This catches a lost AirPod before it travels far. Store your AirPods in the same place every time you are not wearing them — a designated drawer, desk, or nightstand spot makes them easier to find if they go missing.

If you frequently lose small objects, consider AirPods Pro or AirPods Max instead of standard AirPods. The Pro model has a smaller charging case that is easier to keep track of, and both models have better Find My tracking range than older AirPods models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my AirPod if the battery is completely dead?

Find My will show the last known location of your AirPod, but it will not play a sound if the battery is completely empty. You will need to search manually or wait until someone else with an Apple device walks near it — Find My can update the location when other Apple devices detect it via Bluetooth.

How long does an AirPod stay in Find My after it dies?

Find My keeps the last known location for several hours after an AirPod loses power. The exact time depends on how many other Apple devices are nearby. If your AirPod is in a populated area, the location may update for days. In an empty location, the last known spot disappears after a few hours.

What if I find my AirPod but it will not turn on after charging?

Leave it in the charging case for a full hour, then try again. If it still will not connect, try resetting your AirPods by holding the setup button on the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and white. If the AirPod still does not work, it likely has internal damage and will need to be replaced.

Can I use Find My to locate an AirPod that fell outside my house?

Yes, but only if other Apple devices are nearby. Find My uses a network of Apple devices to locate lost items. In a busy neighborhood or city, your AirPod may be found quickly. In a rural area or empty location, Find My may not help. Contact local businesses or neighbors to ask if they have seen it.